What is the penalty for not carrying the vehicle license?
3 Answers
Not carrying the vehicle license will result in a fine and 1 demerit point deduction. However, traffic police cannot impose administrative penalties on the spot and can only temporarily impound the vehicle until the owner provides the vehicle license. A compulsory measure certificate will be issued until the owner presents relevant proof materials (vehicle license), after which an administrative penalty decision will be made. Below is an introduction to the contents of the vehicle license and driver's license: 1. Driver's license: A document proving that the holder is qualified to drive the corresponding vehicle type, containing information such as the license number, validity period, and permitted vehicle types. Without this license, one cannot drive a motor vehicle. 2. Vehicle license: Equivalent to the vehicle's ID card, containing information such as the license plate number, owner's name, engine number, and annual inspection date. Without this license, the vehicle cannot be driven on the road.
As a newly licensed driver, I once drove to the supermarket last year and was stopped by a traffic officer for forgetting to bring my vehicle license. The officer explained that according to Chinese traffic regulations, failing to carry it could result in a fine ranging from 20 to 200 RMB, depending on the region, but no points would be deducted. After checking that I hadn’t bound the app on my phone, he let me go home to retrieve the document and submit it later. From then on, I learned my lesson: I downloaded the 'Traffic Management 12123' app, saved an electronic copy of my vehicle license on my phone for easy access, and even bought a transparent document holder fixed to the car door to develop a habit of checking before every trip. New drivers, don’t be as careless as I was—though the fine isn’t huge, the process is nerve-wracking and can delay things. Setting up electronic documents is super simple and takes just minutes, giving you peace of mind on the road. Also, keep a photocopy in the glove box as a backup. With more urban surveillance these days, the chances of being checked are higher, and these preparations can save you hassle.
Having driven for over 30 years, I've encountered many instances of forgetting my vehicle license. Based on personal experience, police officers typically impose fines ranging from 20 to 200 yuan without deducting points during enforcement. If you cooperate with a positive attitude, they may show leniency. Nowadays, many cities support electronic vehicle licenses, such as through the mobile app "Traffic Management 12123". By pre-binding your license, you can present it digitally. I've been using this method for years to avoid trouble. The vehicle license serves as the car's identity proof—without it, ownership may be questioned. I advise drivers to develop the habit of storing it in a fixed location, like the door storage compartment. If checked, stay calm and explain truthfully. In most cases, severe penalties won't be imposed, but repeat offenders might face additional education. More importantly, keep the original document safe to avoid loss, as reissuing it is time-consuming. This minor lesson reminds us that proper attention to details makes daily life smoother and safer. Without proper documentation, accident handling may be delayed, so never take it lightly.
