What Happens When Driving Without a License in the U.S.?
Understanding the Legalities of Driver’s Licenses
In the United States, it is illegal to possess more than one valid driver’s license, whether from separate states or territories. The presence of multiple licenses can result in legal consequences, such as revocation or arrest. If an individual is caught driving without their license, they face significant penalties.
Consequences of Possessing Multiple Valid Licenses
One of the primary issues with having multiple valid driver's licenses is that it could lead to legal complications. If discovered by law enforcement or another state’s DMV, one or both licenses may be revoked. This can cause serious disruptions in one's ability to drive and may lead to various administrative challenges.
Driving Without a License
The general penalty for driving without a valid license is a citation and the vehicle being impounded at the scene. In most cases, the officer will not permit you to continue driving, even if you explain your situation, unless you are known personally by the officer or the circumstances are extremely unusual.
Driver’s licenses across the United States are required to be kept on one's person while driving. Failure to have a license on hand can result in immediate citations, which could include fines, points on your driving record, and in severe cases, criminal charges.
Handling the Situation Legally
If you have two valid licenses from different states, you can only be legally driving with one of them. When a person is caught driving without a license, the specifics of the situation dictate the outcome. Here are some key points to consider:
Revocation of Multiple Licenses
When authorities discover that a person has multiple valid licenses, they are likely to revoke one or both of the licenses. The process involves contacting the issuing state and informing them of the discovery. The conflicting license will be confiscated and then sent back to the issuing state for destruction.
What Happens at the Scene of a Traffic Stop
Upon being stopped by law enforcement and found to be driving without a valid license, the officer will issue a citation. Should you attempt to drive away without a license, the vehicle may be towed. This can lead to additional fines and complications in terms of retrieving the vehicle.
Furthermore, if you do not have any form of identification, the process of resolving the issue can be significantly delayed. Law enforcement may need to contact your DMV to confirm your identity and handle the necessary paperwork.
In some rare cases, if the officer deems you trustworthy and familiar with you, they may allow you to call a licensed driver to transport you home. However, this is not a guarantee and depends heavily on the officer's discretion.
Legality of Multiple Driver's Licenses
It is illegal to possess multiple valid driver’s licenses at any time, regardless of the circumstances. Each state has strict policies against dual licensing. If you are caught with multiple licenses, you will receive a citation and potentially face further legal action.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that only one valid license is being used for driving. If you move to another state, you will need to provide any previous state’s license to the new DMV for proper handling.
Conclusion
Driving without a valid license or possessing multiple valid licenses can lead to serious legal troubles. It is advisable to have only one valid license at a time and ensure it is kept on your person while driving. If you encounter issues related to multiple licenses or driving without one, it is best to consult with a legal professional to navigate the complexities of the situation.