Your changes will require approval by an administrator before they are published.
The article has been updated successfully but requires approval before it is published.What happens if I get caught driving without a license?
|
Enter your Zip Code below to get a Free Quote. We suggest getting quotes from multiple companies to ensure you get the best rate. There is no obligation to purchase. 
|
Driving without a license is never a good idea; you will be issued a traffic ticket if you get pulled over. If your drivers license has been suspended or revoked, you will need to find alternative transportation methods. Penalties for driving without a license vary by state, but could include hefty fines, community service, jail time, and/or having your vehicle impounded. Generally, penalties will increase for second offenses.
In Alaska, for example, getting a citation for driving without a license for the first time results in probation, a 90 day license revocation, 80 hours community work service, and having your vehicle impounded for 30 days. If you are caught with a second offense, the penalty increases to 10 days in jail, a $500 fine, a 90 day license revocation, 80 hours community work service, and the forfeiture of your vehicle.
Regardless of where you live, judges do have some discretion when applying penalties for driving without a license. You won't necessarily receive the highest possible fine or the longest possible jail time, especially if it's your first offense.
| Fine | Jail Time | Community Service | Vehicle Impounded or Registration Revoked | Additional Suspension | Points on Driving Record | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | x | ||||||
| Alaska | x | x | x | x | x | ||
| Arizona | x | x | Vehicle is only impounded if you're involved in a traffic accident. | ||||
| Arkansas | x | x | x | ||||
| California | x | x | x | ||||
| Colorado | x | x | Punishment can be waived if you were driving because of a genuine emergency. | ||||
| Connecticut | x | x | x | ||||
| Delaware | x | x | |||||
| Florida | x | x | |||||
| Georgia | x | x | |||||
| Hawaii | x | x | x | The vehicle can be impounded even if it does not belong to the unlicensed driver. | |||
| Idaho | x | x | x | ||||
| Illinois | x | x | |||||
| Indiana | x | x | |||||
| Iowa | x | The owner of the car who allows an unlicensed driver behind the wheel can also be fined. | |||||
| Kansas | x | x | x | ||||
| Kentucky | x | x | |||||
| Louisiana | x | x | |||||
| Maine | x | x | |||||
| Maryland | x | x | |||||
| Massachusetts | x | x | |||||
| Michigan | x | x | |||||
| Minnesota | x | x | |||||
| Mississippi | x | x | |||||
| Missouri | x | ||||||
| Montana | x | x | |||||
| Nebraska | x | ||||||
| Nevada | x | ||||||
| New Hampshire | x | x | |||||
| New Jersey | x | x | |||||
| New Mexico | x | ||||||
| New York | x | x | |||||
| North Carolina | x | Fine can be waived if license was expired for less than 30 days and has since been renewed. | |||||
| North Dakota | x | Parents can be held responsible for minors driving without a license. | |||||
| Ohio | x | x | |||||
| Oklahoma | x | x | Parents can be penalized for allowing minor children to driver without a license. | ||||
| Oregon | x | x | x | ||||
| Pennsylvania | x | x | |||||
| Rhode Island | x | ||||||
| South Carolina | x | ||||||
| South Dakota | x | ||||||
| Tennessee | x | x | |||||
| Texas | x | ||||||
| Utah | x | x | x | ||||
| Vermont | x | x | x | ||||
| Virginia | x | x | x | ||||
| Washington | x | ||||||
| West Virginia | x | ||||||
| Wisconsin | x | ||||||
| Wyoming | x | ||||||
| Washington DC | x |
Post Comment for "What happens if I get caught driving without a license?"
To post a comment for this article, simply complete the form below. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.
User Opinions
9%
(21 votes)
Visitor Comments
penalties will increase for 3 offenses