What is the penalty for driving without a license in Nevada?

Penalty for Driving Without a License in Nevada

• Answer:

  The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles imposes that for anyone convicted of traffic violations and other offenses listed under license suspensions and revocations, getting back an instruction permit or driver's license after serving the penalties of past acts may also result in re-testing, cancellation of a permit or denial of license renewal. Generally, even if the driver gets back his driving privilege, the citations on his driving record will affect his insurance premiums. Instruction Permit Holders All Nevada driver's license applicants initially receive instruction permits after passing the written and vision tests. Upon issuance of an instruction permit, a driver's license applicant can only drive if accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years or older, with at least one year of driving experience. Regardless of age, anybody holding only an instruction permit should follow this rule. Otherwise, he will be cited for driving without a license. In Nevada, an instruction permit is valid for one year. If the permit expires before the applicant successfully gets a driver license (the earliest time to get a driving test appointment is after six weeks of holding an instruction permit), he must apply for renewal of instruction permit in person at a local DMV office. If the permit expires for more than 30 days without renewal, the applicant needs to take the written test again. Penalties for Instruction Permit Holders Driving on their Own The Nevada driver's handbook mentions the driving restrictions for those holding an instruction permit and not yet a driver's license. And for any violation incurred by an instruction permit holder, the court decides every person's case. According to the Nevada State Law NRS 483.230, "It is unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle upon a public street or highway in this State without being the holder of a valid driver's license. The court shall require any person convicted of violating this section to obtain a valid driver's license or produce a notice of disqualification from the Department." He may be cited for driving without a license or he may be required to hold the permit longer. It is also possible that the permit gets suspended which may further delay the eligibility for a driver's license. Penalties and Fines for Driving without a License In Nevada, driving without a license is a misdemeanor offense. This applies to anyone who forgets to bring his driver's license card or anyone who has not yet been granted a Nevada driver's license and is seen operating a vehicle. When a person cited only forgot to bring his driver's license card, he must pay the fine and the citation will be added to his driving record. The same thing applies to somebody who is not yet holding a driver's license. And this offense affects his future driving privileges and driving record. As of April 2010, misdemeanors like driving without a license can impose a fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment in county jail for a maximum of 6 months, or both. Insurance premiums are also greatly affected in the long-term, usually anytime between three to seven years. Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License When a driver's license is suspended or revoked, a person who continues to operate a vehicle violates the law. Depending on the result of court orders and agency restrictions, a suspension or revocation of a driver's license continues until the court or the legal agency that imposed the penalty restores it. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is considered a serious offense similar to contempt of court. As this entails a direct violation of a court order, it is punishable by law as a severe crime with a large fine, mandatory imprisonment, or both. Teen Driving and Parental Rights and Responsibilities A minor's driver's license can be suspended for any of the same reasons as an adult license. The parent/guardian has the right to request the cancellation of the license at any time until the driver turns 18. According to NRS 483.300, "any negligence or willful misconduct of a minor under the age of 18 years when driving a motor vehicle upon a highway is imputed to the person who has signed the application of the minor for a permit or license and that person is jointly and severally liable with the minor for any damages caused by such negligence or willful misconduct." This means that the parent/guardian is held fully responsible for any fines and/or restitution imposed in the citation or accident involving the minor driver.