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Driving without a license in any state is a serious offense, and the state of Florida is no exception. In some instances, a driver may forget to carry their license and face a small fine. In others, they may attempt to drive on a suspended or revoked license and face a misdemeanor, or felony charge if they are a habitual traffic offender. Penalties for operating a vehicle without a valid Florida driver's license include fines and possible jail time. The offense can remain on the driver's record for several years. Obtaining a Driver's LicenseFlorida does not see driving as a right, but a privilege, which means not everyone can get a license. Potential drivers who meet certain circumstances are not eligible if they:
Drivers must keep their licenses safe and those who break the law can have them suspended, revoked or canceled. A person can drive a motor vehicle with a valid license – this is an "operator's license" issued by the state authorizing an individual to drive on public thoroughfares. License Exemptions in Florida
Additionally, those working for the federal government who reside in another state and whose main employment is also in another state may operate a noncommercial vehicle on public roadways for up 60 days if their license is valid in their home state. Those who operate noncommercial vehicles owned or leased by the federal government on official business also do not need a Florida license. License Suspensions and RevocationsA driver's license suspension occurs in Florida when the driver:
When Florida revokes a driver's license, it can do so for a period of six months to life. This amount of time (and the possibility of reapplying for a license) depends on the reasons for the revocation of driving privileges, such as convictions for:
Penalties for Driving Without a LicenseEveryone who operates a motor vehicle in Florida must have their valid driver's license on them at all times and display it if requested by a police officer. Those who don't have a license on them when an officer asks, may get a driving-without-a-license citation, but this may not result in a conviction. This citation gives a driver some time to produce the license to the court clerk. In turn, the clerk will dismiss the citation and collect a $10 dismissal fee. If there isn't a dismissal, the driver faces a fine of $30. It is a misdemeanor to drive with no valid license in Florida. If convicted, a driver may face a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail. However, if the driver is eligible to get a license and resolve the infraction, they'll only pay a $25 court fee. This is only an option for those who have not had another citation resolved in this manner in the past year. Penalties for Suspended or Revoked LicenseThose who operate a vehicle on a suspended or revoked license face even stiffer penalties that get more severe with each infraction. These include fines, jail and even vehicle impoundment. The penalties are:
If the driver has three offenses within a five year period, the state will deem them a habitual violator. This will result in a license revocation of five years and increased prison time and fines. Sometimes, a driver can have their license suspended and not know it. This is a separate offense in Florida, which carries different penalties than knowingly driving on a suspended license. If a person drives without knowledge of their license suspension, they face only a moving violation, which carries a $60 penalty. What happens if you drive with an expired license in Florida?Driving With an Expired Florida License
If you're caught driving during the grace period it's considered an infraction that comes with a $30 fine. If you've let your license go past the 6-month expiration mark it's considered a criminal violation and you could face: Up to 60 days in county jail. Fines up to $500.
How much is a no driver's license ticket in Louisiana?Driving without a valid license.
A convicted person can face up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $500.
What happens if you get caught driving without a license in NY?According to New York's Vehicle Traffic Code - Section 509, driving without a license in New York is a serious misdemeanor offense that carries a penalty of a fine between $75 to $300 or jail time of up to 15 days or both.
What happens if you get pulled over without a license in Minnesota?The fine is $200, and with added fees, the ticket will cost close to $300. However, if a person's license was canceled as "inimical to public safety," the violation is enhanced to a gross misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for a gross misdemeanor is one year in jail and/or a maximum $1,000 fine.
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