Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License in Georgia
f you fail to present a valid driver’s license upon request by a law enforcement officer, you may get arrested for driving without a license.
Driving without a license is a misdemeanor that could lead to severe penalties, including jail time, a fine, or both.
You may be arrested for driving without a license if you are involved in the following traffic violations in Georgia:
- Driving with a revoked license
- Driving with a suspended license
- Driving with no license on person
- Violating limited permit or restricted license conditions
Consider contacting an attorney if a law enforcement officer pulls you over for licenseless driving. A lawyer may help to resolve your case and guide you through the legal process.
Georgia Laws Regarding Driving Without a License
According to Georgia traffic law, driving without a license is illegal. If convicted, you may face a misdemeanor charge that carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail. Your driver’s license may also be suspended.
The State of Georgia may charge you with driving without a license if you commit the following offenses:
- No license on person:
You must carry your driver’s license in Georgia when operating a motor vehicle. Committing this offense results in a $10 fine, provided you can present a valid driver’s license in court.
- Driving while license is revoked or suspended
Operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license is a misdemeanor and may result in at least two days in jail and a $500 fine. If this is your second or third offense, you will be charged with an aggravated misdemeanor and could face up to 12 months of incarceration and a fine of up to $2500.
- Driving while Unlicensed or ineligible for a license
People who have not applied for a G.A. driver’s license or those ineligible for it, such as non-residents of the U.S., may receive more severe penalties if arrested while driving.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid License in Georgia
You can be jailed, fined, or both if you are convicted of driving without a driver’s license. The severity of the penalties depends on whether it’s your first, second, or third offense and other case details.
Unlicensed driving due to license revocation or suspension is a misdemeanor, but the penalties may depend on your traffic convictions history.
If it’s a first offense, you may face up to at least two days in jail and a $500 mandatory minimum fine. If you’re arrested for a second or third offense, the penalty is ten days of jail time and a minimum $1000 fine. The maximum penalties for second and third offenses are 12 months imprisonment and $2500 in fines.
A fourth conviction within five years of the last offense is a felony, with a possible sentence of one to five years. You may also have to pay up to $5000 in fines.
A conviction for driving without a license in GA adds six months of license suspension, regardless of your traffic conviction history. However, your license reinstatement fee will go up to $410, depending on whether it is your first, second, third, or fourth conviction.
Besides license suspension, not carrying your license while driving is also a misdemeanor in Georgia. That means you can face a sentence of 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $1,000. The fine may go down to $10 if you can later present a valid license that was in effect when the police arrested you.
If your license was suspended for DUI, consider contacting an experienced Atlanta DUI lawyer to fight your charges and keep your license.
Driving on Limited Permit in Georgia
You can’t operate a vehicle in Georgia while your driver’s license is suspended unless you have obtained a limited permit.
A limited driving permit usually allows you to drive from and to your home, work, school, and scheduled medical appointments only. You may be charged with driving without a license if you violate these conditions.
If your license is suspended, contact a traffic lawyer immediately. Our traffic law attorneys at Chehimi Law LLC can assist in applying for a limited permit or reinstating your license.
Driving Under the Influence
You can end up in jail if police arrest you for driving without a license. However, you could face a longer jail time if other violations, such as DUI, are involved.
A first-offense DUI is punishable by 12 months imprisonment, a fine of $1000, or both. The presence of an attorney may be crucial to guide you through the DUI case process.
Contact Chehimi Law LLC if You Are Arrested for Driving Without a License in GA
You may have forgotten your driver’s license at home before a police officer stops you. You might also have thought you could drive with a suspended license in Georgia.
No matter the case, you need to contact a traffic ticket attorney as soon as possible. Chehimi Law LLC is your convenient go-to if you’re arrested for driving without a license. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Go to Jail for Driving Without a License?
Yes, you can go to jail for two days to twelve months if you’re arrested for driving a motor vehicle without a Georgia driver’s license. Charges may increase if you get a second conviction or have other traffic violations.
Yet you can fight these charges and jail terms by seeking help from a traffic attorney. The lawyer may be able to reduce the charges or dismiss your case.
Can I Be Arrested for Driving Without a License as a Non-Resident of Georgia?
Non-residents who drive in Georgia need a valid out-of-state license and must meet the requirements of a Georgia driver’s license.
If you are driving with a valid license from your state in Georgia, you will not be arrested for driving with that license. However, if you don’t have a license on you while driving, you will be arrested and may have to post a bond.
When you post a bond, you assure the court that you will attend your trial. Violating this bond can have serious consequences.
Can I Lose My License For DUI in Georgia?
You risk losing your license and other driving privileges if convicted of DUI in Georgia. Your license may be suspended for 12 months, and you may have to pay a reinstatement fee after the suspension period ends.
You may be able to avoid losing your license if you hire a lawyer to defend your DUI administrative and criminal case.