Driving is a privilege, not an automatic right. People in Maryland generally need to have a state-issued driver’s license, which they secure by passing a test. The vehicle that they operate should have state registration and appropriate insurance coverage.
In cases where people do not adhere to the rules restricting driving privileges, they may face more serious penalties than just a traffic ticket. State prosecutors can bring criminal charges against motorists accused of driving without a valid license.
What are the possible penalties?
Minor traffic violations typically only result in fines after a police officer issues a ticket. More serious traffic infractions can trigger criminal prosecution. The state treats driving without a valid license as a criminal matter rather than a ticketable offense.
A motorist subject to a general suspension, possibly for prior traffic offenses, faces up to a year in jail and $1,000 in fines for a first offense of driving without a valid license. The offense also adds 12 points to their driving records, which is enough to justify a license revocation. Subsequent offenses can carry up to two years in jail and $2,000 in fines.
If a driver lost their license because they failed to pay a fine or make a formal appearance, the penalties are somewhat more lenient. The driver is at risk of up to $500 in fines and 60 days in jail.
Motorists facing significant penalties may need assistance responding in criminal court. Working with an attorney familiar with traffic offense cases may help motorists avoid jail time, large fines and additional driver’s license penalties.