What to Do If Caught Without a Driver's License?
3 Answers
If caught without a driver's license, the following situations may occur: 1. First, don't panic. Explain the reason to the traffic police. If you have your ID card, present it immediately, as they can verify your driver's license information with it. 2. If you don't have any identification, your vehicle may be impounded by the traffic police. According to Article 19, Clause 4 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China,' drivers must carry their driver's license while operating a motor vehicle. Therefore, failing to carry a driver's license is a violation of the law and may result in penalties. Relevant penalties include: 1. If the driver provides the license and has no other violations while driving, they may receive a warning or a fine ranging from 20 to 200 RMB, and the vehicle will be returned promptly. 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 returned promptly. 3. If the driver fails to provide the license, it will be treated as driving without a license. The traffic management department may impose a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 RMB and may also detain the driver for up to 15 days.
Oh dear, I've encountered this situation several times. Last time when I was driving friends to the suburbs, the police set up a checkpoint halfway. I reached into my pocket and realized I didn't have my driver's license with me. My heart skipped a beat, but I immediately took a deep breath to stay calm. I quickly explained that I'd left it in the office. Fortunately, the officer was quite understanding and asked me to show my ID card and electronic driver's license. I had the electronic version of my license on Alipay and immediately opened it for him to check. After verifying my identity, they let me pass and reminded me to bring it next time or I'd face a fine. Actually, according to traffic laws, driving without carrying your license can result in point deductions and a fine, usually around 100-200 RMB. But police typically verify whether you have valid driving qualifications that haven't been revoked. Without the electronic version, they might impound the vehicle or summon you to the station for verification. So everyone should follow my habit of taking photos of their license to store on their phone or using official apps for backup. This habit has saved me a lot of trouble during checks and gives me much more peace of mind when driving normally.
Speaking of being checked for forgetting to bring my driver's license, as an office worker, I dread this the most because I'm often absent-minded due to a busy work schedule. Once, after working late and heading home, I was stopped by a traffic officer who asked to see my license. I panicked while searching through my bag but couldn't find it. Fortunately, the officer was calm and told me not to worry, asking me to provide my ID number first. He checked the system on-site and confirmed that I had a valid license with no demerit points, only giving me a verbal warning and some education. Usually, it's essential to develop the habit of checking your bag before driving and setting reminders on your phone to ensure all documents are with you. Without an electronic backup, the police might issue a fine ranging from 100 to 200 yuan and possibly record 1 demerit point, but they generally won't impound the vehicle or detain you unless your identity is suspicious. During the process, always cooperate fully, provide truthful information, and avoid arguing. Afterward, you can take your license to the traffic police station to clear the record. Safety comes first—don't let small issues affect your mood.
