What is the penalty for driving without a driver's license?
2 Answers
Driving without a driver's license will result in a fine or vehicle impoundment, with specific circumstances as follows: 1. If the driver provides the license and has no other violations while driving, a warning or a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan will be issued, and the vehicle will be promptly returned; 2. If the driver provides the license but has committed other violations while driving, penalties will be imposed based on the violations and the failure to carry the license, and the vehicle will be promptly returned; 3. If the driver fails to provide the license, it will be treated as driving without a license. Forgetting to bring the driver's license while driving is considered as not carrying the license, not driving without a license, and the traffic police will not detain the individual but will temporarily impound the vehicle.
If you are stopped by traffic police for driving without your driver's license, you will typically be fined between 50 and 200 RMB, with the exact amount varying by location. For example, a fine of 100 RMB is common in some areas. Your vehicle may also be temporarily impounded until you present a valid license. Having handled similar cases, I believe this regulation is intended to encourage the habit of carrying your license and to avoid misjudging unlicensed driving. If you are checked, don’t panic—provide your ID for verification. Once the police confirm you have a valid license in their system, they will let you go after issuing a fine. Remember, this is not the severe penalty for unlicensed driving, but it will waste your time. It’s best to carry an electronic license or a copy as a precaution.
