If you get pulled over without your license on you, penalties may range from a simple warning to citations, fines, and more. The officer who pulls you over has fairly broad discretion to determine what happens, and part of the outcome likely depends on the reason you don’t have your license.
Keep reading below to learn more about what can happen if you get pulled over without your license.
Common Reasons for Not Having Your License on You
Have you ever hopped in your car for a quick trip to the corner store and forgotten to grab your driver’s license? Even for a short drive, Florida law generally requires you to have your license with you when operating a motor vehicle.
There are several reasons you might not have a license to show during a traffic stop. You may have simply forgotten it at home, or you may never have obtained a valid driver’s license in the first place.
These situations are not the same. Forgetting to carry an otherwise valid license is generally treated differently from driving when you do not have a valid license at all.
Overview of a Typical Traffic Stop
Most traffic stops follow the same general process, so if you get pulled over and you don’t have your license, here is what you can expect. The officer usually starts by asking for your license, insurance, and registration. If you don’t have your license on you, they will need to ask for additional information to verify your identity.
This may include your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Social security number
- Address
- Driver’s license number (if you know it)
If the officer can verify your identity, they may let you off with just a warning for not having your license. If your identity cannot be verified, you may be detained further until an additional investigation can be conducted. More than likely, you will not be released until your identity is verified and the officer can be certain of who you are.
Potential Penalties for Driving Without a License
The consequences of driving without a license depend on the circumstances. There is an important difference between having a valid driver’s license but forgetting to carry it and driving without a valid license at all.
If you do not have a valid license, possible consequences may include:
- Fines and court costs
- Criminal charges in some circumstances
- Possible jail time
- Additional penalties for repeat offenses
- Restrictions on your ability to obtain or reinstate a license
If you have a valid license but simply do not have it with you, the consequences may be less serious. An officer may issue a warning or citation, and you may be able to resolve the matter by later providing proof that you had a valid license at the time of the traffic stop.
The exact consequences will depend on the circumstances and applicable state law.
What to Do After an Accident With an Unlicensed Driver
If you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have a license, it is important that you follow the steps below to protect your legal rights.
After the accident, you should:
- Immediately call 911 to notify the police and report the accident
- Get medical treatment right away for any injuries
- Take photos of all the vehicles as well as your injuries
- If possible, get a name, address, and phone number from the other driver (if they are uncooperative, just let the police handle it)
- Notify your insurance company of the accident
- Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help
If the other driver was at fault, they could be responsible for both your economic damages and non-economic damages. Call a lawyer to schedule a free consultation and let us help you get the justice you deserve.
Contact a Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If an unlicensed driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and the surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167