What is the penalty for driving with an expired license for three months?
3 Answers
An expired driver's license will not allow you to continue driving on the road, otherwise it will be treated as driving without a license; if caught, the vehicle will be impounded, and a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan may be imposed. In severe cases, detention of up to 15 days may also be applied. If you continue to drive with an expired license and are involved in a traffic accident, the insurance company will not provide compensation, and all consequences will be borne by the vehicle owner. According to the regulations on the application and use of motor vehicle driver's licenses, if your driver's license has expired, you can apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office where the license was originally issued or at any other vehicle management office outside the original jurisdiction. This means that you can still apply for a replacement even if you are in a different location.
Last week, I didn’t realize my driver’s license had been expired for two months and was pulled over while driving. The police informed me that driving with an expired license is equivalent to driving without a license, resulting in a fine of 1,500 RMB and my car being impounded. It took me two days to get my car back. The worst part is that if your license is expired for over a year, you’ll have to retake the written test (Subject One), which is a huge hassle. I recommend setting a reminder on your phone calendar—you can renew your license at the DMV three months before it expires. Remember to bring your ID card and medical examination form. Many cities now also offer online renewal services. Always check your license’s expiration date before driving, or you’ll end up like me—wasting money, causing stress, and disrupting your travel plans.
A common issue when dealing with traffic violations is an expired driver's license. According to regulations, driving with a license expired for over three months is considered unlicensed driving, typically punishable by a fine of 200-2,000 RMB, possible detention for up to 15 days, and temporary vehicle seizure. Even with ten years of driving experience, this rule cannot be avoided. If an accident occurs, it becomes even more troublesome, as insurance companies may refuse to cover the claim. I recommend renewing your license 90 days in advance. Nowadays, DMVs have self-service medical exam machines, making the process take just half an hour. By the way, for a Category C license, you can renew it directly upon expiration, but for Categories A and B, you must first resolve any outstanding violations before renewal. Driving is no trivial matter; developing a habit of regularly checking your documents is crucial.
