What is the difference between temporary suspension and detention?
2 Answers
Below are the differences between temporary suspension and detention: 1. Definition: Detaining a motor vehicle driver's license refers to an administrative compulsory measure taken by traffic police during the execution of their duties; temporarily suspending a motor vehicle driver's license refers to a penalty method where the traffic management department of the public security authority legally suspends the motor vehicle driving qualification of a road traffic law violator for a certain period. 2. Duration: The duration of detaining the driver's license of a violator is until the day the public security authority legally imposes an administrative penalty; for the penalty of temporarily suspending a motor vehicle driver's license, the driver's license should be transferred to the vehicle management office of the issuing location within 15 days after the penalty decision, and the driver's license should be returned according to the prescribed procedures after the temporary suspension period expires.
I've been in this line of work for a long time and often get asked about the difference between temporary suspension and impoundment. Temporary suspension is provisional—like when a traffic officer catches you drunk driving, they'll suspend your license for a period, usually ten days to a month. You can get it back after paying the fine or completing safety education courses. Impoundment is much more serious. For instance, if your vehicle is involved in an incident or lacks insurance, it gets impounded at the traffic police lot, potentially stuck for months with parking fees piling up. Temporary suspension targets documents, while impoundment applies to physical objects like cars. In traffic violations, suspension serves as a corrective nudge, whereas impoundment acts as enforced control with significant consequences. My advice to drivers: don't gamble—always check all documents and vehicle conditions before hitting the road to avoid trouble.
