Driving Without a License | Vehicle Code § 12500(a)

Description

A person may not drive a motor vehicle upon a highway unless the person holds a valid driver’s license. Violators may be charged with Driving Without a License. Charges may occur because of failure to renew a driver’s license, or never having obtained a license, or failure of a new California resident to secure a California driver’s license within 10 days. Driving with a suspended license will trigger the more serious offense of Driving on a Suspended License.

What does the prosecutor have to prove?

1. Defendant drove a motor vehicle upon a highway.
2. Defendant did not hold a valid driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Punishment

Misdemeanor: 00-180 days

 

Can this be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor (“wobbler”)?	No
Is this charge a strike?	No
Is this charge a “serious felony”	No
Is this charge a “violent felony”	No
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?	No
Do I have to register as a drug offender if convicted?	No
Do I lose my right to own or possess a firearm if convicted?	No
Do I lose my right to vote if convicted?	No
Am I eligible for a local sentence (PC § 1170(h)) if convicted?	No
Am I eligible for PC § 1000 drug diversion if convicted?	No
Am I eligible for Prop. 36 drug diversion if convicted?	No
Am I required to give a DNA sample if convicted?	No
Is this charge considered a “crime of moral turpitude” for immigration purposes?	No
Is this charge considered a “aggravated felony” for immigration purposes?	No
Is this charge considered a “controlled substance violation” for immigration purposes?	No
Is this charge considered a “domestic violence” for immigration purposes?	No
Is this charge considered a “firearm conviction” for immigration purposes?	No