What are the penalties for an expired driver's license?
A driver's license is a legal certificate for driving a motor vehicle. Once it expires and is not replaced in time, you will face corresponding penalties. Recently, the issue of penalties for expired driver's licenses has become a hot topic, and many car owners have been punished due to negligence or ignorance of the regulations. This article will analyze in detail the penalties, handling procedures and precautions for expired driver's licenses to help car owners avoid unnecessary trouble.
1. Penalties for expired driving licenses

According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" and related regulations, continuing to drive a motor vehicle after the driver's license has expired is an act of driving without a license and will be subject to the following penalties:
| Driving license expiration date | Punishment measures |
|---|---|
| Expires within 1 year | You can renew your license normally, but you are not allowed to drive a motor vehicle |
| Expiration 1-3 years | You need to take the subject one test again, and you can renew your certificate after passing it. |
| Expired for more than 3 years | The driver's license has been canceled and needs to be re-registered. |
| Driving a motor vehicle while expired | A fine of 200-2,000 yuan and a detention of not more than 15 days |
2. Processing process for expired driver’s license
If the driver's license has expired, the car owner needs to go through the renewal procedures as soon as possible. The specific process is as follows:
1.Prepare materials: Original and copy of ID card, original driver's license, recent one-inch color photo with white background, physical examination certificate (need to go to a designated hospital for physical examination).
2.Submit application: Bring the above materials to the local vehicle management office or apply for license renewal online through the traffic management 12123 APP.
3.pay fees: Pay the certificate replacement fee according to local regulations.
4.Get new certificate: After passing the review, you can get your new driver's license on the spot or choose to mail it.
3. Precautions
1.Pay attention to the validity period in time: Driving licenses are generally valid for 6 years, 10 years or a long period of time, and car owners should apply for license renewal 90 days in advance.
2.Avoid driving after expiry date: Do not drive a motor vehicle after your driver's license has expired, otherwise you will face severe penalties.
3.Changing certificate in another place: Currently, certificates can be renewed in other places across the country without returning to the place where the certificate was issued.
4.special circumstances: If you are unable to renew your license in time due to force majeure such as the epidemic, you can apply to the local traffic control department for an extension.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still drive after my driver’s license expires?
A: No. After the driver's license expires, it becomes invalid, and continuing to drive a motor vehicle will be regarded as driving without a license.
Q: Do I need to take a test to renew my driver’s license after it has expired?
A: There is no need to take a test within 1 year after the expiration date; you need to pass the Subject 1 test after 1-3 years after the expiration date; you need to retake the driving license after the expiration date for more than 3 years.
Q: If an accident occurs after the driver's license expires, will the insurance company cover the claim?
A: If an accident occurs while the driver's license is expired, the insurance company may refuse to compensate, and the car owner must bear the liability for compensation.
5. Summary
The issue of driver's license expiration cannot be ignored. Car owners should check the validity period of their driver's license regularly and go through the renewal procedures in a timely manner. Once it expires, corresponding measures need to be taken according to the expiration time to avoid losing the big for the small. At the same time, obeying traffic laws and driving safely are responsible for yourself and others.
Recently, traffic control departments in many places have increased their efforts to investigate and deal with expired driver's licenses, and car owners must pay attention. Through the detailed analysis of this article, I hope it can help everyone better understand the penalty regulations and processing procedures for expired driver's licenses, and avoid unnecessary losses.
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