What to Do If You Forget to Bring Your Vehicle License While Driving?
3 Answers
There are three methods to prove your identity and avoid penalties if you forget to bring your vehicle license while driving. Below are the detailed explanations: 1. Carry other valid identity documents. Valid identity documents include ID cards, military officer certificates, passports, etc., all of which are considered valid in China. 2. Keep a valid photo of your driver's license on your phone. A valid photo of your driver's license can provide some identity information to help traffic police verify your identity. 3. Use the Alipay document folder function to record your driver's license information. This can be considered as personal electronic identity information.
I once encountered this situation where I was in a hurry to go out and forgot to bring my vehicle license. Halfway through driving, I was stopped by traffic police for a check and realized I had left it behind. I was a bit panicked at the time. Fortunately, I had previously downloaded the 'Traffic Management 12123' app, which has an electronic vehicle license function. I logged in and showed the QR code, and the police officer scanned it with their device to verify its authenticity—no fine or points deducted. Since then, I always keep the electronic version on my phone's home screen, while the physical documents stay in the car's glove compartment. I suggest you also check your phone app settings, register, and activate the electronic documents. Make it a habit to check your documents before driving or set reminders to avoid forgetting. If you do forget to bring them, don’t argue—cooperating with the police inspection can reduce trouble. Also, memorizing your vehicle license number might help in case of emergencies, as proving your identity is crucial. In short, don’t fear small mistakes—modern technology can be a big help.
Nowadays, digital methods are used for such matters. I usually rely on the 'Traffic Management 12123' app, where the electronic driver's license feature is super convenient—just open the app on your phone to display official document information. If you forget to bring the physical booklet while driving, you can immediately open the app to generate a QR code, which the traffic police can scan to verify authenticity and let you pass. This system has been officially promoted for many years—it's secure, reliable, and saves paper. I recommend downloading the app, logging in, and binding your information for daily backup. Keep the physical documents in a fixed spot in the car to avoid forgetting them. In case you don’t have them and can’t use the app, you might get a small fine, but it’s usually just a few dozen yuan, and cooperation will suffice. Digital life truly improves efficiency and reduces mistakes.
