What is the scope of use of an electronic driver's license?
3 Answers
Electronic driver's license scope of use: road inspection, violation handling, and window services. In other cases, the electronic driver's license cannot be used. Below are the specific details: Road inspection: When traffic police conduct roadside checks of driver's documents, if the driver forgets to carry the physical driver's license or vehicle registration, they are allowed to present the electronic certificate from the "Yue Sheng Shi" mini-program. The police will verify it via PDA or through the system and consider it as holding the driver's license and vehicle registration. The driver should not be fined or have their vehicle impounded for "not carrying the driver's license or vehicle registration." Violation handling: When traffic police handle minor traffic violations on-site (excluding accidents), if the driver forgets to carry the physical driver's license or vehicle registration, they are allowed to present the electronic certificate from the "Yue Sheng Shi" mini-program. The police will verify it via PDA or through the system and process it as holding the driver's license and vehicle registration. Window services: When handling non-on-site traffic violation confirmations (simplified procedure) at a traffic police window, if the individual forgets to carry the physical driver's license or vehicle registration, they are allowed to present the electronic certificate from the "Yue Sheng Shi" mini-program. The window officer will verify the document status in the system and proceed with the violation confirmation.
When I first got my electronic driver's license, I specifically tested where it could be used. Basically, as long as I have my phone with me when I go out, it's fine. During traffic police checks, I just open the Traffic Management 12123 App to display the QR code. The officer scans it for confirmation and lets me pass, which has the same effect as the physical booklet. When handling vehicle management services like license renewal or replacement at the DMV, I no longer need to rummage through drawers for my documents—the window staff can directly scan the code to read the information. For insurance claims after traffic accidents, the electronic version is also accepted. Uploading it to the insurance company’s system takes just minutes. Renting a car is even more convenient. When I traveled to Hainan and rented a car without my physical license, the rental company verified my electronic driver's license, and I smoothly picked up the car. However, it's important to note that some special situations still require the physical version, such as when dealing with serious traffic violations that result in license suspension.
For forgetful folks who often leave their documents behind, the electronic driver's license is a lifesaver! It's universally valid across the country, whether you're on a cross-province road trip and get pulled over or dealing with out-of-town traffic violations. The most common daily use is handling roadside checks by traffic police—the system automatically displays your photo and personal information to prevent impersonation. I frequently drive company cars for business trips, and applying for passes or temporary permits is as easy as scanning a QR code. Car-sharing platforms like Lian Dong Yun and GoFun all support electronic verification. Once, a friend scratched someone's bumper, and the insurance claims officer just took a photo of his electronic license on the spot to file the claim, saving the hassle of fetching paper documents. But remember, in special cases like accumulating over 12 penalty points or having your license temporarily suspended, law enforcement will require the physical license for filing.
