What happens if you drive without a driver's license?
3 Answers
Driving without carrying a driver's license may result in a fine of up to 200 yuan and 1 penalty point. According to Article 2, Section 5, Item (4) of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses": Driving a motor vehicle on the road without displaying the inspection compliance mark or insurance mark, or without carrying the vehicle registration certificate or driver's license, will result in 1 penalty point. The fine is based on Article 90 of the "Traffic Law," which states that motor vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road usage may receive a warning or a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan. Therefore, the driver's license must be carried as required. If driving without a license, according to Article 99 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," driving a motor vehicle without obtaining a driver's license, or while the license is revoked or suspended, may result in a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan and may also be subject to detention for up to 15 days. There are nine possible scenarios for driving without a license or being considered as driving without a license: 1. Not having a driver's license; 2. Obtaining a driver's license illegally without taking the exam; 3. The driver's license has been canceled or revoked; 4. Obtaining a driver's license illegally without meeting the driving conditions (age and health status); 5. The driver's license has expired; 6. The driver's license is temporarily suspended; 7. Driving a civilian motor vehicle with a military or armed police driver's license; 8. Driving in China with a foreign driver's license; 9. Driving a vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type specified on the driver's license.
I've been driving for many years. Once I forgot to bring my driver's license and was stopped by traffic police for inspection, resulting in a 200-yuan fine and a warning that points might be deducted for repeat offenses. Actually, carrying your license is a legal obligation to prove you have driving qualifications—otherwise, you risk being mistakenly judged as driving without a license, which could lead to bigger trouble. Fines range from 50 to 500 yuan depending on local regulations. In case of an accident, not having your license could delay insurance claims or even incur additional costs. Develop a habit of keeping your driver's license and vehicle registration in your wallet or a designated spot in the car. Some places accept digital copies (like photos) as backup, but it's safer to carry the physical copies. This way, you avoid fines and hassle while protecting your driving rights.
I always remind my car enthusiast friends not to forget their driver's license when driving, as the consequences can be quite troublesome. Generally, if police find you without a license during a check, fines ranging from 100 to 300 yuan are common, and you might also get 1-2 penalty points, prolonging the processing time. In case of an accident, lacking the license complicates liability determination and could lead to increased insurance premiums. I recommend checking your documents before getting in the car and keeping a photocopy in a safe place inside the vehicle to ensure legal driving without issues. Maintaining this daily habit protects your rights and saves you from unnecessary expenses.
