Driving Without a License Is More Common Than You Think — Especially in Montgomery County.
Every day, drivers across Montgomery County face “Driving Without a License” charges — often due to misunderstandings, recent moves, or unavoidable circumstances. Many people genuinely believe their license is valid. Others recently relocated to Maryland and were unaware of the state’s 60-day license conversion rule. And some simply had no choice but to drive due to work, school, childcare, or a family emergency.
The Law Offices of David R. Waranch helps everyday drivers throughout Montgomery County resolve these charges quickly and with minimal long-term impact. Whether your stop occurred in Silver Spring, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Germantown, Wheaton, Takoma Park, or on major roads like I-270, I-495, Route 355, or Georgia Avenue, we know how these cases are handled in local courts.
We also defend related charges such as Driving While Revoked, Driving While Suspended, and Driving Without Insurance.
What Does “Driving Without a License” Mean in Maryland?
Under Maryland Transportation §16-101, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on any public road without a valid, active driver’s license issued by the MVA. Montgomery County officers frequently issue this charge during routine traffic stops, accident responses, or when verifying identity during unrelated investigations.
You can be charged if you:
- Have never held a driver’s license in Maryland or any state
- Allowed your license to expire and lost driving privileges
- Recently moved to Maryland and did not obtain a Maryland license within 60 days
- Hold an out-of-country license that Maryland does not recognize for full driving privileges
Because this charge is a “must-appear” criminal citation, it cannot be paid online. You are required to appear in the Montgomery County District Court — either in Rockville or Silver Spring, depending on where the stop occurred.
Penalties for a first offense can include:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Fines up to $500
- Up to 5 MVA points
- Difficulty obtaining a future Maryland license
Repeat offenses may carry up to 1 year in jail, which is why addressing licensing issues quickly is critical.
The Different Types of Driving Without a License Charges
Not all licensing violations are treated the same. Your defense depends on the specific citation issued by the officer.
- No License in Possession — You have a valid license but didn’t have it with you. This often results in a lighter penalty and can sometimes be corrected before court.
- Never Licensed — You have never held any state-issued driver’s license. This carries higher penalties and requires proactive correction before your hearing.
- Expired or Invalid License — Your license lapsed, or the MVA canceled your driving privilege due to inactivity or documentation issues.
- Suspended or Revoked License — More serious violations. (See Driving While Suspended and Driving While Revoked pages.)
- Out-of-State License Not Converted — New Maryland residents must obtain a Maryland license within 60 days of moving here.
Understanding which category applies helps us negotiate reduced charges or dismissals whenever possible.
Why You Need a Montgomery County Traffic Lawyer
This charge is far more serious than a standard traffic ticket. Working with an experienced Montgomery County traffic lawyer can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a criminal record.
- Challenge the legality of the traffic stop — If the stop is invalid, the case may be dismissed.
- Negotiate for reduced or payable offenses instead of a jailable charge.
- Help you obtain a valid Maryland license before court — a major factor judges consider.
- Appear in Rockville or Silver Spring District Court on your behalf.
- Prepare mitigation materials showing responsibility and compliance.
Our experience handling these cases throughout Montgomery County builds on a broader practice focused on defending drivers statewide. For an overview of how these cases are approached across the state, visit our Maryland traffic violation lawyer page.
Where We Handle Driving Without a License Cases
We represent clients facing “Driving Without a License” charges across Montgomery County, including:
- Silver Spring
- Rockville
- Gaithersburg
- Bethesda
- Germantown
- Wheaton
- Takoma Park
- Montgomery Village
Whether your traffic stop occurred on I-495, I-270, Route 29, Route 355, Connecticut Avenue, or local roads throughout the county, we understand how these cases proceed in the Montgomery County District Courts.
Related Traffic Defense Services in Montgomery County
- Driving While Suspended
- Driving While Revoked
- Driving Without Insurance
- DUI Defense
- Bench Warrants
- Maryland Traffic Lawyer
Maryland Counties We Serve
- Montgomery County
- Baltimore County
- Anne Arundel County
- Prince George’s County
- Howard County
- Frederick County
Take the First Step Today
Driving without a license can lead to jail time, fines, and long-term consequences — but these cases are often fixable with the right help. The sooner we get involved, the better the outcome.
Call 301-563-9575 or visit www.davidwaranch.com to schedule a free consultation.
Law Offices of David R. Waranch — Trusted Traffic Defense for Montgomery County Drivers.
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