January 24, 2006 |
2006-R-0072 | |
PENALTIES FOR DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE OR SUSPENDED OR REVOKED LICENSE | ||
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By: Christopher Reinhart, Senior Attorney | ||
You asked about the penalties for driving without a license or with a suspended or revoked license.
The chart below displays the penalties for operating a vehicle (1) after being refused a license, (2) with a suspended or revoked license or right to operate, (3) without a license or in violation of the licensing provisions, and (4) without reinstating a suspended license or renewing an expired license. The fines listed are the ranges specified by statute and do not include additional fees and charges that a violator must pay.
Penalties for Operating Vehicles Without a License or With Suspended or Revoked License or Right to Operate | ||
Statute |
1st Offense |
Subsequent Offenses |
Operating vehicle after being refused a license or with suspended or revoked license or right to operate (CGS §§ 14-215(a), (b), and 14-111(b), PA 05-215, §§ 2, 4) |
● Up to 90 days in prison ● $150 to $200 fine ● License suspended at least one year |
● Up to one year in prison ● $200 to $600 fine ● License suspended at least two years |
● If previously violated these provisions or operated without obtaining a license: additional fine of up to $500 or up to 100 community service hours ● If two previous violations of those provisions: additional mandatory 90 days in prison | ||
Table: continued | ||
Penalties for Operating Vehicles Without a License or With Suspended or Revoked License or Right to Operate | ||
Statute |
1st Offense |
Subsequent Offenses |
Operating vehicle while license suspended or revoked for: ● driving while intoxicated ● 2nd degree manslaughter or assault with a motor vehicle (both involve driving while intoxicated) ● violating the implied consent law (CGS §§ 14-215(c), 14-111(b), PA 05-215, § 2) |
● Up to one year in prison ● 30 day mandatory minimum sentence unless the court finds mitigating circumstances ● $500 to $1,000 fine ● License suspended at least one year |
● Same prison term and fine as 1st offense ● License suspended at least two years |
Operating vehicle when license or right to operate is suspended for failing to appear in court, pay, or send in not a guilty plea for a motor vehicle infraction and certain violations (CGS § 14-215a) |
● Up to 90 days in prison ● $150 to $200 fine |
● Up to one year in prison ● $200 to $600 fine |
Operating a vehicle without a license, violating the driving requirements for 16- and 17-year olds, driving when under age 16, or violating other licensing provisions (CGS § 14-36(h), PA 05-215, § 3)) |
● Infraction with a $75 to $90 fine |
● Up to 30 days in prison ● $250 to $350 fine |
● If previously violated these provisions or operated with refused, suspended, or revoked registration or license: additional fine up to $500 or up to 100 community service hours ● If two previous violations of those provisions: additional mandatory 90 days in prison | ||
Operating a vehicle without reinstating license after suspension (PA 05-215, § 1) |
● Within 60 days of the suspension ending: Infraction with a $75 fine ● After 60 days: same penalties described above for operating without a license | |
Operating a vehicle after license expires (CGS § 14-41) |
● Within 60 days of expiration: Infraction with $75 fine ● After 60 days: same penalties described above for operating without a license | |
In addition to these specific statutes and penalties, the motor vehicles commissioner has authority to suspend or revoke licenses and the right to operate vehicles in the state for sufficient cause, with or without a hearing (CGS § 14-111(a)).
Also, depending on the driver's conduct, he could be charged with a crime and subject to other penalties.
CR:dw