Driving on a Suspended License in Fresno
Driving on a suspended license is a serious because it goes beyond receiving a simple traffic ticket. It can lead to severe consequences, such as having your car impounded, large fines, and even jail time. If you are caught driving without a valid license, the stress of being stranded and dealing with legal complications can take a toll. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced traffic lawyer, you can address the underlying issues causing your suspended license and regain your driving privileges.
Understanding Driving on a Suspended License
Driving on a suspended license means operating a vehicle after the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a court has suspended your driving privileges. California law addresses this offense under several sections of the Vehicle Code, each applying to different circumstances for the suspension.
Driving on a suspended license is not a minor traffic infraction but a serious misdemeanor offense. The courts and DMV classify drivers with suspended licenses as unsafe, which leads to stricter enforcement and penalties.
If convicted, individuals face probation, substantial fines, possible jail time, and the addition of two points on their driving record. These points remain for five years and can lead to further penalties, including being deemed a negligent operator. Insurance companies also see these convictions as high-risk, often resulting in significantly increased premiums or even policy cancellations.
Below is a breakdown of the primary Vehicle Codes related to driving on a suspended license.
Vehicle Code 14601 – Driving with Knowledge of a Suspension
Under Vehicle Code 14601, it is illegal to drive if you knew your license was suspended for any reason. Knowledge of the suspension can be proven in various ways, such as receiving a notice from the DMV, signing a document acknowledging the suspension, or a history of similar violations.
Vehicle Code 14601.1 – General Suspended License Violations
Vehicle Code 14601.1 applies when someone drives while their license is suspended or revoked for reasons not related to driving ability, such as unpaid fines or failure to appear in court. This is considered a general category for suspended license violations.
Vehicle Code 14601.2 – Suspensions Due to DUI Offenses
Vehicle Code 14601.2 specifically deals with driving on a suspended license when the suspension stems from a DUI conviction. These violations come with stricter penalties due to the seriousness of driving under the influence.
Vehicle Code 14601.3 – Habitual Traffic Offenders
Vehicle Code 14601.3 targets habitual traffic offenders (HTOs), defined as drivers who receive too many points on their driving record in a short period, leading to a suspension. Points may accumulate from offenses like reckless driving, speeding, or failing to appear in court.
Vehicle Code 14601.5 – DMV - Administrative Per Se Suspensions
Vehicle Code 14601.5 applies to individuals who drive while their license is suspended due to DMV administrative per se laws after a DUI arrest. Usually, these suspensions occur after a DMV suspension, but before a DUI conviction.
