Driving Without a License

Driving Without a License

You have a party to attend to, yet you still don’t have the license to drive your car. Don’t let your excitement control you; otherwise, prepare yourself for severe penalties later on. An intended one night fun might eventually lead to a terrible night!

Every vehicle owner knows the importance of bringing the driver’s license with them every time they operate a vehicle of any type – whether that is only a short drive to the shop or a long trip outside the area. Just a piece of paper may seem but is entirely an essential legal document as it ensures you are fully qualified to drive a vehicle. Hitting the road without a license is illegal and a huge risk for you as a driver.

How Bad is Driving Without a Driver’s license?

Those who want to hit the open road should have a valid and legally-issued driver’s license. The law clearly states it. What happens if you drive with no license? Well, that depends on the vehicle code section you violate and the state you’re currently living.

The first offence is likely a misdemeanour. It carries heavy penalties. However, when you get caught a second time and have not yet acquired a valid license, the penalty becomes tougher and can lead to a jail term. Keep in mind that fines vary from one Province to another.

Those who are planning to move to a new Province should also consider getting a new license. If not, you could get into trouble. Do not allow an unlicensed driver to operate your vehicle. Severe penalties are likely to impose. You might be charged a massive fine and put in jail.

Oops, I Forgot My Driver’s License!

Familiar with the situation? Some drivers tend to forget to bring their license while on the road, especially if it is only a short drive from their home to a nearby store or market. What are the potential penalties you may face?

Depending on the circumstances, motorists without a valid driver’s license may get a warning, a ticket, or a cited. If they get a ticket, they are allowed to prove in court that they have a license. A fine will be avoided in this case. Whereas, if you have been cited for driving with no license, you or your chosen attorney should go to court to defend against it.

While the offence is not very serious compared with a revoked or suspended license, you’ll most probably have to pay a small fine, plus the ticket possibly dismissed if you show up at court along with your driver’s license. Your criminal record will be stained as a result of the conviction, though.

Reasons for Driving With No License

There are many reasons why a person is caught driving a vehicle without a valid license. Others simply cannot afford to apply due to a lack of legal status or citizenship in the state they’re living. Some drivers also drive with no valid license because their license potentially has been revoked or suspended as a result of an outstanding legal issue or a previous crime.

What Does It Mean By A Suspended And Revoked License?

Driving Without a License

A person’s driver’s license is either suspended or revoked by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) once he or she committed certain legal or traffic offences. The license is invalid, and hence, the driver cannot operate a vehicle legally. Some mistakes suspended a license to revoke the license, where in fact, there are quite differences between the two.

Suspended License

A lighter penalty than revoked. A suspended driver’s license means it is temporarily out of service. Your registered driver’s license is still there, although your driving privileges are disabled. Driving while under suspension is not legally allowed. To be able to reinstate your license, you must pay traffic lines, get SR22 insurance, attend DUI or traffic school, or any other options. A reinstatement fee is typically issued to get the license reinstated.

Definite and indefinite suspension is the two types of suspended licenses.

Definite Suspension: The license comes to an end as soon as the period of suspension is up as well as the driver having to pay the legal fees. Definite driver’s license suspension might be due to drug or alcohol-related moving violations, driving with no appropriate insurance, etc.

Indefinite Suspension: Here, there is no particular date until when your license will be put in suspension. Unless, of course, if you take proper action such as taking care of a ticket or paying fees.

Revoked License

You are considered a more severe penalty since your driving privileges are permanently removed. Meaning to say your driver’s license is cancelled and cannot be reinstated. It is just like cancelling your account and credit card. Although, don’t fret because it is still possible for you to regain your driving privileges and license.

You simply need to apply and get approval to get a new license. Part of the process is fulfilling the required case terms, completing the formal licensing process, scheduling a hearing at the State DMV, and paying overdue fines and penalties.

Driving on a revoked or suspended license is something you surely do not want to do since there are serious risks involved (e.g., vehicle impound, more penalties, and fines, criminal charges, jail time, etc.).

Your insurance company might also cancel your auto insurance policies, resulting in an “excluded driver.” It is an insurance status that makes it hard or even impossible on your part to find insurance in the future.

What Causes Revoked Or Suspended Licenses?

The DMV suspends the driver’s license of a person because of unpaid fines or fees, alcohol and drug-related driving offences, non-payment or traffic fines, or driving without valid insurance.

Regardless of the case, judges are not merely interested in hearing the defendant’s excuses for driving without a driver’s license. Even though they care, a judge may only provide restrictions in the traffic court.

