What to Do If You Encounter a Vehicle Check Without Carrying a Driver's License?
2 Answers
Failure to carry a driver's license may result in a warning or fine, with the timely return of the motor vehicle. Article 19 of the Road Traffic Safety Law states that driving a motor vehicle requires legally obtaining a driver's license. Drivers must operate motor vehicles according to the vehicle types specified on their licenses and must carry their driver's licenses with them while driving. No unit or individual other than the traffic management department of the public security organ may confiscate or detain a driver's license. Relevant information about the driver's license is as follows: Introduction: The People's Republic of China Motor Vehicle Driver's License, referred to as the driver's license or driving license, is a mandatory document issued under the laws of the People's Republic of China for individuals who drive motor vehicles. Examination Content: The test subjects include three items: traffic regulations and related knowledge, field driving, and road driving (including safe and civilized driving).
That day, I was driving when I encountered a traffic police checkpoint and realized I forgot my driver's license. My heart skipped a beat. I quickly admitted I didn't have it with me, knowing it's best to be sincere and avoid arguing. Usually, the police would ask for an electronic license or verification through an official app. Nowadays, many places support displaying driver's license information on mobile devices, such as through official apps. If there's no electronic version, they might check your ID to verify records and, depending on the situation, issue a ticket with points and a fine. In severe cases, they might impound the vehicle, requiring you to visit the traffic police station later with the original documents to resolve the issue. Since then, I've made it a habit to check essential documents before driving: keeping my driver's license and vehicle registration in my wallet or a dedicated compartment; taking photos of them on my phone as backups; and recommending electronic cards to friends and family to prevent such mishaps. Safety comes first—don't rely on luck to avoid unnecessary trouble and disruptions to your trip.
