Driving Without A License

Driving without a license is illegal in every state, but most states differentiate between operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license and driving a vehicle without proof of a driver’s license (such as when a driver fails to physically carry their valid driver’s license). While you won’t be arrested for simply failing to grab your wallet before getting behind the wheel, it’s a much more serious offense to drive with the knowledge that your license is suspended or otherwise invalid.

Penalties for driving without a license or failing to produce a license when stopped by a police offer range from “fix-it tickets” to vehicle impoundment or even jail time (for driving on a revoked license, for example).

Types of Driver Licensing Violations

A motorist may violate a driver’s license requirement in a number of ways. Perhaps it was an honest mistake (i.e. Jake left his driver’s license at home) or maybe there was an attempt to circumvent a known driving restriction (i.e. Jake willingly drove despite knowing that his license was suspended for DUI.)

Here are the most common types of violations related to driver’s licenses:

• Failing to apply for a state-issued drivers license within the time allowed.
• Driving with an expired license.
• Driving with a license that has been temporarily suspended.
• Driving with a license that has been permanently revoked.
• Failing to show proof of a valid license when driving or operating a vehicle.