Have you been pulled over in Weld County and not had a current driver’s license? You can face a Driving Without a License charge. This charge can result in a fine and points on your license. However, if you were driving on a Suspended or Revoked License, you could face Weld County Jail time. Below, our attorneys will discuss Driving Without a License Ticket in Weld County and how we can best help you.
Colorado Law and Definition of Driving Without a License, C.R.S. 42-2-101
In Colorado the law and legal definition of Driving Without a License, C.R.S. 42-2-101 is:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in part 4 of this article for commercial drivers, no person shall drive any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless such person has been issued a currently valid driver’s or minor driver’s license or an instruction permit by the department under this article.
(2) No person shall drive any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state if such person’s driver’s or minor driver’s license has been expired for one year or less and such person has not been issued another such license by the department or by another state or country subsequent to such expiration.
(3) No person shall drive any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless such person has in his or her immediate possession a current driver’s or minor driver’s license or an instruction permit issued by the department under this article.
(4) No person who has been issued a currently valid driver’s or minor driver’s license or an instruction permit shall drive a type or general class of motor vehicle upon a highway in this state for which such person has not been issued the correct type or general class of license or permit.
(5) No person who has been issued a currently valid driver’s or minor driver’s license or an instruction permit shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway in this state without having such license or permit in such person’s immediate possession.
Simply put, if you do not have a current driver’s license and are caught driving in Colorado, you could face penalties. It is also important to note that this also applies to a minor without a current driver’s permit.
Difference Between Driving Without a License and Driving with a Suspended License in Greeley, Colorado
Driving with a Suspended License is a completely difference charge than Driving Without a License in Greeley. Driving Without a License can sometimes be corrected if a defendant has simply forgotten their license at home or it expired within the last year. This mistake can be corrected and when proof is shown in court that a current license is obtained. However, if a person is caught driving without ever having had a license, or was driving on a suspended license, then the penalties are harsher.
Driving on a Revoked or Suspended License is a different charge altogether. I If the defendant’s license was suspended due to a DUI or DWA?I, then the punishment could include Weld County Jail time. If you are facing Driving on a Suspended License in Colorado, C.R.S. 42-2-138, get help here.
What Vehicles Can I Drive in Erie or Windsor, Colorado Without a License?
In Erie and Windsor, Colorado, there are vehicles and situations in which you can drive without a license. Farm equipment such as tractors can be driven for a short distance without a license, also military personal can drive a military vehicle without a Colorado license as long as they have a government issued ID. It is reasonable when a person has moved from another state and that they would not have a valid Colorado driver’s license, however they would need a valid license from the state they were in. Generally speaking, when you move to Colorado, you must get a Colorado driver’s license within 30 days.
Punishment if Caught Driving Without a License in Weld County
Driving Without a License in Weld County is a class B traffic infraction and the punishment includes a fine of $15-$100 for the first offense. The Department of Motor Vehicles will add 6 points to your driving record for a subsequent offense. Charges can be dropped if you did not have your license with you or you can show that you renewed an expired license. If you have never held a valid license, then the punishment besides a fine is that your ability to get a license can be delayed for up to a year.
The traffic lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office know that everyone makes mistakes and that traffic laws can be confusing. Let our experienced lawyers help you navigate the Weld County Courts.