How Do You Know if You no Longer Hold A Valid Driver’s License?

• Your license has already expired, and you’ve not renewed it
• You have willingly surrendered your license
• You’ve never held a license
• Your driver’s license has been cancelled or suspended for specific reason/s (e.g., high-speed offence or demerit points accumulation)
• Your driver’s license has been disqualified after a drug/drink driving offence
• You’ve been ineligible from getting or holding a license

What Is the Crime For Driving Without A License?

Generally, the crime is charged as a misdemeanour. In some states, though, a person who is caught steering the wheel of a vehicle with no valid license on account of revoked license due to severe offences should face harsher punishment, which includes length extension of the license suspension and imprisonment.

Risks And Consequences Of Driving Without A Driver’s License

It’s alarming to know that there are still many drivers who want to hit the road without a license at hand. And, they simply don’t care! What are the possible risks and consequences of this action?

It begins inoffensively with a traffic stop. Usually, in most states, a person is not required to get on the road if he or she lacks three critical paper works for operating a vehicle: registration, insurance, and a driver’s license.

The police these days have enough information to quickly check on whether the vehicle you own is insured, has a valid MOT certificate, and a license. You are likely to face hefty fines and heavy punishments if you take the risk of driving without a license. These include:

• Being prohibited from driving
• Getting up to $400 infringement fine
• Getting up to $1000 fine if summonsed to court
• Having your vehicle detained on the roadside and then impounded for around 28 days
• Declining your vehicle insurance and your insurance claim

When it comes to the penalty, it varies from states. Different states impose their penalties for drivers operating motor vehicles with no valid license. Also, the amount of fine varies based upon how many times the driver has been cited. First-time offenders tend to pay only a smaller amount of fines, while multiple offenders are required to pay off more significant sums. An increase in your insurance cost could be expected too.

The location where you’re driving also plays a role in determining how minor or severe the penalty is. A driver who is caught driving on major public highways may face severe punishment than a person found driving on a remote area or private roads.

Let’s cite some examples of some cities.

In California, the fees for driving without a license range from $300 to $1,000 with imprisonment for between five days and six months. For a subsequent offence, the amount of fine is $500 to $2000 with imprisonment for between ten days and one year.

Those living in Ontario may be required to pay a fine of between $200 and $1000, along with a conviction on your driving record for three years.

Drivers in Florida who were caught operating a vehicle without a license should pay $500 to $5,000 and imprisonment for less than sixty days for a first offence.

In Illinois, the misdemeanour fee range from $2,500 to $25,000 and imprisonment for not more than one year (first offence). Multiple offences include vehicle impoundment, license plate seizure, and vehicle immobilization.

So, you should start applying for a new license if you’re planning to relocate to a new city for a smooth stay throughout. It is recommended to do thorough research about the state you are eyeing to reside in (about the process of applying for a driver’s license) before anything else.

Can An Unlicensed Driver Drive-In An Emergency?

What if we are talking about the life-or-death situation? Can a non-licensed driver still take the wheel?

Legally speaking, NO. Every state’s law indicates that any person is not qualified or allowed to drive any form of the vehicle without a valid driver’s license – no matter what the situation is. Otherwise, you will be punished through imposing jail time, hefty fines, or both.

Assuming you have an emergency and urgently need a vehicle, it is best to call and ask for either EMS or police assistance. The local fire protection district or county sheriff is also in the position to offer support during legitimate emergencies.

Minor Driving Without License

It is illegal and dangerous for adults to drive a vehicle without a license, so as minors. The legal punishments differ with every case of each state. However, unlicensed minors are likely to face severe fines and even imprisonment for driving.

Did you know…

…if juvenile drivers who have been convicted to underage driving and drinking, traffic offences, or other related offences might eventually cause their license to be taken away or suspended?

…underage drivers with no licenses might experience a delayed issuance of their driver’s license?

…guardians or parents are held responsible for the penalties (charges as well as a civil suit for injuries and damages) incurred?

So, beware underage drivers!

Do not attempt to operate a motor vehicle and hit the road on your own if you still don’t have a state license. Not only are you putting yourself at risk, but also the sake of your parent or guardian. Sometimes, teenagers lightly take their driving records and overlook parking tickets, speeding tickets, etc. Their slack behaviour on these offences often results in reckless driving.

There are various reasons why teenagers decide to get behind the vehicle wheel with no license, whether to have a quick tour of the road or others. Let’s say your reason is legitimate. Still, the final decision is conducted by the court according to the law. Those who are quite fortunate may only face fewer penalties like traffic school attendance in place of jail time assisted by a legal professional.

