What are the penalties for driving with an expired license?
3 Answers
The vehicle will be impounded, the driver will be detained for 15 days and fined between 200 and 2,000 yuan. You can apply for a new license 90 days before the expiration date of your current driver's license. Within one year after the expiration date, you can also submit a physical condition certificate to the traffic police department where your household registration is located to complete the license renewal application. If more than one year has passed, the driver's license will be revoked. Here is additional information: 1. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," drivers should apply for a license renewal at the vehicle management office where the license was issued or another office 90 days before the expiration date of their motor vehicle driving license. 2. When applying, you must fill out an application form and submit the following documents and certificates: the driver's identity proof, the motor vehicle driving license, and a physical condition certificate issued by a county-level or higher medical institution or a military medical institution at the regimental level or above. For those applying for a small automatic passenger vehicle for the disabled, a physical condition certificate issued by a specialized medical institution designated by the provincial health authority must be submitted.
I once forgot my driver's license expiration date and ended up driving with an expired license. I was pulled over by the police, fined 500 RMB, and had my car impounded for a few days—it was a total hassle. According to regulations, driving with an expired license is equivalent to driving without a license, and the penalties are quite strict. Fines typically range from 200 to 2,000 RMB, depending on the severity of the violation, and may also include vehicle impoundment or detention for up to 15 days. What's worse, such a violation can negatively impact your credit score, leading to higher insurance premiums in the future. I recommend setting a reminder three months in advance and renewing your license either at the traffic police station or online via the "Traffic Management 12123" app—it saves time, effort, and ensures safety. Don’t procrastinate like I did and regret it later.
As a new driver, I'm particularly afraid of being caught and fined for driving with an expired license, because experienced drivers say this counts as unlicensed driving. Traffic police can impose fines ranging from 200 to 2000 yuan upon inspection, the vehicle may be temporarily impounded, and in severe cases, one might even face a few days of detention at the police station. This can affect travel records and insurance rates. So I've developed the habit of setting calendar reminders on my phone well before the expiration date and renewing the license early at service points. Nowadays, it's very convenient and quick to handle through apps, where you can also check the expiration date. Remember, safety comes first—don't risk driving and regret it only after an accident occurs.
