What happens if you get a ticket without license

Texas laws are fairly cut and dry when it comes to having a driver’s license. As a driver, it’s important to know these laws, their penalties, and what it means for you if you end up in one of the scenarios we have addressed below. While Patterson Law Group is a personal injury firm and unable to assist you if you’re caught driving without a license in Texas, our attorneys can provide answers to your questions. They can potentially even recommend a great traffic ticket attorney to you, all at no cost. As with any personal injury matter that our firm handles, if you are injured in an accident with an unlicensed driver, we hope that you will consider allowing us to represent you so we can take the burden off of your shoulders while working to get you the fair settlement you deserve.

Driving Without a License Charge in Texas

Anyone that can obtain a driver’s license should know that it’s illegal to operate a vehicle without one; unfortunately, that doesn’t stop people from breaking the law. In Texas, residents who are caught driving without a valid license for the first time can face a fine of up to $200. If you’re caught violating this law for a second time within a year, it becomes a misdemeanor with an additional fine that can range between $25 and $200. And if you’re found in violation of the law for a third time within a year, you are now faced with receiving a fine and could also see jail time, ranging anywhere from 72 hours up to six months. It should be emphasized that if you injure or kill someone in an accident, you caused while driving without a license, the penalty becomes much more steep and costly. The risk is just not worth the price.

Driving Without a License on Person in Texas

Sometimes life just happens, and we all have those days where you’re running out the door with your keys in your hand and no time to lose, you get halfway to your destination, and as luck would have it – you get pulled over. It’s not until then that you realized you left your driver’s license at home. If your luck changes, you might get away with a written warning, but odds are you’ll end up with a ticket for failure to provide proof of a valid license. Fortunately, Texas driving laws are a lot more lenient when it comes to not having your license on you. In this instance, you can avoid a conviction by presenting your license as proof to the judge that your license is in good standing, and you’re still legally able to drive. Only then will you avoid further penalties and leave after paying a minimal dismissal fee.

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Driving Without a License from Out of State

Whether you have just moved here or are simply passing through, you still must possess a valid driver’s license to drive on Texas highways. If you get pulled over and don’t have your out of state license with you, you will likely receive a ticket for failure to prove that your license exists and is valid in its issuing state. Driving with a revoked or suspended out of state license only means more trouble for you, especially if you cause an accident. You could be subject to steep fines, jail time, and a further extension of your suspension. If you have recently moved to Texas, you have up to 90 days to obtain a valid Texas license. Failure to do so could lead to a $200 fine. Fortunately for those new to Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety makes it quick and easy to transfer your out of state license to Texas, so long as your current license is still valid.

Talk to a Lawyer If You Were In a Car Accident With an Unlicensed Driver

The odds of getting into an accident with an unlicensed driver may seem low, but the fact is it could eventually happen to you or someone you know. It’s why we feel it’s important to provide this general information to you – no one wants to be caught in this situation uninformed. We know everyone’s situation can be tricky and sometimes downright confusing, so it’s important for us to let you know we are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s always free to give our attorneys a call to get the answers to your questions, and we hope you will allow us to help you. We know Texas’s driving laws and are always ready to fight for our clients, no matter what.

We go the extra mile for our clients. Call our team at Patterson Law Group today at 817-784-2000 for a free initial consultation regarding your case.

It is never a fun time getting pulled over without a license, and you may be wondering what to do if you get pulled over without a license. Luckily there are some options for you if this happens, and you should always remember just to stay calm and deal with things as they come up, as this will be your best bet for getting out quicker.

If you are ready to learn what to do if you get pulled over without a license, grab your computer and settle down, and let’s get started!

Scenarios For Getting Pulled Over Driving Without A License

When you get pulled over without a license, if it is a first offense it’s likely it will be a misdemeanor. However, if this is your second offense or beyond, it can be a felony charge. Read on to learn specifics.

You Forgot Your License By Accident

This is the best-case scenario for getting pulled over without a license on you, as there will probably be at least once in your lifetime you forget your license. That is just part of human nature, and you will not be severely punished for it, though in most cases, it is an arrestable offense. For this reason, make sure you cooperate with the police officer to have the best chance of moving on quickly. 

When you get pulled over, and you find you have forgotten your license be completely honest with the officer who pulled you over. Tell them you have forgotten your license, but you do own a valid driver’s license in your name. You will probably be asked for personally-identifying information such as full name, address, and date of birth. If you are asked anything else, always give honest answers to the officer. 

Typically you will be issued a minor traffic citation for forgetting your driver’s license. If you show up at the courthouse within a certain period of time with your driver’s license, you can typically get the citation dismissed. This makes it a minor offense, but staying calm and honest will be your most considerable help here. 

PRO TIP: Wanna know what to do if you’re pulled over with a gun? Read on that subject here!

You Are Willfully Driving Without A Driver’s License

This is typically the most severe violation you can perform when driving without a driver’s license. This offense means you are fully aware you are breaking the law, and you are doing it anyways. Typically this comes from you having a suspended or revoked license, and while you may want to drive, you are not allowed to under any circumstance in most states.

You must deal with the reasons why your license was suspended or revoked before you get behind the wheel again. If you are caught while driving with a non-valid driver’s license, you run the risk of having your driving suspension increased. In some cases, your license can be provoked permanently in the extreme cases of not obeying your suspension. 

Not only that, but driving with a non-valid license is also an arrestable offense, so there is not much you can do in this case. You are driving without a valid license, fully aware of it, so all you can do is be honest and polite to the officer making the arrest and hope your punishment is not too great. 

PRO TIP: If you’re interested in learning about a first DWI in Louisiana, read this post!

Your Vehicle May Be Towed If You Are Driving Without A Driver’s License

This is not the case for every state, though if you live in a state like Louisiana, you will want to make sure you are checking up on the local laws. In some states, though, if you are pulled over without a driver’s license, you could have your vehicle towed and impounded, and you could find yourself in jail. 

This can happen even if you just happened to forget your driver’s license, so it is important you keep that in mind. Most states will not be too harsh if you forget your driver’s license, but other states may arrest you and impound your car, so always try to keep your driver’s license on you whenever you are going out to drive. 

You Are Driving With No License At All

This also tends to be a reasonably extreme offense. If you are caught driving without a license, such as a minor, you can find yourself arrested and typically charged a fine. You will probably receive a misdemeanor on your record, and you usually have your ability to acquire a license revoked for several years at the minimum.

It is an extreme punishment, but it is essential to remember to stay calm and polite and accept the penalty. You chose to drive without a license, and thus the only thing you can do is accept that. 

Conclusion:

Getting pulled over without a license is never a fun experience, and depending on why you have no license, the severity of the punishment will differ. If you have to go to court be sure to hire a reputable lawyer to defend your case.

Always try to have your license on you whenever you go driving, and research the laws for your area. You now know what to do if you get pulled over without a license in Louisiana.

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