What is the penalty for driving without a driver's license?

[Maria]

Penalties for driving without a driver's license: 1 point will be deducted and a fine will be imposed. Forgetting to bring your driver's license while driving is considered not carrying the license, not driving without a license. The traffic police will not detain the driver but will temporarily impound the vehicle. Not carrying a license is not the same as driving without one, but both are traffic violations, with different penalties. If you don't have your driver's license, regardless of whether the driver has committed any other violations while driving, they will not be allowed to continue driving. The traffic management department of the public security authorities will impound the vehicle and require the driver to provide the license. Depending on the situation, the following actions will be taken: 1. If the driver provides the license and has no other violations while driving, they will receive a warning or a fine, and the vehicle will be returned promptly. 2. If the driver provides the license but has committed other violations while driving, they will be penalized based on the violations and for not carrying the license, and the vehicle will be returned promptly. 3. If the driver fails to provide the license, they will be penalized for driving without a license.

[DeJude]

I've come across quite a few friends who got caught driving without their license, and the penalties are usually not light. According to current traffic regulations, if you're stopped by traffic police, the first step is a fine, ranging from 200 to 2000 yuan, depending on the severity of the situation. For example, forgetting your license is treated differently from intentionally driving without one—the former might only cost you 200 yuan, while the latter is more severe and could even lead to administrative detention for up to 15 days. What's more troublesome is that your vehicle might be temporarily impounded, disrupting your plans. My advice is to develop a habit of checking your wallet before heading out or simply using a mobile app to back up an electronic copy of your license to avoid such mishaps. Safe driving is a big deal, and one fine is enough to teach you a lesson.

[AaliyahLee]

Driving without a license is really asking for trouble! The fines start at 200 yuan and can go up to 2000. I know a guy who was in a hurry and didn't bring his license—he got fined over 300 yuan and had points deducted. Even worse, his car was towed, making him late for work and getting scolded. The key issue is that this affects daily life; the fine isn't a small amount and can be a significant burden for ordinary people. There's also the risk of it going on your record, making car insurance more expensive in the future. I always remind myself to use an electronic license to save hassle—never risk driving without it, and double-checking your bag is the way to go.

[Pam]

Driving without a license carries significant risks, and I believe the penalties primarily serve as a deterrent. A fine ranging from 200 to 2000 RMB is the basic penalty, while the possibility of 15 days' detention underscores the severity of the issue. This is not an overreaction—a driver's license proves your understanding of traffic rules and ability to drive safely. The accident rate is higher when driving without a license, endangering both yourself and others. From a safety perspective, I’ve developed a habit of checking my pocket before driving to confirm I have my license, and an electronic license can also serve as an emergency backup. Short-term penalties like fines remind everyone to follow the rules and protect road safety.