Will the car be impounded if I don't carry my driver's license?
4 Answers
No, the car will not be impounded. If you have a driver's license but simply didn't bring it with you, you only need to present your vehicle registration certificate and ID card to the traffic police. These details can be verified online, so as long as you possess a valid license, there's no need to worry about vehicle impoundment. However, penalty points and fines are unavoidable - typically 1 point deducted and a 50-yuan fine. Below are relevant details: 1. Regulation: The Road Traffic Safety Law stipulates that drivers operating vehicles without carrying their driver's license will be penalized with 1 point deduction and may receive a warning or fine. 2. Driving with an expired license: If the license has been expired for less than one year, it is not considered unlicensed driving. The owner just needs to renew the license within that year. However, if it exceeds one year, the driver's license will be revoked.
If you're caught driving without your license, the car usually isn't impounded immediately, but you may face a fine or penalty points. According to traffic regulations, drivers must carry valid identification at all times. If stopped by police, you'll need to present your license or provide information to verify your identity. Having an electronic license or photo can quickly prove your credentials, typically resulting in just a warning or small fine. However, if you can't verify your identity, the vehicle might be temporarily impounded for investigation. I've made it a habit to always keep a spare license in my car or have the traffic management app with an electronic version on my phone. This prevents delays or complications. The key is not to confuse this with unlicensed driving, which carries much greater risks. Developing a routine to check for your license before leaving helps avoid mishaps. Safe driving requires attention to detail - small precautions can prevent major issues.
Once I was driving and forgot to bring my driver's license, and was stopped by a traffic police officer at an intersection. My heart sank, thinking the car would be impounded, but the officer just asked for my ID number. He checked the system and found my license record. It was a minor violation, so I only received an on-the-spot warning without a fine. The experience taught me that as long as it's not a fake license or drunk driving, simply forgetting your documents usually won't lead to your car being impounded. However, under strict enforcement, you might face a 200-yuan fine or a 1-point deduction. I later learned to keep a photo of my license in my phone's gallery or register it on traffic apps. I also keep a copy in the glove compartment as a backup. If stopped, stay calm and cooperate by providing the necessary information. A good attitude helps, and officers may be lenient. Of course, don’t make it a habit—always remember the three essentials before driving: license, keys, and wallet.
Forgetting your driver's license while driving is indeed unsafe, but it doesn't necessarily mean your car will be impounded. The regulation requiring you to carry your license is for road safety, and the main point during a check is to prove you have a valid driver's license. Police can verify this through online systems, and usually, a warning is given without impounding the vehicle. However, prolonged delays or refusal to cooperate increases the risk. I recommend developing a habit of checking your belongings, such as patting your bag before leaving the car. Downloading an electronic driver's license on your phone allows you to scan and show it to the police within a minute, resolving the issue. More importantly, adopt a preventive mindset—don't let small oversights lead to distracted driving. Safety responsibility lies with everyone, and a simple action can prevent a lot of trouble. Keeping a copy of your license in the car is also a viable option.
