Unlicensed Driver Ticket

California Vehicle Code (VC) 12500(a) – Unlawful to Drive Unless Licensed

Reasons that you can be charged with a VC 12500(a) offense:

  • Living in California with an out-of-state driver’s license
  • Living in California with an international driver’s license
  • Never had a valid driver’s license
  • California driver’s license has expired or it was never renewed

For any of these scenarios, the police and the prosecutor can charge you as an unlicensed driver.

In the state of California, Vehicle Code (VC) 12500(a) requires all California residents who operate a motor vehicle to have a valid driver’s license issued by the state of California.

If you have a fixed and permanent home and principal residence in California, you are considered a legal resident in the state of California. Therefore, you are required to have a valid California driver’s license to lawfully drive in this state.

imgres

The Use of Your Out-of-State License

It is common for people to move to California but continue driving on an out-of-state license. By doing so, you risk being charged with a VC 12500(a) offense if pulled over by a police officer who requests to see your driver’s license.

If you moved from out of state to live in California and you are now considered a California resident, you are prohibited from using an out-of-state driver’s license. In this case, you must obtain a valid California driver’s license.

For a VC 12500(a) offense, you can be issued a ticket if you have never had a driver’s license, live in California but are driving on an international driver’s license, or your California’s driver’s license has expired or you have not had it renewed.

Consequences of a VC 12500(a)

By driving on a suspended driver’s license or driving without having a valid California license, according to Vehicle Code (VC) 12500(a), you are at risk for having your vehicle impounded in certain situations. For that reason, it is important that you always operate a motor vehicle with a valid California driver’s license when living in the state.

Based on Vehicle Code (VC) 12500(a), you can be charged with a misdemeanor if you fail to appear in court or miss the court date listed on the issued ticket.

A violation of VC 14601.1, driving on a suspended license, can result in the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adding two points to your license record. In comparison, a violation of VC 12500(a) does not add points to your record.

What to Do When Charged with VC 12500(a)

In this situation, you should:

  • Get a California driver’s license if you now live in the state and have an out-of-state license.
  • Pay the required fees to the DMV to have your driver’s license reinstated if it has expired.

For a VC 12500(a) Offense, We Can Help

For a free legal consultation, please contact us at 844-999-9987 so you can speak directly with one of our reputable Los Angeles traffic ticket attorneys at CrushMyTicket.

For more information, visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/vctop/vc/d6/c1/a1/12500.

Reasons that you can be charged with a VC 12500(a) offense:

  • Living in California with an out-of-state driver’s license
  • Living in California with an international driver’s license
  • Never had a valid driver’s license
  • California driver’s license has expired or it was never renewed

For any of these scenarios, the police and the prosecutor can charge you as an unlicensed driver.

In the state of California, Vehicle Code (VC) 12500(a) requires all California residents who operate a motor vehicle to have a valid driver’s license issued by the state of California.

If you have a fixed and permanent home and principal residence in California, you are considered a legal resident in the state of California. Therefore, you are required to have a valid California driver’s license to lawfully drive in this state.

imgres

The Use of Your Out-of-State License

It is common for people to move to California but continue driving on an out-of-state license. By doing so, you risk being charged with a VC 12500(a) offense if pulled over by a police officer who requests to see your driver’s license.

If you moved from out of state to live in California and you are now considered a California resident, you are prohibited from using an out-of-state driver’s license. In this case, you must obtain a valid California driver’s license.

For a VC 12500(a) offense, you can be issued a ticket if you have never had a driver’s license, live in California but are driving on an international driver’s license, or your California’s driver’s license has expired or you have not had it renewed.

Consequences of a VC 12500(a)

By driving on a suspended driver’s license or driving without having a valid California license, according to Vehicle Code (VC) 12500(a), you are at risk for having your vehicle impounded in certain situations. For that reason, it is important that you always operate a motor vehicle with a valid California driver’s license when living in the state.

