What are the penalties for driving with an expired license?
3 Answers
Driving with an expired license will be penalized as driving without a license, with a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan and detention for up to 15 days. Drivers involved in major traffic accidents resulting in casualties will be held criminally liable. Here are the relevant details: 1. Whether the driver's license is expired or revoked, continuing to drive on the road will be considered as driving without a license, subject to fines and penalties. 2. Driving without a license, with an invalid or non-compliant license, etc., are all considered illegal driving behaviors, and insurance companies will not cover the compensation for these actions. According to auto insurance clauses, the insurer's policy only applies to qualified and legal vehicles. If the driver fails to renew the license, the vehicle driven is considered unqualified, and the insurance company has the right to reject the owner's claim.
Driving with an expired license is pretty much the same as what I encountered last time—it’s illegal unlicensed driving. If caught by the police, there’s no negotiation: a fine is guaranteed, starting at least at 500 yuan, possibly with an instant 12-point deduction, and your license could be revoked on the spot. Your car might even be impounded roadside, making it a hassle to have a friend drive it back. If you end up as the at-fault party in an accident, full liability falls on you, and the insurance company will definitely deny the claim, leaving you to cover all repair and medical costs out of pocket. Regular drivers like us know the drill—driver’s licenses typically last 6 years, and you need to visit the DMV for a photo, medical check, and renewal three months before expiration. Don’t wait until the last minute. I learned the hard way and now set a calendar reminder on my phone to check my license status during annual vehicle inspections—safety first, peace of mind included.
Driving with an expired license is something I think new drivers should be extra cautious about. The minimum fine can reach 500 yuan, and if you get 12 penalty points, you'll have to retake the theoretical exam, wasting both time and money. Once your license expires, it becomes invalid—just like not having one at all. If the police pull you over, they might even impound your car. In serious cases, like hitting someone, you could face criminal liability, which would be a total disaster. Driving school instructors often warn that if anything happens during the insurance period, the insurance company might refuse to cover you, leaving you with nothing. Remember, licenses need to be renewed every 6 years—just handle it in advance at the DMV and set a phone reminder to avoid procrastination.
