Getting pulled over is stressful enough—but what if you don’t have your driver’s license on you? Whether you left it at home, lost your wallet, or never had a license at all, the consequences in Maryland depend on your exact situation. Here’s what you need to know if you’re pulled over without your license in Maryland.
1. Forgot Your License? You’re Not Alone
Let’s say you’re lawfully licensed, but forgot your wallet or left your license in another car. In Maryland, you’re still legally allowed to drive—but under Maryland Transportation Code § 16-112(c), you’re required to carry and display your license when operating a motor vehicle.
What Happens:
- You may receive a traffic citation for failing to display your license.
- Fines can be up to $500, though judges often reduce or dismiss the charge if you bring your valid license to court.
- No points are typically assessed on your driving record if you were properly licensed at the time.
What You Should Do:
- Bring your valid license to court or show it to the appropriate agency before your court date.
- In many cases, the ticket will be dropped or reduced to a minor infraction.
2. Driving Without Ever Having a License
If you’re pulled over and have never had a valid license, you’re facing a more serious problem. Maryland law treats this as a criminal offense.
Applicable Law:
Penalties:
- Misdemeanor charge
- Up to 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine for a first offense
- Points may be added to your record once you obtain a license
- Your vehicle may be impounded
This is not a simple traffic ticket—it’s a criminal matter that could result in a permanent record.
3. Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License
Driving without your license is bad. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is much worse. This is a common way Maryland drivers end up with criminal charges.
Applicable Law:
Penalties:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- 12 points on your driving record
- Additional license suspension or revocation
- Potential jail time even for a first offense
If you’re caught driving on a suspended or revoked license, it’s critical to speak with a criminal defense lawyer immediately.
4. What the Police Officer Will Do
If you’re pulled over and don’t have your license on hand, the officer will typically:
- Ask for your full name and date of birth
- Use that information to verify your license status
- Issue a warning or a citation depending on the circumstances
- In some cases, allow someone else to drive your vehicle home or require you to call a ride
5. What to Do After the Stop
If You Have a License:
- Don’t panic—this is usually a fixable problem.
- Bring your valid license to your scheduled court date or submit it beforehand.
- Consider contacting a Southern Maryland criminal defense lawyer to help resolve the citation.
If You Don’t Have a License:
- Do not ignore the charge. You’re facing a criminal offense.
- Speak with an attorney before your court date.
- Avoid driving again until you’re properly licensed.
Local Insight: What Happens in Southern Maryland Courts?
If you’re stopped in Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert, or St. Mary’s County, the outcome often depends on your license status and how quickly you respond to the citation. Judges may be lenient if you were licensed and show proof. However, if you’re unlicensed or repeat the offense, prosecutors may seek jail time.
Charged with Driving Without a License in Maryland?
At Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, we’ve helped hundreds of clients resolve license-related charges—including “failure to display,” driving without a license, and driving on suspension. We serve clients throughout Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties.
Don’t let a simple mistake turn into a permanent criminal record.
Schedule your free consultation today.
