What happens if you drive without a license and get stopped by the police?
Knowing what happens if you drive without a license can be tricky since each state has different penalties. A first offense is usually a misdemeanor but can have fines as high as $10,000. You can also face jail time and lose your vehicle. If you are a new driver, you will also have to wait longer to get a valid driver’s license. To drive legally in most states, you must have a valid driver’s license as well as auto insurance.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jun 23, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 23, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- If you drive without a license, you can face fines, a driver’s license suspension, and jail time
- If you simply don’t have your license on you, you can receive a fine that may be dismissed if you show your license
- In general, driving without a license is a misdemeanor for the first offense, not a felony
Most states require you to have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance to drive legally. But, what happens if you drive without a license? Chances are, you’ll have to pay a hefty fine and might even face jail time.
If you’re caught driving without insurance, the penalties are much the same, but can also include having your driver’s license suspended and your car impounded.
Driving without a license is very risky. It’s much easier and less expensive to either get your driver’s license or have another way to get around.
If you don’t have auto insurance, now is the perfect time to shop around for great coverage with low rates. Make sure you have insurance in place when you have a valid driver’s license.
Keep reading to learn more about driving without a license. Enter your ZIP code now to compare free auto insurance quotes from companies near you so you will be ready when you do get your driver’s license.
What happens if you drive without a license?
Driving without a license will cost you time and money. There is simply no way around the fact that you need a valid driver’s license to drive legally and avoid fines and possibly jail time.
Every state has penalties for people caught driving without a license. Generally, the more often you are caught, the stiffer the penalty. Fines can be as high as $10,000 for a first offense.
This table shows penalties for each state the first time you get caught driving without a license.
Penalties for Driving Without a License by State
| State | Fees | First Offense |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Misdemeanor: $100-$500 | Possible imprisonment for no more than 180 days and immediate vehicle impoundment. Possible license suspension increase by 6 months. |
| Alaska | First Offense - Class A Misdemeanor: 10 days suspended imprisonment provided at least 80 hours of community service are completed; possible forfeiture of the vehicle; license suspension increased by at least 90 days. | |
| Arizona | Class 1 Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for up to 6 months; possible vehicle impoundment for up to 30 days | |
| Arkansas | Misdemeanor: Fine no more than $500 | Imprisonment for between 2 days and 6 months |
| California | $300-$1,000 Fine | Imprisonment for between 5 days and 6 months |
| Colorado | Misdemeanor - No more than $500 | Imprisonment for no more than 6 months, license suspension increased by 1 year. If the license restraint is due to an alcohol-related offense there is a mandatory 30 days to 1 year in jail for a first offense. Minimum fine of $500 to $1,000. |
| Connecticut | $150 - $200 | Imprisonment for no more than 3 months |
| Delaware | $500-$1,000 | Imprisonment for between 30 days and 6 months. Possible vehicle impoundment of at least 90 days |
| District of Columbia | $2,500 | Imprisonment for no more than 1 year |
| Florida | Misdemeanor $500 - $5,000 | First Offense -2nd Degree Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 60 days or $500 fine |
| Georgia | Misdemeanor - $500 -$5,000 | First Offense - Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for between 2 days and 1 year; possible additional fine of no more than $1,000. |
| Hawaii | $250-$2,000 | First Offense - Imprisonment for 3-30 days; $250-$1,000 fine; license suspension increased by 1 year; additional, inapplicable penalties. |
| Idaho | Misdemeanor - $1,000 -$3,000 | First Offense - Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for between 2 days and 6 months; fine of no more than $1,000; license suspension increased by 180 days. |
| Illinois | Misdemeanor - $2,500 -$25,000 | First Offense - Class A Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 1 year; fine of no more than $2,500. |
| Indiana | Felony - No more than $10,000 | Class 6 Felony - Imprisonment for between 6 months and 2 years, 6 months; fine of no more than $10,000. |
