Consequences of Driving Without a Valid License

It is estimated that roughly seven million people operate a motor vehicle without a valid license. If you are found driving without a valid license, the severity of your punishment will depend on the circumstances. While simply forgetting to renew an expired license may result in a citation, driving on a suspended or revoked license may result in fines, license reinstatement fees, and potential incarceration.

The criminal defense attorneys at Parker & Bain in Gaffney, SC, have successfully defended countless clients who have been charged with driving without a license, and are more than happy to represent you. To learn more about your rights, do not hesitate to contact our office today.

Reasons Your License May Be Revoked in Gaffney, SC

The state of South Carolina assigns a points system for individuals who commit traffic violations. The type of license you hold will determine how many points you can accumulate before your license is suspended. For drivers who have a conditional or special restricted license, their license will be suspended after they have accumulated six points. Those who hold a regular driver’s license will have their driving privileges suspended after twelve points have been collected in two years.

Below, we discuss common traffic violations and the corresponding points that will be assigned to your license.

Speeding

A speeding violation may result in two, four, or six points being assigned to your license (depending on how fast you are traveling). If you are found speeding 25 miles per hour or faster over the speed limit, six points may be levied against your license.

Reckless Driving

Not only is reckless driving extremely dangerous, but it can also lead to license suspension and criminal charges. Common examples include weaving in and out of traffic, drag racing, and ignoring traffic signals. A first-time offender will have six points assigned to their license (placing them halfway to a license suspension). For a second offense, you will have your license suspended for three months (the standard amount of time).

Driving Without Insurance

The Palmetto State requires all motor vehicle operators to maintain insurance. If you are found driving without insurance, this can lead to license suspension until adequate insurance is obtained. This does not include the fines and potential jail time that may be imposed. To reinstate your license and registration, you may have to pay up to $400.

Penalties for Driving Without a License in South Carolina

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is vastly different than driving with an expired license (with the former being punished more severely). Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a misdemeanor offense in South Carolina. Under SC Code §56-1-460, a first-time offense is subject to a maximum $300 fine and 30 days in jail, a second-time offense to a $600 fine and sixty days in prison, and a third or subsequent offense to a $1,000 fine or 90 days imprisonment or 90 days of house arrest.

These penalties only apply if the first suspension did not involve an alcohol-related offense. If the first offense involves an alcohol-related offense, then a second offense is subject to six months in jail, with a third or subsequent offense punishable anywhere from six months to three years in prison. In contrast, driving with an expired license is considered a minor offense, subject to a citation. However, you may have the ticket dismissed if you renew your license within a week of it being issued.

While there is no disputing the seriousness of driving without a valid license, the fines alone should be considered punishment enough. No matter the traffic violation that you are facing, you deserve experienced representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome. That is what you are getting when you work with the Gaffney, SC, criminal defense lawyers at Parker & Bain, LLC. With over 20 years of combined experience, our legal team has mitigated the penalties for many drivers, helping them to return to the legal operation of their vehicles.

Caught Driving Without a License? Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Today

While driving without a license is penalized harshly in the Palmetto State, even the most responsible drivers may forget to renew their license at one time or another. Acquiring representation can make all the difference in avoiding prison time for driving on a suspended or revoked license. If you or a loved one has been pulled over for driving without a license, do not hesitate to speak with our criminal defense attorneys in Gaffney, SC. To schedule a consultation to discuss your situation with an attorney, contact Parker & Bain, LLC, online or by phone at (864) 252-2650.