What Happens If You Drive Without a License in Pennsylvania?

There's a reason why drivers are required to apply for a license. It shows that they put in the time and effort to learn the laws of their state — and that they know how to safely operate a motor vehicleSafe Driving. If you try to take a shortcut and drive without one in Pennsylvania, you're in for some major consequences. 

What Happens If You Drive Without a License in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is very clear that only those with a valid driver's licenseLicense Checklist For Pa Drivers Ed Blog can operate any type of motor vehicle — both on highways How To Merge On A Highway Safe Drivingand public property. If you get caught driving without having ever gotten your license, you'll be fined $200Legis LI ConsCheck.cfm?chpt=15&div=0&sctn=1&subsctn=0&ttl=75&txtType=HTM CfdocsLegis LI ConsCheck.cfm?chpt=15&div=0&sctn=1&subsctn=0&ttl=75&txtType=HTM Cfdocs once you're found guilty of this summary offense. 

Of course, the consequences change depending on the type of infraction. You may face increased fines, suspension, or jail time depending on the severity of the act. 

Driving With an Expired License

If you can provide proof that you let your license expire within one year from the renewal date, the fine is reduced to $25Legis LI ConsCheck.cfm?chpt=15&div=0&sctn=1&subsctn=0&ttl=75&txtType=HTM CfdocsLegis LI ConsCheck.cfm?chpt=15&div=0&sctn=1&subsctn=0&ttl=75&txtType=HTM Cfdocs.

In Pennsylvania, licenses expire every four yearsPayment Pages Payments And Fees Page.aspx Information Centers on the day after your birthday. So maybe consider it an early birthday present to yourself to get your license renewed before you get caught on the road without a valid one!

You Have an Issue with Your License

If you're driving without a license for any of these reasons and get pulled overWhat Are Your Rights When You Get Pulled Over Blog, you may not face any consequences:

• You forgot your license at home.

• You lost your license.

• Your license was stolen.

• Your license was destroyed

• Your license is illegible.

All you have to do is provide proof that you hold a valid license to the authority who issued you a citation within 15 days of committing the violation. If your license is lost, stolen, or destroyed, get it replaced as soon as possible at your local DMVDmv Find A Location.html Agencies to avoid any issues in the first place.

Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License

It's one thing to drive around after misplacing your license, but if your license was suspended or revokedWhats The Difference Between A Revoked License And A Suspended License Blog, you could face major penalties if you get pulled over. The fines start at $200 for getting caught with a suspended license along with an additional year being added on to your suspensionLegis Li UconsCheck.cfm?yr=2017&sessInd=0&act=30 Cfdocs. If you drive with a revoked license and get caught, it'll be at least another two years until you can even think about getting back on the road. 

If your license was suspended due to driving under the influence, that changes everything. You'll be hit with a $1,000 fine and a minimum of 90 days in jail62 2011 Docs Pdf Ca020112appendixe.pdf Assembly. If you add in the crime of disabling a built-in breathalyzer to start your car, the fine jumps to $2,000.

Get Your Driver's License in Pennsylvania

It's not smart to skip out on getting your driver's license or trying to drive on a suspended license. Not only will you have missed out on all of the driver's education, but you need the experience of the hours of behind-the-wheel training. Aceable provides you with all of the information you need to pass your test, which is now even accessible through our Android and iPhone apps.