Baltimore Driving Without a License Lawyer
You may need a Maryland driving without a license lawyer if you’re facing charges. Attorney Randolph Rice is a Maryland driving without a driver’s license defense attorney and represents individuals charged with all forms of traffic violations in Maryland.
Don’t take a chance in Court by yourself if you don’t have a driver’s license and were caught driving. Many Judges throughout Maryland will incarcerate individuals who drive without a license.
The attorneys with Rice, Murtha & Psoras are experienced in defending and mitigating driving without a license charges. Contact the office today to schedule a free consultation.
Penalty for Driving Without a License in Baltimore
The penalty for driving without a license in Maryland is 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. For a second or subsequent conviction of driving without a license, the maximum penalty is 1 year in jail and/or a $500 fine. The Judge can also place you on probation, order you to pay Court costs and fines, complete community service and order you to obtain your license.
The increased penalties went into effect on October 1, 2006. Prior to that date, driving without a license was a payable ticket. Therefore, if you were ticketed for driving without a license in Maryland after October 1, 2006, then you are subject to jail time.
Driving Without a License Charge Defined in Maryland
Driving without a license in Maryland can be charged when an individual drives or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on any highway in this State and that individual does not holds a driver’s license issued under the Maryland laws.
The police officer can also charge a driver is the driver has not been expressly exempt from the licensing requirements of the Maryland laws.
Or the driver has not been specifically authorized by Maryland laws to drive vehicles of the class that the individual is driving or attempting to drive.
Yes, driving without a license in Maryland is classified as a misdemeanor.
Driving Without a Physical License in Baltimore, MD
Under Maryland Transportation Article 16-112(c), any individual that is driving a motor vehicle in the State must present to a police officer their license on demand. If a driver does not possess their physical license at the time a law enforcement officer makes the request, that driver may be ticketed for not having their physical license.
Do You Need Your Physical Driver’s License on You When You Drive in Maryland?
The law also requires that drivers have their driver’s license on them when they are operating a motor vehicle. That means, even if you are licensed to drive, and you drive a vehicle without the hard copy of alternative license (temporary license) then you could be cited with “Failure of individual driving on the highway to have a license with them.” See Maryland Transportation Article 16-112(b).
Failure to have a license in your possession while driving is classified as a misdemeanor and could result, if convicted, in a $500 fine.
Do I need a License to Drive a Moped or Motor Scooter in Baltimore?
Maryland law states that each individual operating on any highway in this State a moped, as defined in §11-134.1 (see below for the definition) of this article or a motor scooter, as defined in § 11-134.5 (see below for definition) of this article, shall have with the driver a driver’s license issued to the individual under Maryland laws and which license may be of any class issued by the MVA.
If the driver is a nonresident of this State, a license to drive issued to the driver by the state or country of the individual’s residence for which the license may be for any class of vehicle; or a moped operator’s permit issued to the individual under this subtitle.
Maryland Transportation Article 11-134.1 (Moped)
- “Moped” means a bicycle that:
- Is designed to be operated by human power with the assistance of a motor;
- Is equipped with pedals that mechanically drive the rear wheel or wheels;
- Has two or three wheels, of which one is more than 14 inches in diameter; and
- Has a motor with a rating of 1.5 brake horsepower or less and, if the motor is an internal combustion engine, a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less.
- “Moped” does not include an electric bicycle.
Maryland Transportation Article 11-1345.5 (Motor Scooter)
- “Motor scooter” means a nonpedal vehicle that:
- Has a seat for the operator;
- With two wheels, of which one is 10 inches or more in diameter;
- A step-through chassis;
- Has a motor: (i) With a rating of 2.7 brake horsepower or less; or (ii) If the motor is an internal combustion engine, with a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less; and
- Is equipped with an automatic transmission.
- “Motor scooter” does not include a vehicle that has been manufactured for off-road use, including a motorcycle and an all-terrain vehicle.
What is the Maryland Driving Without a License Statute?
The Maryland driving without a license law can be found in the Maryland Transportation article 16-101. The statute defining the penalty for driving without a license in Maryland can be found in Maryland Transportation article 27-101(y).
Will I Receive Points for Driving Without a License?
If you are found guilty of driving without a license in Maryland then you will receive the following points on your Maryland driving record:
- Driving Without A License: 5 MVA points
- Operating a (moped, motor scooter) without a license or permit: 5 MVA points
- Person driving without required license class: 2 MVA points
Will I get points if I receive a PBJ (probation before judgment)?
No, you will not be assessed points by the MVA if you receive a PBJ (probation before judgment) in your driving without a license case.
The first thing you should do is consult a lawyer as to the best course of action to take. You should also attempt to obtain your license. Appearing in Court without a lawyer could be a gamble. There are a number of Judges and prosecutors in Maryland that will ask for and seek jail in driving without a license cases.
Baltimore Driving Without a License Defense Lawyers
The smartest, savviest, and most cost-effective solution to a traffic ticket problem is to hire an experienced Maryland traffic attorney to fight on your behalf.
Having a lawyer handle your ticket can keep your fines to a minimum, your insurance premiums low, and your driving record clean. Traffic tickets impact your insurance premiums, and your right to have a driver’s license, for many years.
Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras today at (410) 431-0911 to discuss your case and schedule a free consultation.