Based on Vehicle Code (VC) 12500(a), you can be charged with a misdemeanor if you fail to appear in court or miss the court date listed on the issued ticket.

A violation of VC 14601.1, driving on a suspended license, can result in the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adding two points to your license record. In comparison, a violation of VC 12500(a) does not add points to your record.

What to Do When Charged with VC 12500(a)

In this situation, you should:

  • Get a California driver’s license if you now live in the state and have an out-of-state license.
  • Pay the required fees to the DMV to have your driver’s license reinstated if it has expired.

For a VC 12500(a) Offense, We Can Help

For a free legal consultation, please contact us at 844-999-9987 so you can speak directly with one of our reputable Los Angeles traffic ticket attorneys at CrushMyTicket.

For more information, visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/vctop/vc/d6/c1/a1/12500.

The Law

12500(a) A person may not drive a motor vehicle upon a highway, unless the person then holds a valid driver’s license issued under this code, except those persons who are expressly exempted under this code.

(b) A person may not drive a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle upon a highway, unless the person then holds a valid driver’s license or endorsement issued under this code for that class, except those persons who are expressly exempted under this code, or those persons specifically authorized to operate motorized bicycles or motorized scooters with a valid driver’s license of any class, as specified in subdivision (h) of Section 12804.9.

(c) A person may not drive a motor vehicle in or upon any off street parking facility, unless the person then holds a valid driver’s license of the appropriate class or certification to operate the vehicle. As used in this subdivision, “off street parking facility” means any off street facility held open for use by the public for parking vehicles and includes any publicly owned facilities for off street parking, and privately owned facilities for off street parking where no fee is charged for the privilege to park and which are held open for the common public use of retail customers.

(d) A person may not drive a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles that is not of a type for which the person is licensed.

speeding ticket

This offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a infraction. As a misdemeanor, someone guilty of this offense can be charged a fine of up to $2,500 and/or can be sentenced to county jail for up to six months. As an infraction, this offense could result in a fine of up to $1500. This violation does not carry any points on your DMV driving record.

If you find yourself in any of these situations the best course of action is to hire the experienced lawyers at Traffic Clinic LA. Don’t run the risk of incurring court fees, insurance company fees, and losing your license. Traffic Clinic LA’s team of experienced traffic attorneys know the court system well and can reduce or completely remove these fees and penalties and help you keep your driver’s license and record clear.

The information contained on this website regarding California traffic tickets, speeding tickets, and traffic citations is not a substitute for
individual legal consultation. Contact Traffic Clinic LA today for a free evaluation of your ticket. If we believe you have a strong case, we will go to court for you so you don’t have to miss work or school, and we will fight the ticket for you.

(844) 999-9987

FREE CONSULTATION

“

If you're looking for an excellent team, they are the place to go. I hired them first time couple years ago and I'm very thankful for their attitude. 100% professionals. A lot of friends of mine used their services after that, everyone was happy. Highly recommend

Armen Mamulyan
“

...most persistent and reliable team in Los Angeles. I had 5 cases and they were all dismissed thanks to their hard and diligent work! Highly recommend this team for all your traffic court needs. Extremely professional and always available to answer any questions and advice needed...

Elisabeth Starr
“

Amazing!!! I highly recommend for all your traffic court needs. Professional and helpful! Will use them again, if needed...

Lindsay Spector
“

I really like this Law Group.They very professional,trustful loyal people.Knowing exactly what they doing and best possible outcome always..They really defend you with high level of professionalism .I own them a lot of Thanx.....And highly recommend they services...

Janet Ivanova
“

...very professional and courteous, and a great all around person to talk to. Got my ticket outright dismissed. I would definitely recommend contacting these guys (and Dave especially) for your traffic law needs. If they don't beat your ticket, and I'm sure they will, you'll at least have a pleasurable conversation and save some money.

Andrey Lutsenko

ALSO SEE: Reckless Driving

Wrongful Death

(844) 999-9987

FREE CONSULTATION