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Driving Without A License In Maryland

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Driving Without A License In Maryland

Many people fail to realize that driving without a license in Maryland is an arrestable traffic offense. This charge is also much more than just failing to produce your license. Meaning when you drive without a valid driver’s license, the offense is treated much more seriously than simply forgetting your license at home. Violating this statute is a criminal misdemeanor offense that can pave the way for a criminal record, even if you have never before run into trouble with the law. if you’re caught driving without a valid license in Baltimore, a guilty conviction can lead to harsh fines and even jail time. If you’ve recently been arrested for driving without a license in Maryland, or been in a car accident while driving without a license, be sure to contact an experienced Baltimore traffic lawyer right away to protect your rights and your driving privilege. Hyatt & Goldbloom routinely represents those who are facing serious traffic infractions and have the resources to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Call our office today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.

What Are The Laws For Driving Without A License In Maryland?

Although the crime of driving without a license in Baltimore may seem straightforward, there are set guidelines that highlight whether someone is or is guilty. According to §16-101 of the Maryland Transportation Code, no individual may drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on any highway in Maryland unless:

  • They have a driver’s license
  • They are expressly exempt from the licensing requirement
  • They are specifically authorized to drive vehicles of the class that they are driving

Penalties For Driving Without a License In Maryland

Driving with a suspended license and driving without a license in Maryland are two different scenarios. A person driving with no license means that they do not have one on their person at the time they were pulled over, or do not possess one entirely. On the other hand, driving with a suspended license means that the license is out of service and cannot be used for a period of time. Driving without a license is an offense that can land a person in jail. Licenses suspensions and driving without a license in Maryland would both be considered a “must appear ticket.” In any case, either of these charges is serious and you must be proactive when building your defense. It’s highly recommended that you speak with an experienced Baltimore traffic lawyer to help you better understand your rights and how to best approach your defense. The penalties associated with driving without a license in Baltimore include imprisonment and fines in the hundreds of dollars. You could potentially be sentenced to:

  • A fine of up to $500
  • Incarceration for up to 60 days in jail
  • 5 points against your driver’s license.

Second Offense Driving Without A License In Maryland

A second offense of driving without a license in Maryland can lead to even more severe penalties, including the following:

  • Incarceration for up to 1 year in jail
  • An additional fine of up to $500

MVA Points For Driving Without A License In Baltimore

In addition to the criminal penalties associated with driving without a license in Baltimore, there are also serious administrative penalties that can seriously damage your driving record. Administrative penalties for driving without a license or on a revoked license can include the following MVA points:

  • Refused licenses: 12 MVA points.
  • Canceled licenses: 12 MVA points.
  • Suspended License Generally: 12 MVA points.
  • Revoked licenses: 12 MVA points.
  • Licenses canceled by other states: 12 MVA points.
  • Licenses suspended by other states: 12 MVA points.
  • Licenses revoked by other states: 12 MVA points
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Maryland Vehicle Law Under Code §16-303

  • (a) Refused licenses. – A person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway or on any property specified in § 21-101.1 of this article while the person’s license or privilege to drive is refused in this State of any other State.
  • (b) Canceled licenses. – A person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway or on any property specified in § 21-101.1 of this article while the person’s license or privilege to drive is canceled in this State.
  • (c) Suspended License Generally. – A person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway or any property specified in § 21-101.1 of this article while the person’s license or privilege to drive is suspended in this State.
  • (d) Revoked licenses. – A person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway or on any property specified in § 21-101.1 of this article while the person’s license or privilege to drive is revoked in this State.
  • (e) Licenses canceled by other states. – A person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway or on any property specified in § 21-101.1 of this article while the person’s license issued by any other state is canceled.
  • (f) Licenses suspended by other states. – A person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway or on any property specified in § 21-101.1 of this article while the person’s license issued by any other state is suspended.
  • (g) Licenses revoked by other states. – A person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway or on any property specified in § 21-101.1 of this article while the person’s license issued by any other state is revoked.
  • (h) Licenses suspended under certain provisions of article. – A person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway or on any property specified in § 21-101.1 of this article while the person’s license or privilege to drive is suspended under § 17-106, § 26-204, § 26-206, or § 27-103 of this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Considered Driving Without A License?

Driving without a license in Maryland is a violation of vehicle law statute § 16-101. Essentially, this law states that you may not even attempt to drive a motor vehicle without a valid Maryland driver’s license. Additionally, violating this law is a criminal misdemeanor in Maryland, not a felony. Many fail to realize being convicted of this crime is a jailable offense, even with no prior criminal record. However, if you’ve been pulled over without proof of a physical license but do have a valid license, the penalties are different and tend to be much less severe.

What Are The Penalties For Driving Without A License In Maryland?

Even if it’s your first offense, driving without a license in Baltimore can result in serious penalties. For example, you could face a fine of $500, 5 points on your license, and even up to 60 days in jail. However, a. second offense can be even more serious. You could face a punishment of 1 year in jail and an additional $500 fine. Not to mention, penalties and fines increase if you’ve been charged with additional crimes in the past.

What If My License Was Suspended Or Revoked?

Driving with a suspended or a revoked license is a different charge but no less serious than driving without a license. In Maryland, the fines for driving with a suspended license can cost up to $1,000, up to 1 year in jail, and cause your license to be fully revoked. Driving while revoked carries the same jail time & fines, not to mention making it even harder to get your license reinstated. If you’re facing suspended license charges, be sure to call Hyatt & Goldbloom to learn more about how we can help you.

Caught Driving Without A License In Maryland? Call Hyatt & Goldbloom

If you’re facing charges of driving without a license in Baltimore, Hyatt & Goldbloom will fight for you. By investigating the facts of your case, we can craft a defense strategy that can help you avoid criminal penalties and maintain a clean driving record. Our Baltimore traffic lawyers have extensive experience and a successful track record of helping motorists like you mitigate or completely eliminate the charges brought against you. Contact Hyatt & Goldbloom today for a free consultation.