| Iowa | Misdemeanor - $250 -$1,500 | License suspension increased for an additional like period or for one year, whichever is shorter. |
| Kansas | Misdemeanor: $100 | First Offense - Class B Nonperson Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for at least 5 days; fine of at least $100. |
| Kentucky | Misdemeanor: Up to $250 | First Offense - Class B Misdemeanor: Imprisonment up to 90 days; license suspension increased by 6 months. Fine up to $250 |
| Louisiana | $500-$2,500 | Person with a Class D or E driver’s license: Imprisonment for no more than 6 months, fine of no more than $500, or both. May be subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,250. A person with a Class A, B, or C driver’s license: Imprisonment for no more than 6 months, fine of no more than $5,000, or both. May be subject to a civil penalty of up to $2,500. |
| Maine | Class E Crime: Up to $1,000 | First Offense – Class E: Crimes punishable by up to six months incarceration and a $1,000 fine |
| Maryland | Misdemeanor - $1,000 | First Offense - Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 1 year, fine of no more than $1,000, or both; possible license suspension increased by no more than 1 year. |
| Massachusetts | Misdemeanor - $500 -$1,000 | First Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 10 days, $500-$1,000 fine, or both |
| Michigan | Misdemeanor - $500 -$1,000 | First Offense - Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 93 days, a fine of no more than $500, or both. |
| Minnesota | Misdemeanor - No more than $1,000 | Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for no more than 90 days, fine of no more than $1,000, or both. |
| Mississippi | Misdemeanor - $200 -$500 | Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for between 48 hours and 6 months; $200-$500 fine; license suspension increased by 6 months. |
| Missouri | First Offense - Class D Misdemeanor: Up to $500 fine. No set term of imprisonment; not to exceed one year. | |
| Montana | Misdemeanor - No more than $500 | First Offense – Fine not to exceed $500 and term of imprisonment not to exceed 6 months. |
| Nebraska | First Offense - Class II Misdemeanor: Unable to operate any motor vehicle for 1 year; license revocation for a like period. | |
| Nevada | Misdemeanor - No more than $1,000 | Imprisonment for no more than 6 months, a fine of no more than $1,000, or both. If the license is suspended, an extension of suspension by like period. If license (revoked), an extension of the period of ineligibility for license by 1 year. |
| New Hampshire | Misdemeanor - No more than $1,000 | Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for a period not less than 7 consecutive 24-hour periods to be served within 6 months of the conviction, fine of no more than $1,000; license suspension increased by 1 year. |
| New Jersey | $500-$1,000 | First Offense - $500 fine. |
| New Mexico | Misdemeanor - No more than $1,000 | Imprisonment for 4-364 days; possible fine of no more than $1,000. Possible vehicle immobilization. |
| New York | Misdemeanor - $250 -$500 | First Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $200-$500 fine, or both. |
| North Carolina | Misdemeanor - No more than $300 | First Offense - Class 3 Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for 1-10 days; fine of no more than $200; license suspension increased by 1 year. |
| North Dakota | Misdemeanor - $1,500 -$3,000 | First, Second or Third Offense - Class B Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $1,500 fine, or both. |
| Ohio | Misdemeanor - $1,000 | First Offense - Unclassified Misdemeanor: Fine of no more than $1,000; 500 hours community service. |
| Oklahoma | Misdemeanor - $50-$1,000 | First Offense - $100-$500 fine. |
| Oregon | $220-$2,000 | Class A Traffic Infraction: $220-$2,000 fine. Possible vehicle impoundment. |
| Pennsylvania | $200 | Summary Offense: $200 fine; license suspension increased by 1 year if originally suspended, 2 years if it was originally revoked. |
| Rhode Island | Misdemeanor - $250-$1,000 | First Offense - Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 30 days; $250-$500 fine; license suspension increased by 3 months. |
| South Carolina | $300-$1,000 | First Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $300 fine, or both. |
| South Dakota | Misdemeanor - No more than $2,000 | Revoked - Class 1 Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 1 year; fine of no more than $2,000. Suspended or Cancelled - Class 2 Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for no more than 30 days; fine of no more than $500. |
| Tennessee | Misdemeanor - $500 -$2,500 | First Offense - Class B Misdemeanor: Imprisonment for not more than 6 months, fine of no more than $500, or both; license suspension increased by the like period of time. |
| Texas | Misdemeanor - $500 -$2,000 | First Offense - Class C Misdemeanor: Fine of no more than $500. |
| Utah | Misdemeanor - $1,000 | Class C Misdemeanor: Imprisonment of no more than 90 days; up to $750 fine. |
