A valid driver's license is required for all persons who wish to operate a motor vehicle.  Driving without a valid driver's license is a violation of Vehicle Code Section 12500(a).  This offense can be either a misdemeanor criminal offense or a traffic infraction.  

Vehicle Code Section 12500(a) states as follows:  "A person may not drive a motor vehicle upon a highway, unless the person then holds a valid driver's license issued under this code..."  Most drivers possess a "Class C" license.   This allows a person to operate any two axel vehicle weighing less than 26,000 pounds.  This covers most vehicles that you see driving on public roads and highways.  A Class C license also allows a person to driver a three axel vehicle with a weight less than 6,000 pounds, a housecar 40 feet or less, and to tow one vehicle.  

Other types of driver's licenses are required for different types of vehicles.  For example, you must possess a "Class M" license to operate a motorcycle.  There are several different types of licenses that may be required of commercial drivers.  The specific requirement will depend on the type of vehicle and/or what they are transporting.   For example, a "Class A" commercial driver's license is required for any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle being towed is over 10,000 pounds.

If you are cited for driving a vehicle without the proper license for that vehicle, e.g. you have a regular "Class C" license but are cited for speeding while driving a tractor trailer, which requires a "Class A" license, you will be cited for driving without a license and face a possible misdemeanor criminal charge.

If you have received a ticket for driving without a license, call our Los Angeles traffic ticket lawyer today at (877) 667-1205 or submit our CONTACT form.