Driving Without a License in Maryland
It can be easy to think that driving without a license won’t be a big deal – what are the chances you get pulled over, it’s only a quick trip, it was an urgent matter and there was no other choice. There are many reasons drivers get behind the wheel without a license, but the truth is that driving without a license or driving on a suspended license in Maryland can carry severe penalties.
In Maryland, you will face different charges depending on whether you’re driving without your license on you, if you’re driving on a suspended license, or if you’re driving as an unlicensed driver. The consequences of driving without a license can follow you for years, resulting in heavy fines, possible jail time, and even future penalties if or when you attempt to reinstate your license.
Know the risks and call for a consult today if you’ve been charged with driving without a license in Maryland. Our experienced traffic attorneys can assist in representation.
Traffic Violation Defense
What is Driving Without a License in Maryland
In Maryland, you can face different fines and jail time based on whether you’re driving as a licensed driver without your license on you, if you have a suspended license, or if you’re an unlicensed driver. It is important to know that all of these situations can result in fines and traffic violation tickets. Know before you get behind the wheel!
Driving Without Your License on You
Maryland law requires that all drivers operate a motor vehicle only when their license is on them. Failing to produce a valid license when asked, even if a licensed driver, can be considered a traffic violation and carry fines and penalties.
In most circumstances, you will be issued a must-appear ticket, which requires you to appear in court and produce your license. Even if the responding officer can look up your license status at the time of the traffic stop, you will still be required to appear in court. In most situations, a $50 fine is also issued.
Call Saller Law to ensure your rights are protected if you’ve been fined for driving without a license; we can review your case to ensure you are not charged with driving without a valid license, which carries minimum jail time and heavier fines. At Saller Law, our attorneys can consult on your case and ensure your rights are being protected.
Driving as an Unlicensed Driver
As an unlicensed driver in Maryland, you may face a criminal misdemeanor charge and possible jail time, even for a first offense. In some scenarios, an unlicensed driver may be someone under age, a new school student or military member, or a new Maryland resident. Failing to acquire the proper Maryland license upon moving to the state can result in charges related to driving without a license.
Penalties for driving without a license in Maryland include a maximum penalty of up to 60 days in jail and $500 in fines. There may also be additional consequences for driving without insurance.
An experienced traffic lawyer can help you fight your charges. Driving without a license can have multiple defense strategies based on your situation and Saller Law is here to help.
Driving With a Suspended License
Driving with a suspended license occurs when your driving privileges have been revoked by the state, likely due to too many traffic violations, shown as point accumulations. This is a more serious offense than driving without a license.
Your license may be suspended or revoked due to moving violations, criminal recklessness, failing to pay parking tickets or other traffic violation fines, failing to appear in court for a traffic violation, or due to a DUI arrest, to name a few common scenarios.
Driving with a suspended license is considered a criminal misdemeanor. It carries fines and penalties, as well as additional charges for driving without insurance, which includes additional penalties. Courts in Maryland consider driving on a suspended license as a direct defiance of an MVA order.
The penalties for driving with a suspended license vary; a suspended license due to a missed court date or failing to pay fines may have more lenient consequences, while a suspended license due to safety issues (DUIs, recklessness, etc.) has a higher likelihood of incurring the highest penalties. This may include up to $1,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, and additional license points or time tacked on to the suspense period. The penalties increase for subsequent offenses.
Penalties for Driving Without a License
Penalties vary based on being able to produce a valid license, being an unlicensed driver, or driving on a suspended or revoked license. Even first offenders can face jail time in some situations, and repeat offenders risk higher fines and longer jail time.
Possible Penalties Include:
- $50 fine and must-appear in court ticket for failing to produce a license as a licensed driver
- Criminal misdemeanor charge with up to 60 days in jail and $500 fine for driving without a license
- Criminal misdemeanor charge with up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine for driving on a suspended or revoked license
- Extended suspension or additional license points for driving on a suspended license
- Fines related to driving without insurance
- Points added at the time of trying to reinstate or acquire a valid driver’s license in Maryland
How an Experienced Traffic Attorney Can Help
Understanding the penalties and charges for driving without a license in Maryland can be complex. It varies based on your current license status, if you’re new to the state of Maryland, and your criminal history. Failing to pay fines or appear in court can offer more lenient sentencing vs a revoked license due to an alcohol-related offense.
Our attorneys at Saller Law can help you understand your options. We will present defensive strategies related to your knowledge of having a suspended license, options for reducing fines and jail times, and how to ensure your driving privileges are protected moving forward.
Contact Saller Law Today
Do not risk fines, jail time, or heavy penalties that stay on your criminal record or driving record. Call for a consult today to learn what your options are. With our knowledge of Maryland traffic laws and what options are available to you, we can consult on a defensive strategy to protect your rights and privileges.
Learn more, call today. Based in Baltimore, MD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I’m licensed but forgot my license during a traffic stop?
If you are a licensed driver but cannot produce your license when stopped, you may receive a must-appear ticket requiring you to appear in court and show your license. In most cases, a $50 fine is also issued, even if the officer can verify your license status.
Is driving as an unlicensed driver a criminal offense in Maryland?
Yes. Driving as an unlicensed driver in Maryland is a criminal misdemeanor. Penalties can include up to 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500, even for a first offense, with additional consequences for being uninsured.
How serious is driving with a suspended license in Maryland?
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is considered a criminal misdemeanor and is treated more seriously than other license violations. Penalties can include up to $1,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, extended suspension periods, and increased penalties for repeat offenses.
How can a traffic lawyer help with a driving without a license charge?
An experienced traffic lawyer can review your license status, identify possible defenses, and work to reduce fines, jail time, or additional penalties. Attorneys at Saller Law help protect your driving privileges and guide you through Maryland traffic court requirements.