What to Do If You Forget Your Driver's License and Get Stopped by Traffic Police?
3 Answers
Driving without carrying your driver's license when stopped by traffic police has the following consequences: 1. It is an illegal act: When operating a motor vehicle, the driver should carry their driver's license with them. Failing to do so is an illegal act and should result in corresponding penalties. 2. The penalty for not carrying a driver's license is: Regardless of whether the driver has committed any other violations while driving, they will not be allowed to continue driving the vehicle. The traffic management department of the public security authority should impound the motor vehicle and notify the driver to provide their driver's license. 3. The outcome differs based on whether there are other violations while driving: If the driver provides their license and there are no other violations while driving, they will be given a warning or fined, and the vehicle will be promptly returned. If there are other violations while driving, penalties will be imposed based on the nature of those violations and the failure to carry the driver's license.
I've experienced this situation before. I was in a hurry to leave and forgot my driver's license at home, only to be pulled over halfway. My heart was pounding. Fortunately, I immediately opened my phone and showed the traffic police my electronic driver's license, which can now be displayed on the 12123APP and is just as valid as the physical one. If you haven't activated the electronic version yet, don't panic—just cooperate with the police by providing your ID number so they can check the system and confirm you have a license but forgot to bring it. Remember to stay polite and avoid arguing. In the end, the officer saw that I wasn't driving without a license and just gave me a verbal reminder before letting me go. After that, I made sure to keep a copy of my license in the car and also linked my electronic ID to my mobile wallet for double security.
A while ago, I was checked for not carrying my driver's license. At that time, I calmly pulled over and first explained to the traffic police: 'Officer, sorry, I was in a hurry when I left home and forgot to bring it.' Then I proactively offered to have my family take a photo and send it over immediately—smartphones make it so convenient these days. Actually, the traffic police system can verify your driving qualification just by checking your ID card; the key is to prove you're not driving without a license. Definitely don't make any unnecessary moves, and never try to bribe or anything like that. If your phone happens to be dead, don't panic either—just note down the officer's badge number and go to the traffic police station to handle it as required, submitting the necessary documents for verification. Now, I always keep a copy of my driver's license and a power bank in the car, so I don't have to worry about this issue anymore.
