What to Do If Your Driver's License Expires and You Are Stopped by Traffic Police?
3 Answers
Once a driver's license expires, it is considered driving without a license. If caught by traffic police, you may face fines or even detention. Relevant information: 1. Solutions: If the driver's license has been expired for less than a year, you can simply renew it in time; if it has been expired for more than one year but less than three years, you must apply to the vehicle management office to take the theoretical exam (Subject 1) in order to renew the license. At this point, the driver's license is in a "canceled but recoverable" state. 2. Notes: If the driver's license has been expired for three years or more, the original license will be canceled, and you will have to enroll in a driving school again to re-learn and re-take the driving test.
I had a similar experience before. I was so busy that I forgot to renew my expired driver's license and got pulled over while driving. The traffic officer asked me to stop and show my documents, and upon seeing the expired license, said I was driving without a valid one. I quickly explained it wasn't intentional—just too busy with work—and cooperated fully with the record process. After checking, the officer fined me a small amount, had me park the car temporarily on the roadside, and advised me to go to the DMV immediately to get a new license. Later, I learned that this counts as illegal driving and could result in a fine ranging from 200 to 2000 yuan, with the car being towed in serious cases. Fortunately, I handled it promptly without affecting my record. A reminder to everyone: you can renew your license up to 90 days before it expires—don't delay, to avoid any issues during roadside checks that could disrupt your plans.
If you're caught driving with an expired license, the first priority is to stay calm and cooperate with the inspection. After pulling you over, the traffic police will check your documents and explain the violation. You should honestly admit to forgetting to renew it—don't make excuses. You may face a fine or written warning, with amounts varying by region but typically starting around 100 yuan. Once processed, leave your car and take a taxi straight to the DMV to expedite a new license and obtain a receipt proving you're in the renewal process. Delaying further could invalidate your driving privileges, lead to point deductions, or affect insurance claims. To avoid this, set a phone reminder to renew three months early—once you pass the medical check, it’s quick and ensures compliance. Bottom line: if caught, avoid arguments and cooperate fully with law enforcement—it’s the right approach.
