Under California Vehicle Code (CVC) 14601(a), it is illegal for a person to drive a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, unless the person has obtained a valid driver's license from a different state or country. If you are caught driving with a suspended license, you may face several penalties, including fines, jail time, and vehicle impoundment.
The penalties for driving on a suspended license can be severe, and may include:
- Fines: Up to $1,000 for a first-time offense, and up to $2,000 for subsequent offenses.
- Jail time: Up to six months for a first-time offense, and up to one year for subsequent offenses.
- Vehicle impoundment: Your vehicle may be towed and impounded for 30 days, and you may be responsible for towing and storage fees.
- Probation: You may be placed on probation for up to three years, during which time you may be required to attend traffic school or perform community service.
In addition to these penalties, you may also face other consequences for driving on a suspended license, such as:
- Difficulty obtaining a driver's license: If your license is suspended or revoked, you will need to wait a certain amount of time before you can apply for a new license. The waiting period will depend on the reason for the suspension or revocation.
- Increased insurance rates: Insurance companies consider people who drive with suspended licenses to be high-risk drivers, and may charge them higher insurance rates.
- Loss of employment: Some employers may fire employees who are caught driving with suspended licenses, especially if they drive as part of their job duties.
If you are caught driving with a suspended license, you should contact an attorney immediately. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and can represent you in court if necessary.
The penalties for driving with a suspended license are the same regardless of whether you are driving your own car or someone else's car. However, there may be additional consequences if you are caught driving someone else's car without their permission.
If you are caught driving someone else's car without their permission, you may face the following additional charges:
- Vehicle theft: You may be charged with vehicle theft if you take someone else's car without their permission and drive it. Vehicle theft is a felony, and the penalties can include fines, jail time, and probation.
- Unauthorized use of a vehicle: You may also be charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle if you drive someone else's car without their permission. Unauthorized use of a vehicle is a misdemeanor, and the penalties can include fines, jail time, and probation.
If you are caught driving with a suspended license and you are charged with vehicle theft or unauthorized use of a vehicle, you should contact an attorney immediately. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and can represent you in court if necessary.
