More on California's Driving Laws...The Difference between Driving without a License and Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License
In yesterday’s blog, I discussed the difference between misdemeanor driving without a license and the infraction driving without a license in your possession. In similar fashion, I’d like to address the difference between driving without a license and driving on a suspended or revoked license.
Driving without a license under California Vehicle Code 12500 refers to driving when you don’t have a validly issued California driver’s license. This offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, but is frequently reduced to an infraction. As a misdemeanor, it carries a maximum six month county jail sentence and a maximum $1,000 fine.
By contrast, California Vehicle Code 14601 driving on a suspended or revoked license prohibits driving once your otherwise valid driver’s license has knowingly been revoked or suspended by the California DMV. This offense is much more serious that driving without a license.
