What is the Penalty for Driving Without a License in Texas?

In the state of Texas, getting caught driving without a license is a serious offense under Section 521.025 of the Texas Transportation Code. This law stipulates that every motorist must have a valid driver’s license while operating a motor vehicle.

How to Get a Texas Driver’s License

To obtain a Texas driver’s license, an individual must first pass a written exam that covers road rules, traffic signs, and driving safety. Following this, a driving skills test must be successfully completed under the supervision of an examiner.

The application process also requires providing:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or lawful presence
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Texas residency
• Social Security Number
• Evidence of current Texas Vehicle Registration for all vehicles you own
• Proof of insurance for all owned vehicles (or a statement affirming none are owned)

Who Needs a Texas Driver’s License?

Any Texas resident who plans to operate a motor vehicle must have a valid driver’s license. This includes both adult drivers and teenagers under the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. Non-residents who have moved to Texas have 90 days to convert their out-of-state license to a Texas driver’s license. Ignoring this requirement and driving without a license can lead to severe penalties, as stipulated in Section 521.025 of the Tex. Trans. Code.

The Consequences for Driving Without a License in Texas

Driving without a license can range from an administrative offense to a Class A misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances and number of violations within a 12-month period. For a first offense, the maximum fine is $200. In cases where an unlicensed driver causes an accident resulting in injury or death, the maximum fine increases to $4,000, and they may face up to one year of imprisonment.

The penalties for violation vary depending on the circumstances.

• First-time Offenders:  A first-time offender may be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $200.
• Second-time Offenders (within 12 months of the first offense):  A second offense carries a similar penalty to the first, a misdemeanor with a fine of $25 to $200.
• Third-time Offenders (within 12 months of the second offense):  A third offense can lead to a fine of $25 to $500, 72 hours to 6 months in county jail, or both.
• Offenders At Fault for an Accident that Causes Serious Bodily Injury or Death, and are Without Liability Insurance:  The penalties for causing a collision while driving without a license and without liability insurance increase significantly if the incident results in serious bodily injury or death. These offenders can be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both (Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 12.21).

What Can Cause My License to Be Suspended or Revoked?

Texas has the authority to either suspend or revoke a driver’s license through a variety of legal or administrative procedures, as detailed in the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (TDPS) Driver License Enforcement Actions. Some examples of suspension or revocation actions include:

• Mandatory Suspension:  Multiple offenses can lead to automatic license suspension, such as DWI, drug violations, street racing, failure to halt for school buses, and use of a counterfeit license.
• Administrative Suspension:  Drivers involved in a serious accident or repeatedly breaching Texas traffic laws may have their license suspended or revoked by the TDPS after a hearing.
• Suspension for Drivers Under 21:  Drivers under 21 convicted of a drug or alcohol offense will face an automatic suspension of their driving privileges for 18 months.
• Administrative License Revocation (ALR):  Refusal or failure to pass a blood alcohol or breathalyzer test can result in a license revocation.
• Court-Ordered Suspension: Courts can order a license suspension if they determines a driver is mentally unfit, a drug addict, or has a child support lien.

Who Can Be Denied a Driver License in Texas?

In Texas, not everyone is eligible for a driver’s license. Certain circumstances or violations may lead to the denial of a driver license application. Here are a few notable instances:

• Minors without Parental Consent:  Minors who apply for a driver license but lack the required parental consent or do not complete a driver education course may be denied a license.
• Offenders with Unpaid Fines or Fees:  Individuals with unpaid fines, fees, or surcharges related to traffic offenses may not obtain a license until these are settled.
• Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions:  Some medical conditions that can impair safe driving, such as certain types of epilepsy or severe vision impairment, may result in a denial.
• Persons with Certain Mental Health Conditions:  Conditions that could potentially impair one’s ability to drive safely, such as severe forms of mental illness, may lead to a driver license denial.
• Individuals with Substance Abuse Issues:  A history of substance abuse or related offenses could result in a denial.
• Negligent Operators:  Drivers who have demonstrated negligence or disregard for the safety of others on the road may be denied a license.
• Repeat Traffic Offenders:  Drivers who have repeatedly violated traffic laws or have multiple suspensions or revocations on record may be denied a license.

It’s important to understand these guidelines to avoid any complications when applying for a driver license in Texas.

Contact Thompson Law if You Were Injured in an Accident With an Unlicensed Driver

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an unlicensed driver, do not hesitate to reach out to Thompson Law. Our team of experienced legal professionals is dedicated to supporting you through this challenging time.

Understanding your rights and the complexities of legal proceedings can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with the aftermath of an accident. That’s why we provide FREE CONSULTATIONS to help you navigate your situation and explore your legal options. Contact us today and let us guide you towards the justice you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Driving Without a License in Texas

Are There Different Types of Offenses Related to Driving Without a License?

Yes. In Texas, the law distinguishes two primary offenses concerning unlicensed driving:

• Driving Without a License: Driving without ever securing a license or after the expiration of a license.
• Driving While License Invalid (DWLI): Driving when your license has been suspended, revoked, denied, or cancelled (Section 521.457 of the Tex. Trans. Code).

What if I Have a Valid License, But Left it at Home?

If you have a valid Texas driver’s license but happen to leave it at home, you may still face penalties under Texas traffic laws. Legally, you are required to have your driver’s license in your possession while operating a motor vehicle.

If stopped by law enforcement and you cannot produce a driver’s license, you can be cited for “Driving Without a License on Person,” which is a Class C misdemeanor and usually comes with a fine. However, if you can later provide proof to the court that you had a valid license at the time of the stop, the judge has the discretion to dismiss the charge after you pay a $10 administrative fee.

What if My License Expired and I Forgot to Renew it?

If your license expired and you forgot to renew it, it is still considered illegal to drive without a valid license in Texas. The penalties for this offense are the same as those listed above. However, if you renew your expired license and provide proof to the court, there may be leniency and the charges could be reduced or even dismissed.

What if My License Was Suspended or Revoked?

If you find yourself in any of the following situations, be aware of the penalties involved:

• Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License:  Engaging in driving while your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or even after your application to renew has been denied, is considered a Class C misdemeanor in Texas. This violation can attract a fine of up to $500.
• Previous Violations or DUI Convictions:  If you’ve already been caught driving with a suspended or revoked license, or if your license was previously suspended due to a DUI conviction, the penalties become more severe. You may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, which carries fines of up to $2,000 and a potential jail sentence of up to 6 months.
• No Proof of Vehicle Insurance:  If you cannot provide proof of insurance for your vehicle, this can also escalate the charges to a Class B misdemeanor.
• Causing an Accident while Uninsured:  If you’re uninsured and cause an accident resulting in injuries to others, the charges can be escalated even further. You may face a Class C misdemeanor charge, which could lead to fines of up to $4,000 and one year in jail.

What if I am Driving Without a License and Another Drivers Crashes into Me?

If you are an unlicensed driver in a car accident but are not at-fault, the situation can be complex. Even though you didn’t cause the accident, driving without a valid license is still illegal in Texas. In such a case, the fault may be assigned to the other driver for the accident, but you can still face the legal consequences of driving without a license (as detailed above).

It is also worth noting that your insurance company may deny your claim for damages to your vehicle due to your violation of the law by driving without a license. These complications illustrate why it is crucial to always maintain a valid driver’s license when operating a vehicle.