In Michigan, many motorists are licensed to drive after the age of sixteen after taking the driving exam once they pass driving school. When these motorists attain their license, they are licensed to operate on the interstate highways and state highways in the country.

Sometimes a licensed driver may lose his or her license to drive due to a poor driving record or offense that renders their license either restricted, revoked, or suspended. If a driver has outstanding fees or court costs due to a driving-related traffic citation or has failed to show up to court resulting in a default judgment against the driver, this could
even cause the driver’s license to be suspended until the driver pays the full amount to the court.

Afterwards, if a motorist is stopped by a police officer and the motorist is driving without a valid license, the motorist is subject to arrest. An inventory search can be performed because of this type of stop. An inventory search is a search of a vehicle in order to secure valuables or possessions of the motorist. These types of searches usually lead to police officers finding contraband which would result in even more criminal liability for the motorist.

Ultimately, driving without a license (DWLS) is a violation of MCL 257.904. DWLS is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment of not more than 93 days, or both. A second or subsequent violation for DWLS is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Please call BKizy Law today for a free consultation if you have been accused of driving without a license.