In Ohio and throughout the United States, you are required to maintain a valid driver’s license to operate motor vehicles or motorcycles. A driver’s license ensures that you are aware of the laws and regulations around driving privileges and that you agree to observe them. It also provides a form of valid identification for employment, education, and other instances where photo identification is required.
You can be charged with operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle without a valid license under Ohio Revised Code 4510.12. This code section states that with few exceptions, no person shall operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle upon a public road, highway, public property, or private property used by the public for travel or parking unless he or she has a valid driver’s license.
The penalties you face if charged with driving without a valid license will depend on a few factors, including whether or not you have ever possessed a valid driver’s license and if you have had prior driving without a license offense on your record. Don’t hesitate to contact a Columbus traffic defense lawyer if you are ticketed for driving without a license. This offense does not carry any points.
Offense
Level |
Degree |
Jail/C.S.* |
Fines |
Class 7
Suspension |
Vehicle
Immobilized |
Vehicle
Forfeited |
Impound Plates
Req’d |
Never Licensed
RC 4510.12(C)(1)
1st Offense Anytime |
Unclassified
Misdemeanor |
0-500 hours C.S. |
$0-1000 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
2nd+ Offense
Anytime |
M-1 |
0-180 days |
$0-1000 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Expired License
RC 4510.12(C)(2)
1st/2nd in 3 Years |
MM |
No |
$0-1000 |
Optional |
No |
No |
No |
3rd or More
in 3 Years |
M-1 |
0-180 days |
$0-1000 |
Optional |
No |
No |
No |
* C.S. denotes community service. If not specified, it refers to jail time.
Our Columbus Traffic Ticket Lawyers May Be Able to Help You Regain Driving Privileges
If you have been charged with driving under suspension or operating a vehicle without a license, you’re probably wondering what your options are. Contact the Columbus driving under suspension lawyers at LHA today. The team at Luftman, Heck & Associates has years of experience handling these types of cases and winning optimal outcomes for our clients. Call a Columbus criminal defense lawyer today for a free consultation. To contact us, call us at (614) 500-3836 or email us via advice@columbuscriminalattorney.com.
