What are the consequences of driving without a license in the state of California?
What are the consequences of driving without a license in the state of California?
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The first thing you should know is that driving without a driver’s license or with a revoked license in California is a crime. If it has happened to you, read on because there are things you will want to know from now on.
It may be that you were careless and drove without a license or a revoked license, and the traffic police stopped you. What the police will most likely do is give you a fine. The ideal, therefore, is that if you do not have a license or it has been revoked, ask someone else to drive your car for you so as not to commit an infraction.
When you obtain a driver’s license, you are showing that you are capable of operating a vehicle and that you have the physical and mental ability to do so. Therefore, you will also be in trouble if you have been driving under the influence of alcohol or substances.
What happens if I drive a vehicle with a suspended license?
If you drive a vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or false license, you are dealing with a wobbler in the state of California. You could be subject to an arrest warrant and trial.
Among the sanctions that can be applied are:
- Fine of $300 up to $1,000;
- Punishment of spending from five days to six months in prison.
Driving without a license could bring:
- Fines of $500 up to $2,000;
- Spending between ten days to two years in jail.
If you drive with a fake license, you could get:
- Misdemeanor Charge:
- Spend up to a year in jail;
- Pay the fine of up to $1,000.
- Felony Charge:
- Probation;
- Spend 16 months up to three years in jail;
- Pay a fine of up to $10,000.
If you drive with a suspended license, you can have the following consequences:
- Probation.
- Prison time that can vary depending on the following offenses:
- Reckless driving;
- DUI conviction;
- Commit traffic violations regularly;
- Refuse to undergo chemical tests;
- The license has been revoked or suspended for other reasons.
Support yourself with specialized criminal defense attorneys if you have driven without a license, with a revoked license, or a false license in the state of California. Likewise, we remind you of the importance of always respecting traffic laws to avoid being accused of committing a misdemeanor or felony.
How can I renew my driver’s license in California?
The Department of Motor Vehicles, DMW, is in charge of issuing and renewing driver’s licenses in California. Also, the process is quite simple. Keep in mind that it does not apply to AB 60 licenses, a form granting driving privileges to immigrants.
For a standard license, you have several options to request it:
- Online:
This option is acceptable if the applicant does not need to change their address or personal information. It cannot be done this way if it is the first time or for those eligible for REAL ID.
If you are eligible for this option, you can renew from the DMV website.
- In-person:
Renewing in person can be done by completing a license or identification card application form. You can also submit the renewal notice that the DMV sends by email.
Fingerprints and photographs are taken in the office. Then, you must pass the vision exam and pay the corresponding fee.
For those who are requesting it for the first time, they must take and pass the knowledge test. Only three attempts are allowed to do so, or the person must restart the process.
- Via email:
To renew your driver’s license by email, you must answer some questions to know if the applicant is eligible or not. The questions are:
- Does your driver’s license expire more than 120 days from today’s date?
- Will you be 70 years old (or older) when your current driver’s license expires? (Does not apply after December 6, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic)
- Are you currently on some type of driving probation or suspension?
- Did you violate a written promise to appear in court in the last two years?
- Have you already received two consecutive five-year extensions by mail/Internet?
- Do you have a driver’s license from more than one state or jurisdiction?
- Are you applying for a REAL ID-compliant DL/ID card for the first time?
- Are you applying to renew a commercial driver’s license?
To be eligible, you must have answered all questions in the negative. Once you have filled out the Form DL 410 FO, you must send it to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit
PO Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290-0001.
If you have questions, contact Kannan Law, and we will be happy to help you.