DRIVER LICENSE LAWYER IN VIRGINIA (46.2-300)

If you drive in Virginia without a valid driver’s license, you are in violation of VA code 46.2-300. As a driver license lawyer in Virginia, I can defend against your traffic violations in court.

read below how to protect your driver license against charges in court:

What Is Not Considered A Motor Vehicle Under the Virginia Code?

The following are not motor vehicles under Virginia law:

• Bicycle
• Electric personal assistive mobility device
• Electric powered bicycle
• Moped
• Other exemptions where a driver’s license is not necessary to operate or drive may include:
• Farm vehicles such as tractors
• Vehicles for agriculture/fisherman purposes

Misdemeanor Class	Penales	Jail
Class 1	Maximo $2,500	Maximo 1 year
Class 2	Maximo $1,000	Maximo 6 months
Class 3	Maximo $500	–
Class 4	Maximo $250	–

The first conviction of driving without an operator license is a class 2 misdemeanor that is punishable for up to six months in jail and a fine of no more than $1000.

Being convicted of a second offense of driving without a license is a class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of a maximum of $2500. The court may also suspend your privileged to drive for up to 90 days. 

What If You Are A New Virginia Resident Or International License Holder Charged For Driving Without a License in Virginia

If you have been living in Virginia for more than two months, then you must have a Virginia driver’s license to be able to drive. If you are a foreign national or domiciliary of another state, and you are visiting Virginia for a short time, you can drive with the driver’s license issued from your own country as long as you can prove that you are in Virginia for a short period and that you are not a resident of Virginia.

If Virginia becomes your permanent residence, you must update your address and obtain a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days.

Virginia DMV requires proof of legal and physical presence in Virginia to issue a driver’s license. Check the DMV website for more information on the requirements for a Driver’s License.

What Is The Difference Between Driving Without A License And Driving After Forfeiture of License? Explained by Driver License Lawyer in Virginia.

Driving without a valid driver’s license (VA Code 46.2-300) and driving after suspension/revocation of your driver’s license (VA Code 46.2-301) are two different offenses.

A conviction of driving on a suspended or revoked license requires an additional suspension of your privileges to drive under VA code 46.2-300, whereas a conviction of driving without a driver’s license under VA Code 46.2-300 does not.  However, the court may impose such a suspension.

Consult with your Virginia traffic lawyer to advise you on how to defend yourself and what you need to know about these charges.

How To Defend Yourself If You are Charged With No Valid Driver’s License in Virginia?

Being convicted of driving without a valid driver’s license in Virginia will stay permanently on your records, and it may be used against you in the future. 

You may be able to avoid jail time the first time, but you will be facing active jail time if you have multiple convictions. So it is essential to contact a criminal defense attorney to handle your case at an early stage of your charge to guide you through this process