Penalties for Driving Without a License in Pennsylvania

From leaving the house without your ID to losing your wallet, there are various ways to wind up behind the wheel without a license. If you are driving without your license in Pennsylvania and subsequently stopped, you could be charged with a summary offense.

Drivers charged with driving without a license in Pennsylvania face up to $200 in fines for a first offense. But, if you have a valid license, can produce it within 15 days, or prove that you were licensed at the time, you likely won’t be convicted.

Accused of Driving Without a License in PA? Our Attorneys Can Help

At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC, we’ve helped countless individuals deal with driving without a license situations correctly. Our Pittsburgh defense lawyers know traffic offenses can complicate your life, and what it takes to fix these issues.

If you’ve been charged with driving without a license, call one us today at (412) 281-2146 for a free consult. We can help reinstate your license, handle PennDot issues, and ensure a summary offense doesn’t hurt your driving record or increase your insurance premiums.

Is Driving Without A License Illegal in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania law, no person “shall drive any motor vehicle unless the person has a driver’s license […].”

When someone violates this law, he or she may be charged with driving without a license. This is a summary offense, punishable by $25 to $200.

Most drivers who are charged with driving without a license fall into one of two categories:

Not carrying your license

In cases where you simply forgot your license or it was recently lost or stolen, you likely won’t face any criminal charges if you produce your license to a Magisterial District Court within 15 days, or if you provide evidence that you were licensed at the time. In these cases, you will still have to pay a $25 fine.

Driving without a license

In cases where you drove without a license and you did not have a license because it was revoked, you may be charged and face up to $200 in fines. It’s a smart idea to contact an experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney if you fall into this category.

Criminal Charges for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

Driving on a suspended or revoked license in Pennsylvania can lead to severe consequences, especially if the suspension or revocation is related to a DUI.

While many cases of driving on a suspended or revoked license are considered summary offenses and carry a fine of up to $200 with no jail time, DUI-related suspensions are treated much more harshly.

If you’re caught driving during a DUI-related suspension or revocation, you could face:
• A $500 fine and 60 to 90 days in jail for a first offense.
• A $1,000 fine and at least 90 days in jail for a second offense.
• A $2,500 fine and at least six months in jail for a third or subsequent offense.

Additionally, any conviction for driving on a suspended or revoked license will typically result in an extended period of suspension or revocation.

Can You Reinstate Your License?

After the suspension or revocation period ends, getting your license back isn’t always straightforward.

You’ll usually need to pay a reinstatement fee, which could be $70 or $88, depending on the circumstances.

There may also be other requirements you’ll need to meet before you can legally drive again. It’s crucial to address these issues promptly to avoid further legal complications.

How Our Experienced Pittsburgh Traffic Lawyers Can Help

At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, we know that driving is a necessity in Pennsylvania. Whether you’ve just been charged with driving without a license or have been charged multiple times, contact us for help getting back behind the wheel.

Driving without a license in Pittsburgh should not be taken lightly, and it can lead to a lot more than a $200 fine. A summary offense is a permanent mark on your criminal record, and damaging your driving record can affect your job and raise your insurance rates.

Our experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys have helped numerous individuals deal with driving without a license issues the right way. For a free, initial consultation, call us at (412) 281-2146 today.