What to Do If You Drive Without a Vehicle License?
2 Answers
You can provide the traffic police with valid identity documents. If you lack identity documents or have not obtained a driver's license, it will be treated as driving without a license. Here are the methods for handling driving without a vehicle license: 1. Valid Identity Documents: Valid identity documents include ID cards, military officer certificates, passports, etc. These are official documents in China that contain a lot of personal information. If you can provide these documents, the traffic police can check through the online system whether you have obtained a driver's license. Generally, as long as you are not driving without a license, the traffic police will not deliberately make things difficult. After all, forgetting to bring a driver's license and not having one are two different things. 2. Take a Photo of Your Driver's License on Your Phone: This method is similar to the one above, as it also provides some valid identity information. When you really cannot produce a valid document, if you happen to have a photo of your driver's license on your phone, you can show it to the traffic police for verification. After all, this is not a time-consuming or laborious task. 3. Alipay Document Folder Feature: The Alipay mobile app has a document folder feature where you can input your ID card information or driver's license information. In fact, such electronic identity information is gradually being implemented in China. So, from another perspective, if you can provide such electronic driver's license information, it is also a good way to prove your identity. The specific method is to search for "document folder" in the Alipay mobile app, then enter the document folder page, where you can add information such as your ID card, vehicle license, and driver's license. After submitting and passing the review, it can be used as personal electronic identity information.
I occasionally forget to bring my vehicle license when driving. Once, I was stopped by a traffic police officer in the city for a check, and when I realized I didn't have it with me, I panicked. I quickly pulled over and called my family to take a photo and send me an electronic copy. Fortunately, they found it at home and sent it to me via WeChat. The officer checked the photo, gave me a warning, and let me go. Since then, I've developed a habit of checking the glove compartment for my documents before getting in the car. Nowadays, many places support electronic vehicle licenses, such as the Traffic Management 12123 APP or Alipay Mini Programs, where you can bind your vehicle information and check it anytime. If you forget your license, don't continue driving—it's too risky. You could face a 200-yuan fine or even have your vehicle impounded, disrupting your travel plans. Safety first, prevention is key—always keep your vehicle license and driver's license together in a fixed place.
