What does it mean to “drive without a license” in North Carolina?

Driving without a license can refer to three scenarios. You’re stopped for an offense and:


  • You have a license but it’s not in your possession. In other words, you were licensed to drive but lacked proof, an infraction that may be dismissed once you can prove that you possessed a valid license at the time of the incident. (Note: you may have to pay a fine.)



  • You never applied for a license (or your license expired). North Carolina Code § 20-7states that "to drive a motor vehicle on a highway, a person must be licensed." Penalty is typically a fine of up to $500.

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  • Your license was cancelled, revoked or suspended by the authorities. A person who (1) drives (2) a motor vehicle (3) on a street or highway (4) while his or her license has been revoked by the State of North Carolina (4) knowing that his or her license is revoked commits a Class 3 misdemeanor. For first time offenders, this offense is punishable by a fine of $500 to $2500. If the suspension/revocation was for impaired driving (DUIs, etc.), the violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.


http://www.drivinglaws.org/resources...h-carolina.htm