For the first time offense, minors who were caught driving without a driver’s license must pay a fine ranging from $100 to $500 in some states. A second offense includes jail time and a fine up to $750. The penalties continue to increase as the offense adds up.

For instance, in Michigan, a juvenile may face up to 93 days in jail. The consequences are more severe with extra charges if the incident involved a hit-and-run or a collision. You have to consider additional expenses for towing and get the motor vehicle out of impound as well as hire a lawyer to help and assist with the case. Minor’s insurance is profoundly affected, too, which leads to higher insurance premiums in the future.

What Happens When An Unlicensed Driver Got Into An Accident?

Now, this is a severe case. Getting into an accident while on the road is the last thing a driver wants to happen. But as they say, nothing is predictable regardless of how safe you drive. Whether your license has expired and you do not have the time required to go to the DMV, or you do not have the money for renewal, driving on the road is against the law. It is safe to say that involving in a car accident without a license may not bad as you think.

It has no bearing on accountability for a car accident. Your license status will not be affected. You can still recover for injuries and damages, although you should have liability insurance. Failure to maintain it changes the result of your case. But of course, there are penalties incurred – whether you’re involved in an accident or not.

Drivers who are at fault of traffic collision will be cited and fined. Those driving on a suspended license may be penalized with huge sums or go to imprisonment. The injured parties, on the other hand, are recommended to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident in case there’s no insurance to offer.

But wait, I don’t have the money or other assets to pay for damages!

In this case, the injured party must look to their insurance company to cover bodily injury and property damage claims. The process is accomplished with the Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage. It protects the policyholder against underinsured or uninsured persons by giving them the right to file a claim with their insurer to cover damages and costs.

There is also a scenario where the vehicle is borrowed by an unlicensed person with the vehicle owner’s permission. Here, insurance follows the motor vehicle. Hence, no matter what the status of the at-fault driver, the policy must pay the damages of the injured party.

Know Your Rights. Get Professional Help!

You may be thinking of paying the traffic ticket to solve the issue once and for all. Don’t! You will only pay more, convictions hurt you, and your chances are good in court.

Why spend hundreds of dollars in court expenses and fines when you can seek the legal assistance and help of a traffic ticket attorney for a fraction of the cost? Do not attempt to solve the problem on your own as possible. You are not only saving money but your time as well. Think about the essential activities in your school or the paperwork you need to submit on time.

Unless you don’t mind killing much of your time, spending quite hefty sums, and representing yourself directly with the officer, then going alone might be a good idea.

Can A Traffic Ticket Lawyer Best Your Traffic Ticket?

You have seen ads for traffic attorneys popping up regularly on the internet, radio stations, and highway billboards. Desperate times call for urgent help, and you may be considering to ask legal assistance from a lawyer. However, do they deliver the goods?

Definitely, yes. These professionals can get your ticket dismissed. They are specifically of utmost assistance if you have a bad driving record or you lack time going to court. Traffic ticket attorneys dedicate their whole practice to solving various traffic ticket issues. Some even provide a money-back guarantee in case they fail to keep the ticket off a driver’s record or reduce the fine.

How Can A Traffic Ticket Lawyer Help?

Rest assured that once you contact a professional to help you regarding your vehicle driving issue, winning a traffic ticket is highly possible.

First of all, a lawyer listens to the facts of your situation before analyzing the legal position. You get to receive advice to help you know how to go on contesting the traffic ticket. Then, negotiation occurs. Your lawyer might be able to negotiate with the prosecuting agency if you’re dealing with severe consequences, or the ticket is serious.

During the traffic court, your attorney will represent you with a more effective and well-organized defence. The end of the process is dismissing or lowering your ticket. He or she argues in your favour to get the ticket dismissed/reduced.

Above all, an attorney may be able to dismiss convictions or points on your driving record. Traffic violation points stay on the record for 3 years, whereas points for more substantial violations like DUI and hit-and-run remain on the record for up to 10 years. An experienced, reliable lawyer helps to avoid losing your driving privilege and accumulating points on your record.

Need Reliable Help? Talk to Traffic Tickets Experts!

Regardless of your reason or your situation why you’ve been caught hitting the road while not holding a driver’s license, Traffic Tickets Express is your best traffic ticket lawyers. Almost 45 years of matchless experience and top percentage win rate with honesty and quality output.

The experts can explain your rights thoroughly, help build the case, and represent you in the court. They know the law well and are rich in experience challenging evidence inside the court.