| Vermont | No more than $5,000 | First Offense - Imprisonment for no more than 2 years, fine of no more than $5,000, or both. |
| Virginia | Misdemeanor - No more than $2,500 | Class 1 Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for no more than 12 months, fine of no more than $2,500, or both. |
| Washington | Misdemeanor - No more than $5,000 | Gross Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for no more than 364 days, fine of no more than $5,000, or both. |
| West Virginia | Misdemeanor - $100 -$500 | First Offense Misdemeanor - $100-$500 fine. |
| Wisconsin | $50-$2,500 | Suspended - $50-$200 fine. Revoked - Fine of no more than $2,500.Vehicle may be impounded |
| Wyoming | Misdemeanor - $750 | Misdemeanor - Imprisonment for no more than 6 months, fine of no more than $750, or both. |
If you have a valid license but don’t have it on you, you might still get charged a fine. Generally, the court will drop the fine if you can show you do have a valid license.
If you are caught driving without a license, it can delay you from getting a valid driver’s license. In many cases, if your license has been suspended, you can get high-risk auto insurance or SR-22 so that you can drive for important reasons such as going to work or a doctor appointment.
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What happens if you don’t have a permit or parent with you while driving?
Most states have a graduated licensing system where young drivers start by getting a permit. This permit requires a licensed adult to be with you when you are learning to drive. A permit also restricts the hours you are allowed to drive.
What happens if you get pulled over with a permit and no adult passenger? While every state is different, you will generally have to wait longer to get your license. You will also have to pay a fine.
What happens if you drive without a license and are under 18? Usually, the penalties are the same no matter your age. However, it can cause you to have to wait longer to get your driver’s license.
Is driving without a license a felony?
The first time you get pulled over with no license, you will usually be hit with a misdemeanor. However, this will depend on the circumstances. If you were intentionally driving recklessly, cause a lot of damage or injuries, or were impaired, the charge may be upgraded to a felony.
If you are also driving without auto insurance, you can face higher fines and have your car impounded according to the Insurance Information Institute.
You will also face higher auto insurance rates when you do get your license. Since you will be considered a high-risk driver, expect to pay higher-than-normal rates.
What Happens if You Drive Without a License: The Bottom Line
If you drive without a license, you will face fines up to $10,000 and possibly even jail time. It will also take you much longer to get a valid driver’s license.
Every state is different, but all states require drivers to have a valid license and valid auto insurance. Getting caught without either one will cost you money in fines, add a misdemeanor or felony to your record, and get your vehicle impounded.
Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and the correct amount of auto insurance in place before you go out for a drive. Shop around to find the best coverage with the lowest rates so that you are driving legally.
We hope you’ve learned all you need to know about what happens if you drive without a license. Before you go, enter your ZIP code to compare auto insurance quotes from companies near you for free.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will driving without a license affect my auto insurance?
Yes, it can impact your insurance. Insurance companies often require a valid license for coverage, and driving without one may result in policy cancellation or being considered a high-risk driver.
What are the consequences if I cause an accident without a license?
Severe consequences, including criminal charges, increased fines, and potential civil liability for damages or injuries caused.
Can I drive with a foreign driver’s license in the United States?
Rules vary by state, but generally visitors can drive with a valid foreign license for a limited time. Carry an international driver’s permit as well.
What if I forgot my driver’s license at home?
You may face a fine if you can’t provide a valid license when stopped by the police.
Can I drive with an expired license?
No, driving with an expired license is illegal.
Is driving without a license a felony?
Driving without a license is generally considered a misdemeanor for the first offense. However, it may be upgraded to a felony depending on the circumstances. If you were driving recklessly, caused significant damage or injuries, or were impaired, the charge may be elevated to a felony.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.