Getting ready to take on the roads of the Lone Star State? While it's tempting to jump into the driver's seat and start cruising, before you do, you’ll need a valid driver’s license. Otherwise, you could find yourself in some real hot water.
Let’s take a look at some of the consequences you could face if you’re caught driving without a driver’s license or if your license is suspended. Texas takes these kinds of violations seriously, so it’s important to understand the rules and make sure you stay on the right side of the law.
Driving Without a License in Texas
Did you learn how to drive but decide to skirt the whole “getting your driver’s license” thing? That’s not a good idea in Texas. Actually, it’s not a good idea in any state.
No matter how good your driving skills are, all the police officer will care about is whether or not you have a valid license. If you can’t produce one, there could be very serious consequences.
If there isn’t a licensed driver in the car with you (along with valid car registration and insurance), here are a few things that can happen:
The motor vehicle will be impounded
You’ll receive a ticket.
You'll be arrested and taken to jail.
Seriously. You’ll stay in jail until bail is granted and paid by a kind soul on the outside. The bail, fees, and fines are typically around $1,000.
If you're in an accident where someone is injured and you’re found to be at fault, you’ll receive a Class A misdemeanor. The penalty is up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
Why risk it when getting your Texas driver’s license is easier than ever? Check out our mobile-friendly Texas driver's ed courses for adults and teens!
Driving With a Revoked or Suspended License in Texas
Texas has a special designation for this traffic violation — Driving While License is Invalid (DWLI). It also applies when a person drives with a license that’s been denied or canceled.
If you get caught DWLI, the penalty is stiff. For the first offense, your license will be suspended a second time, effectively doubling the length of the original license suspension. You could also get a fine of up to $500 and a surcharge of $250 a year for three years on top of that.
If you get caught DWLI a second time, you’ll be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. The penalty could include up to six months in jail and $2,000 in fines.
Need a way to get to work? Instead of risking it, you can get an occupational license while your regular license is revoked or suspended.
Driving With an Expired License in Texas
Is your Texas license renewal notice still sitting in a pile of mail at home? Getting stopped when you have an expired driver’s license will speed up the renewal process. In order to avoid a fine of $200 or more, you’ll need to:
Renew your license
Provide proof of the renewal
Pay a $20 fee
All of these steps need to be completed before your scheduled court date. If you fail to follow up and renew your license, a Class C misdemeanor can be added to the traffic violation.
Driving With a Valid License, But You Forgot to Bring It With You
Sometimes our brains let us down, and we head out the door with our keys (only because they’re necessary) but forget our driver’s license. If you have the worst luck in the world, that’s probably the one time you’ll get pulled over.
Should this happen, don’t panic. You’ll get a ticket for not having your license, but you’ll have a chance to prove you simply forgot it. All you have to do is show up to the courthouse on your court date and present your license to the judge. Once they verify it was valid at the time you were stopped, the ticket will be dismissed.
Driving With an Out-of-State License
There’s one more situation you need to watch out for. If you move to Texas from another state, you can drive legally with your valid out-of-state license for up to 90 days. After that, you’re expected to get a valid Texas driver’s license. If you don’t and you get stopped for a traffic violation, you could get a written warning (if you’re lucky) or a ticket for up to $200 (if you’re not).
Lots of people let procrastination get the best of them and put this off. But don’t be one of those people! It may seem like the state of Texas is putting you out, but getting a Texas license only takes about 15 minutes at the local DPS if you check in online.
Dealing with a Driver’s License Violation? A Defensive Driving Course Could Help!
Following the rules and staying out of the driver’s seat unless you have a valid license is the best way to stay out of trouble. But, if you’ve found yourself with a traffic ticket or a suspended license, an online defensive driving course could help.