Like the rest of Pennsylvania, Montgomery County requires most motorists to have valid driver’s licenses. According to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 75 Section 1501, you typically cannot drive on public properties and highways without a valid state license.
However, if you get caught without a license while driving here, you can contest the violation. A Montgomery County driving without a license lawyer from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. can help you dispute the matter. We can employ a host of legal strategies to reduce your penalties or get the case dropped altogether.
Not Carrying a License vs. Driving with an Invalid License
When assessing your situation, our team will first assess whether:
- You have a valid license but forgot to carry it when driving.
- You lost your license, or it was stolen, but you were in the process of getting a replacement.
- You do not have a valid driver’s license. For example, the license may have already been revoked or suspended, but you continued driving. You may have never been verified by the state to drive at all.
Distinguishing your category will determine the penalties you could face if the license violation stays uncontested.
Penalties for Driving Without a License in Montgomery County
The consequences of your alleged traffic violation ultimately depend on your situation, including your driving history and the reason for your lack of a license. Consider the following to learn which penalties may apply:
If Your License Is Invalid/Non-existent
If you were caught driving a vehicle with a revoked, suspended, or invalid driver’s license, you could face:
- A fine of $200
- A summary offense charge
You could face additional charges based on your driving history. For instance, if you did not have a license because of a DUI, this could compound the charges against you.
If You did Not Carry a Valid License
The law gives you more leeway if you have a valid license that you, for example, failed to bring with you when you were stopped by law enforcement. The same is true if your driver’s license has recently been lost, stolen, or destroyed.
In these instances, you would be able to present your license to the Montgomery Magisterial District Court within 15 days to have the charges dismissed. If you cannot present the license, you would need to prove in another way that it was still valid when you were stopped.
Our team understands that this process can quickly get confusing. A lawyer from our team can navigate the bureaucratic red tape and uphold your legal rights. We will examine the reason for your lack of a license, then build a strategy in your defense.
Other Consequences of Driving Without Your License
Being convicted of a traffic crime is no small matter. You may just want to pay the fine and forget the whole thing ever happened. However, in addition to facing fines, you could also deal with:
Points on Your Driver’s License
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) operates on a point system when it comes to traffic infractions. Once you get six points on your license, you could lose your driving privileges for a certain period. You may also have to retake driver’s ed courses, depending on the severity of the infraction.
You don’t want to lose your driving privileges – even if for a few months. Doing so could hurt your quality of life and ability to work.
Increased Insurance Premiums
Auto insurance companies typically review drivers’ records before accepting new applicants or renewals. If your insurer learns that you have points on your license, it could increase your monthly premiums. The insurer will assume that because you have points on your license, you’re a liability and require more coverage.
Trouble Finding Employment
You may want to work as a rideshare driver or operate a commercial vehicle. However, if you have points on your license (or previous traffic infractions), this could make it difficult to find work.
These are just some of the consequences that could come with a traffic crime conviction. By partnering with our driving without a license lawyer, you can protect your rights, freedom, and future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Legal Team in Pennsylvania
As you consider retaining legal help, you may have these questions:
Who Can Drive Without a License in Montgomery County?
Under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 75 Section 1502, the following drivers do not need a Pennsylvania driver’s license to drive in Montgomery County:
- Military and federal personnel: Military or federal employees using military or government vehicles do not need a Pennsylvania license if they are on official duty.
- Non-Pennsylvania residents: Non-residents can drive in Montgomery County and other parts of Pennsylvania using their own state or country-issued driver’s licenses.
- Farming equipment operators: Those driving farming equipment (such as tractors) do not need a license to operate them. However, if they are still 14 to 15 years old, they can only drive the machinery on roads adjacent to their property.
A Montgomery County driving without a license lawyer can check whether any of these exceptions apply to you. Then, they can start championing your rights.
How Long Could My Case Take?
How long your case takes to resolve depends on how long ago you were charged, the severity of the offense, and other related factors. Our team wants a speedy resolution, just like you do. So, we will do everything in our power to keep your case moving forward.
Why Partner with McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.?
Our lead attorney, David McKenzie, has more than 20 years of legal experience. In that time, he’s secured positive outcomes for even seemingly hopeless cases. Attorney McKenzie will advocate for you at every step of the legal process. With him on your side, you can focus on your job, family, and friends.
Discuss Your Legal Options with Our Team Today
You don’t have to face the legal process alone. You can have our law firm on your side. We can start working on your defense as soon as you connect with our firm. To begin your case review, call now. Our line is open 24/7.
