What Documents Should You Carry While Driving?
2 Answers
Here are the documents you need to carry while driving: 1. Vehicle license plate (or temporary license plate or replacement plate certificate): A license plate should be installed at both the front and rear of the vehicle. For cargo trucks or trailers, the rear exterior of the cargo compartment should also display white enlarged characters matching the vehicle's license plate number. 2. Vehicle registration certificate: Carry the registration certificate that matches the license plate of the vehicle you are driving. Ensure there are no discrepancies in the annual inspection records or passenger capacity for trucks. 3. Driver's license: The vehicle class permitted on the driver's license must match the vehicle being driven, and the annual review records on the license should meet requirements. 4. Road maintenance fee certificate: Carry a valid unified road maintenance fee payment certificate or exemption certificate. Ensure there are no errors in the vehicle class, license plate number, unit, or date on the document. 5. Insured vehicles must carry the insurance policy. 6. For privately operated vehicles, carry the relevant business license and documents. For vehicles owned by organizations, carry the unit's "travel permit." 7. The driver's personal resident ID card.
When driving, I always remind myself that the most crucial documents to carry are, first and foremost, the driver's license, which proves my eligibility to drive and must be kept on me, usually in my wallet. Next is the vehicle registration certificate, serving as the car's ID—not having it can lead to the vehicle being impounded or a fine. The ID card is also vital for quick identity verification during police checks. While the vehicle insurance proof isn't needed daily, keeping an electronic copy on your phone is recommended for easy access. The annual inspection sticker is now digitized, but placing it visibly on the dashboard is a good precaution. Without these, facing an accident or inspection can lead to major hassles, possibly requiring towing, so developing the habit is essential for smooth and safe driving.