6 Consequences Of Not Having A Driver’s License

I know it’s tempting to get behind the wheel and reel a car in any direction you like. The adrenaline rush of driving a car is great. Many people like to try a hand at driving. But if one does so without the proper documentation, there are dire consequences. 

There are many reasons that one might not have a driver’s license. It might be because you failed a driving test or didn’t take one in the first place. Sometimes, the license expires, and other times it gets revoked due to DUIs or other offenses.

In that case, one should avoid driving any automobile. Besides being completely illegal, it can also cost you a lot of money and precious time. You cannot even claim insurance if your car gets damaged. If you want, you can apply for auto insurance for unlicensed drivers so that at least you can get some money if your car suffers damage. 

Today, we will discuss the consequences of not having a driver’s license. So, fasten your seatbelt, and let’s go on this drive.

• Table of Contents

  Toggle

  You Can Lose A Lot Of Money

There’s a hefty amount of money you’ll have to pay if you get fined for driving without a license. To give you an idea, the fine for not having a license ranges from $150 to $10,000. With that big amount on the thread, I don’t think this is a risk you should be willing to take. Also, this is only the case if you’re being fined the first time. If this is not your first time for an offense, you might end up paying even more than that. 

It’s not always about the fine, you can even face jail time for driving without a driver’s license. In that case, you need to hire a lawyer, which is more money lost from your end. Plus, you’ll also have to deal with the consequences of your serving time.

• It Might Add A Mark On Your Permanent Record

If you are let go after paying a fine, it might not seem that extreme. But keep in mind, if you get pulled up and don’t have a driver’s license, you can face serious charges from misdemeanor to felony. You can also face jail time for the same. 

Depending on the state laws, this might add a mark on your permanent record. For example, driving around without a license is considered a third-degree felony in Florida. So, the extremity of your punishment depends on where you live. But it is illegal everywhere.

• You Can Lose Your Vehicle

This is also a possible and serious consequence that one should consider. Many state laws call for vehicle impoundment if driving unlicensed or with a revoked or suspended license. Whether the impoundment will be temporary or permanent differs from state to state or your previous record.

If it is temporary, you still have to pay a hefty amount to take back your vehicle. If it is permanent, then there’s hardly anything you can do. Losing your vehicle is a big setback and should be avoided at all costs. 

• You Might Have To Redo Your Registration

If your vehicle gets impounded and you are lucky that it is temporary, there are still a lot of problems that await you. After you pay the fine, you may face revocation of your vehicle registration by the DMV.

In that case, you might redo your vehicle registration all over again. So, you need more money and wait for even more to get your vehicle back on the road. Unless you register your vehicle, your beloved car has to wait at the DMV.

• You Might Face Extended Suspension For Your License

If you get charged for driving without a valid driver’s license, you may never be able to get one. In states where this is a second-degree felony, you might not be able to get a license for about three years. 

In states where this is a third-degree felony, you may face a permanent license suspension. This means that you may never be able to drive a vehicle again. So, if you feel that you can rush anywhere without serious consequences, think again.

• Your Insurance Rates Will Go Up

This may not seem as dire as the other consequences; it’s still a problem you should worry about. If you have been charged for not having a valid license, then it might become tough for you to get good insurance.

This may make you look like a risk-taker, a big no-no for insurance companies. This may narrow down your choices for good insurance companies. Even if you find a decent insurance plan, the rates will be high for you. So, maybe don’t take too big a risk.

If you love driving, then you should also check which cars you should buy for yourself.

Time To Get A Driving License!

Finally, I’d like to add that driving without a valid driver’s license is not a smart thing to do. You should avoid doing that, and I might add, at all costs. This is because the consequences you’ll have to follow are not short of serious. So, take care and drive safely!