Lin Min

EXPATRIATES in Shenzhen have been warned against driving with a foreign driver’s license after a Shanghai court recently refused to recognize the foreign license of a British motorist who caused an accident.

The Jing’an District People’s Court on Tuesday ruled that the Briton, only known as Steven, was entirely liable for the accident in which he knocked down an elderly woman with his car March 10, as he did not possess a valid driver’s license. Steven was ordered to pay 10,754 yuan (US$1,434) to the woman.

Steven was using a foreign driver’s license, and did not possess a Chinese license, the court said, adding that as foreign licenses were not recognized under Chinese law, he was deemed to be driving without a license.

A Nanshan traffic police officer surnamed Zheng, who refused to give his full name, warned foreigners in Shenzhen against driving with a foreign license.

“It is against Chinese law to drive with an overseas license,” Zheng said yesterday.

According to Chinese law, a motorist found not possessing a Chinese driver’s license may be detained for up to 15 days and fined between 200 and 2,000 yuan, said Liang Feipeng, general manager of Gangshentong Drivers’ School.

Motorists possessing a foreign license can apply for a Chinese one after taking a written test in English on traffic rules. Normally a local license is issued about one month after application, Liang said.

According to Chinese law, the written exam can be waived if the applicant holds a driving license issued by a country having an agreement with China. At present, only holders of a Belgian driving permit can apply for a Chinese license without taking the written test, said an officer with the automobile administration office of the Shenzhen Traffic Police Bureau who identified herself as Liu.

Chinese traffic authorities do not recognize the International Driving Permit, and only accept applications from holders of a driver’s license issued by a foreign country or region.

Residents of Hong Kong can apply for a mainland license without taking the test, Liang said.

An increasing number of foreigners are driving in Shenzhen, according to Liang. On average 20 to 30 foreigners receive training at his school each month, he said.

About two to three foreigners visit the automobile administration office daily to apply for a license or inquire about the procedures, Liu said.

Statistics from the Ministry of Public Security shows that in 2005, vehicles driven by foreigners caused 95 traffic accidents leading to 28 deaths and 90 injuries. Altogether, a total of 40 foreigners died and 198 were injured on China’s roads in 2005.