Overview of License Violations

State statutes require drivers or motor vehicle operators to obtain a driver's license in order to drive on the public roads and highways. These statutes are intended to promote safety on the roadways by ensuring that there is a minimum level of competence and skill by all drivers. The statutes further serve as a device for the efficient enforcement of police regulations that govern the use of public roadways. There are various laws and regulations that must be followed by all motorists holding driver's licenses.

Most state statutes require a licensee to have his license in his possession at all times when driving a motor vehicle and to be able to show it to a judge, police officer, or state trooper when requested. If a person does not have a license when requested by a judge, police officer, or state trooper, the individual is likely to be charged with failure to possess a valid driver's license. A person can also be charged with driving with an expired license if the individual does not renew his or her license by the expiration date listed on the license.

An individual caught driving after his or her license has been suspended or revoked can be charged with driving on a revoked or suspended license. However, most statutes covering driving on a revoked or suspended license require the motorist to have knowledge that his or her license has been suspended or revoked. The element of knowledge is satisfied if the person has been previously cited for driving on a suspended or revoked license; if the person admits to knowledge of the cancellation, suspension, or revocation; or if the person received notice of the suspension or revocation.

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