It seems like common sense, but the truth is that there are drivers who need to be reminded: in California, it is mandatory to carry a valid driver’s license issued under the California Vehicle Code. Otherwise, offenders may face financial penalties and jail time. This is established by Article 12500 of the Vehicle Code, according to which one cannot operate a car, motorcycle, commercial vehicle, or moped without having the corresponding document that authorizes it.
It will depend on the prosecution and the driver’s background whether it is considered a misdemeanor or a minor crime. In case of violation, the offender will have to face a fine of $250. If it is considered a misdemeanor, fines can reach up to $1000 and a penalty of 6 months in a county jail. This is usually the case for offenders without a license or those who did not renew their documents on time. Another scenario would be for drivers who have their license suspended or revoked and still take the car.
These cases are regulated by Vehicle Code 14601, under which the first conviction implies a fine ranging from $300 to $1000, and a possible jail sentence (from 5 days to 6 months). Additionally, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will impose points on the driving record. There are also additional consequences to all those already mentioned, such as vehicle seizure, difficulties in obtaining car insurance, or repercussions on records for immigration or employment processes.
Driving without a license
Who does not know today that it is not only necessary but mandatory to carry a valid driver’s license, which has been issued under the California Vehicle Code. The consequences of committing an infraction of this nature include economic and criminal penalties for the offenders.
What happens if I drive without a license in California?
No person may operate a car, motorcycle, commercial vehicle, or moped without the corresponding legal document, as stipulated by Article 12500 of the Vehicle Code. This regulation applies not only to driving but also to parking outside of public roads. Committing this infraction can have two interpretations, as a misdemeanor or as a felony, and that will depend on the prosecutor’s office and the offender’s criminal history.
Minor infraction or misdemeanor
In the event of committing this infraction, the consequences vary:
- If it is considered an infraction, you will face a monetary penalty of $250.
- If it is considered a misdemeanor, the fine increases to $1000, and a six-month jail sentence in a county jail is added.
What happens if I drive with a suspended license?
This type of behavior is considered even more serious than the previous ones, as it involves disobedience to a prior legal decision. In this case, it is Vehicle Code 14601 that regulates this offense, including not only suspended licenses but also revoked ones. The consequences depend on the following:
- If it is the first offense: a fine of between $300 and $1000 will be imposed, along with a jail sentence of between 5 days and 6 months. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will also be involved, placing two points on the offender’s driving record.
- In case the driver is a repeat offender within five years, the situation worsens. They will face a fine of between $500 and $2000 and a jail sentence ranging from 10 days to 1 year.
Additional consequences
The traffic regulations state, “A person may not drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless they have a valid license issued under this code, except for those who are expressly exempted.” This is why it is important to comply with the legislation, since in addition to the aforementioned, there are additional consequences to this infraction. On one hand, vehicles may be seized for up to 30 days to ensure that the penalty is enforced. On the other hand, these notes on the record may pose a difficulty in obtaining car insurance, and even in immigration and labor processes.
Have you heard about the opening of the new Department of Motor Vehicles office in California?