Getting caught driving with an expired license can have some very serious consequences.
As a driver, it is your responsibility to ensure that your driver’s license remains up-to-date and valid. Should you accidentally allow your license to expire, then attempting to drive is actually illegal across all 50 states. If you get caught driving with an expired driver’s license, here are some of the possible penalties that you can face.
- Legal Consequences
If the officer who stops you is feeling generous, they can issue you a “fix-it-ticket” for driving with an expired license. This type of ticket would require you to update your license by a given date or face fines, added points on your driving record, vehicle impoundment, and possible arrest. The severity of the penalty will depend on the state that you live in. For instance, drivers in New York could face fines ranging from $25-$300 while drivers in Illinois would face license suspension and jail time for any repeat offenses. Sometimes, officers will skip the “fix-it-ticket” and go straight to issuing penalties. To learn how the state of California penalizes this crime, please click HERE.
- Insurance Penalties
In addition to issues with the law, driving with an expired license will also negatively impact your auto insurance. As previously mentioned, driving with an expired license will result in points being added to your driving record. These points will result in a significant insurance rate increase. Unfortunately, as these points are notoriously difficult to remove, they can hike up your rates for many years following the infraction. Additionally, if you got into an accident while driving with an expired license, then your insurer can refuse coverage. This means that you alone would be responsible for all of the costs associated with the accident.
These are some of the possible consequences associated with driving with an expired license. Obviously, the best way to avoid these outcomes is by making sure that your license is up-to-date at all times. Remember, another way to be a responsible driver is by making sure that you have the proper auto insurance protection in place. For assistance with all your car coverage needs, contact the independent insurance agents at ISU-Wissink Insurance in Culver City, California today.