Driving Without a Valid License or on a Suspended License in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania prohibits driving without a valid license, whether the license was suspended, revoked, or never issued. This article explains this violation, the possible penalties, and the exemptions to the license requirement.

Driving Without a License Law

Generally, every person who operates a motor vehicle on a Pennsylvania highway or public area must carry a valid license while driving. (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§ 1501, 1511 (2025).)

Exceptions to the License Requirements

Non-resident drivers with valid driver's licenses from their home state or country can drive in Pennsylvania without an in-state license, subject to Pennsylvania age restrictions. Armed forces and federal employees on official business in official vehicles are also exempt from the license requirement. Anyone who's at least 14 years of age can operate an implement of husbandry (tractor) without a license, but 14- and 15-year-olds (learn more about the teen driving requirements) must drive only on single or double-lane roads adjacent to the farmstead. (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1502 (2025).)

Driving Without a Valid License

Unlicensed driving is a summary offense, carrying a fine of $200. If the driver's license was expired for less than one year, the fine is just $25. (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1501 (2025).)

Driving Without a Valid License in Your Possession

A driver who was licensed but wasn't carrying the license while driving can be charged with a summary offense and faces a $200 fine. However, drivers can't be convicted if they present a license that was valid at the time of the offense to the court within 15 days of the citation. (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1511 (2025).)

Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License

A person who operates a vehicle while on a suspended or revoked license faces penalties that could include fines, jail, and extended license sanctions. In addition to the penalties discussed below, driving while suspended will extend the suspension period for one year, and driving while revoked will extend the revocation period for two years. (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1543 (2025).)

Penalties for Driving While Suspended

Driving while suspended or revoked generally is a summary offense, carrying a $200 fine. (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1543 (2025).)

Penalties for Driving While Revoked for a DUI

A violator whose license was suspended or revoked due to a DUI (driving under the influence) will be guilty of a summary offense, punishable by a $500 fine and 60 to 90 days in jail. (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1543 (2025).)

A second offense also is a summary offense and carries a $1,000 fine and at least 90 days in jail. And a third offense is a third-degree misdemeanor and will result in a $2,500 fine and at least six months in jail. (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1543 (2025).)

Penalties for a DUI While Driving on a Suspended License

A person who is driving with a license that's suspended for a DUI or refusal will be guilty of a summary offense punishable by a $1,000 fine and at least 90 days in jail if the violator:

• has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least .02%
• has any amount of a Schedule I or nonprescribed Schedule II or III controlled substance in their system, or
• refuses a blood or breath test.

A second offense is a third-degree misdemeanor and carries a $2,500 fine and at least six months in jail. A third offense is a first-degree misdemeanor, which results in a $5,000 fine and at least two years in jail. (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1543 (2025).)

Getting Help From an Attorney

If you're charged with an offense that carries the possibility of jail time, you should consider seeking help from a qualified defense attorney who is licensed in Pennsylvania. A qualified lawyer can advise you on the law and help you navigate the legal system.