Can i go to jail for driving without a license

Under section 32(1) of the Highway Traffic Act, no person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless the motor vehicle is within a class of motor vehicles in respect of which the person holds a driver's licence issued to him or her under this Act. There is a set fine of $260.00. There is no jail time, but your future insurance will most likely be impacted.

It is also an offence under section 53 of the Highway Traffic Act to drive while one's driver's licence is suspended. This offence carries a more serious penalty.

Driving without a licence or insurance may seem like minor offences compared with other motoring offences, however, the effects can be far-reaching. You could receive hefty fines, your insurance premiums are likely to increase, and you could even be disqualified from driving in certain circumstances. Therefore, it’s absolutely essential that you seek the services of an expert motoring offences solicitor to guide you through the criminal justice process.

At Gepp, we provide bespoke criminal law services, designed to preserve your rights and ensure you receive the highest standards of legal advice and defence possible.

If you need advice because you have been caught driving without a licence or insurance cover, get in touch with our specialist motoring law solicitors in Chelmsford by calling 01206 369889 or by filling in our enquiry form.

One requirement to operate a motor vehicle in Georgia is to have a valid driver’s license. If a driver operates without a license, they can face criminal charges in some situations, as well as civil liability for any accidents they cause. 

If you suffered injuries in an accident because someone else was driving without a license, one of the experienced attorneys from Spaulding Injury Law is standing by to review your situation and advise you of your rights to possible compensation. Read on to learn more about driving without a license in Georgia and how a car accident attorney in Atlanta can help with your case. 

Georgia Has Strict Laws Regarding Driving Without a License 

Georgia law considers it a violation if any person drives without a valid license, whether they never had a license or had one suspended. The penalty for driving without a license in Georgia begins with a misdemeanor charge, with the potential of up to 12 months in jail or a fine of $500 to 1,000. 

The charges you might face in Georgia for driving without a license include:

  • No license on your person – When you are driving a motor vehicle in Georgia, you are required to carry your license in your immediate possession while driving and must produce a copy to law enforcement upon request.
  • Driving without a valid license or driving with a suspended license  – Driving without a valid license is treated more seriously than having no license on your person, and the penalties can include jail time, a fine, probation, and a license suspension or time added to an existing suspension. 

 

You Could be Arrested for Driving Without a License 

Whether someone is driving without an active license, with a suspended license, or driving with an active license that is simply not on their person, they could be arrested. This means the driver will go to jail – at least for a short time – following the arrest. Even if the driver is released, they might face additional possible jail time if they are convicted of certain driver’s license-related offenses. 

Potential Liability of Drivers Without Licenses

When someone drives on a suspended license or without ever obtaining a license, the law takes it very seriously. People who have not gone through the training and examinations to obtain a license are not qualified to be behind the wheel of a car. Further, people often have their licenses suspended or revoked because authorities deem them to be dangerous drivers. This might be due to impaired driving convictions, too many moving violations, or other serious traffic-related offenses. When they drive without a license, they face liability for any harm that results. 

Connect with an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Today

If a driver was arrested after your accident for not having a valid license, you should immediately discuss the matter with a car accident attorney. Please never hesitate to schedule a free consultation with Spaulding Injury Law today to learn about a possible case. 

Can i go to jail for driving without a license

Theodore Spaulding

For over 15 years, Mr. Spaulding has helped victims of negligence across the state of Georgia resolve personal injury disputes, and he’s received a remarkable number of awards and honors from the legal community recognizing his commitment to clients and to the metro-Atlanta area.

As an undergraduate, Mr. Spaulding belonged to the Phi Beta Kappa honors fraternity at the University of Georgia, and he obtained his legal training at the Georgia State College of Law, where he clerked for the Honorable Judge Rowland Barnes of the Fulton County Superior Court. Mr. Spaulding has also worked for the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Atlanta Enforcement Division. Since 2005, he has dedicated his career to helping the injured victims of negligence and their loved ones win justice in Georgia’s personal injury courts.

What happens if you drive around with no license?

Driving without a valid driver's license is a serious offense that can result in jail time and higher insurance rates. Charges for driving without a license vary by state, but there are usually hefty fines involved if you get caught by law enforcement.

What is the penalty in Georgia for driving without a license?

Georgia law considers it a violation if any person drives without a valid license, whether they never had a license or had one suspended. The penalty for driving without a license in Georgia begins with a misdemeanor charge, with the potential of up to 12 months in jail or a fine of $500 to 1,000.

Is driving without a license a felony in Florida?

In Florida, 'No Valid Driver's License' is classified as a second degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Although the majority of cases will not result in a jail sentence, the principal consequence of a No Valid License conviction is that it will create a permanent criminal record.

Is driving without a license a misdemeanor in Kentucky?

Driving without a valid license in Kentucky Unlicensed driving can result in a class B misdemeanor conviction. A class B misdemeanor conviction usually results in up to 90 days in jail and/or a maximum fine of $250.