What happens if you get pulled over without your license on you in Louisiana? If you are caught driving without a valid driver’s license in Louisiana, you may receive a citation during the traffic stop. A police officer can issue a fine and possibly require you to appear in court to prove you have a valid driver’s license. If you are an unlicensed driver or are driving with a suspended license, the penalties can be more severe. It’s important to show that you are legally allowed to operate a motor vehicle if you are operating a motor vehicle without a valid license on your person. Consulting with Baton Rouge traffic ticket attorneys or Baton Rouge suspended license attorneys can help you determine the best course of action to protect your driving record. Always ensure you have your licensed driver credentials with you to avoid these complications.
Don’t hesitate to reach out; call 225-343-1111 to arrange a free consultation with the Law Offices of Ossie Brown today.
Penalty for Driving Without a License in Louisiana
Louisiana law recognizes several categories of driver’s license offenses, each with its own set of penalties and consequences. There are two main categories of offenses regarding driving without a license: correctable offenses and willful violations.
Penalty for Driving Without a License on Your Person in Louisiana
A licensed driver who was caught driving without a valid license on their person is subject to a fine of $119 and present proof that you have a valid license. However, under Louisiaa’s Wallet Program, drivers can show proof and confirm they are legally allowed to operate a motor vehicle using their cell phone.
Penalty for Driving With an Expired License in Louisiana
If a person is pulled over with an expired license, they are subject to a $119 fine and must present proof they they did obtain a valid license. If the person does not correct the expired license violation, they must come to court.
Penalty for Driving With a Suspended License in Louisiana
Driving on a restricted, revoked, or suspended license is a misdemeanor offense.
Jail: The driver will face up to 6 months in jail. There is no minimum sentence unless your license was suspended because of 2 or more DWI convictions.
Fines: CDL drivers will face fines of up to $5,000. If your license was suspended due to 2 or more DWI convictions, the fine is a minimum of $300. The judge can also add additional penalties for DWI suspensions.
Suspension: Your current suspension will be extended for an additional year.
If you have been caught driving a commercial motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, consult with our experienced Baton Rouge CDL ticket lawyers.
Penalty for Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License in Louisiana (Unlicensed Driver)
Operating a vehicle without ever having been issued a valid driver’s license is a serious violation that can lead to criminal charges. This criminal offense is taken very seriously and can have long-term consequences on an individual’s ability to obtain a driver’s license in the future.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid License in Louisiana: First Offense
If caught driving without a valid driver’s license for the first time, you can get up to 6 months in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
For first offenses, the unlicensed driver can expect to pay a $300 fine and potentially spend 5 days minimum in jail. The judge may expect the unlicensed driver to perform community service work. Those caught driving without a valid license can also face a
You’ll also face license suspension for up to 6 months suspended license.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid License in Louisiana: Second Offense
When an unlicensed driver is caught driving without a valid license the second time, the consequences increase, with penalties of up to 1 year in jail and up to a $2,000 fine. The mandatory minimum for second offenses is 10 days of jail time, a $500 fine, and a license suspension for 6 months.
Judges may choose to suspend a person’s license for up to 2 years.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid License in Louisiana: Subsequent Offenses
If an unlicensed driver is caught driving without a valid license three or more times, they’ll spend a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail and $500 in fines. The maximum penalty for subsequent offenses is up to 5 years incarceration and a $5,000 fine.
The driver’s license will most likely be suspended for at least one year. Judges can impose additional penalties, such as house arrest, community service, ignition interlock devices, and motor vehicle impoundment.
Penalties for Driving Without a Class D or E License in Louisiana
Penalties typically constitute a misdemeanor offense. An unlicensed driver may face up to:
- 6 months of jail time,
- $500 fine
If the commercial license was suspended or revoked due to a DUI, the unlicensed driver faces a mandatory minimum of 7 days of jail time. Drunk drivers – especially after committing second or third offenses – may also face possible license suspension, possible license plate impoundment, and/or community service hours.
If you’ve been charged with drinking and driving, contact our experienced Baton Rouge DUI lawyer team.
Penalties for Driving Without a Class A, B, or C License in Louisiana
Class A, B, or C licenses are generally associated with commercial licenses in Louisiana. Given the professional nature of these licenses, penalties are more severe. Offenders may face up to:
- 6 months in jail,
- $5,000 fine
- license suspension
Additionally, if a driver’s license is suspended due to second or subsequent offenses for DUI, they are subject to a minimum fine of $300. Judges can add additional fines or penalties.
Due to the severity of penalties for commercial vehicle drivers, especially if they have also committed a DUI, it’s crucial to consult with a Baton Rouge CDL ticket lawyer.
Is the LA Wallet App a Valid Form of ID When Operating a Motor Vehicle?
The LA Wallet app is a smartphone app that contains:
- driver’s license
- LDWF license
- SMART health card
- Medicaid Health plan card
- Concealed handgun permit
The digital version of your driver’s license on LA Wallet is recognized as a valid form of ID. So, if you forget your physical license and are pulled over at a traffic stop by law enforcement, you can present the digital version on LA Wallet. To avoid potential fines and penalties associated with driving without a license on your person, it’s smart to download the LA Wallet app on your phone.
Is It Illegal to Drive Without a License in Louisiana?
Yes, it is illegal to drive without a valid driver’s license in Louisiana. The law requires all drivers to have a valid license issued by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles or another authorized entity. Driving without a license, whether due to forgetting it at home, losing it, or never having obtained one, is a violation of state law.
Can You Go to Jail for Driving Without a License in Louisiana?
Yes, driving without a license in Louisiana can potentially lead to jail time as one of the penalties. For first-time offenders, particularly non-commercial drivers, who may have simply forgotten their wallet, are less likely to face such severe consequences.
However, an unlicensed driver will experience car insurance issues, since most auto insurance companies are less likely to insure those who have been caught numerous times driving without a license. Driving without auto insurance in Louisiana brings another host of penalties and consequences, especially if a person driving without auto insurance is involved in a car accident.
To learn more about what happens if a person without auto insurance causes a car accident, and is it illegal to not have car insurance in Louisiana, be sure to contact a Baton Rouge uninsured motorist attorney.
Can You Drive By Yourself With a Permit in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, being caught driving with only a learner’s permit and without the presence of a licensed driver in the vehicle is a violation of Louisiana law. This can lead to substantial fines. While the exact amount of the fine can vary depending on the specific circumstances, an unlicensed driver with only a driver’s permit can expect a fine of up to $500.
Baton Rouge Traffic Ticket Attorneys
Louisiana penalties can be harsh for those caught driving without a license. Driving without a valid driver’s license in Louisiana can lead to hefty fines, jail time, and a loss of job opportunities in certain circumstances. Whether you were driving over the speed limit, received a DUI charge, or caused injury in a collision, our Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyers can help. Contact the Baton Rouge traffic ticket attorneys today at 225-343-1111 to schedule a consultation.
