No Valid Drivers License

Florida Law defines “No Valid Drivers License”(NVDL) as a criminal charge that can leave you with a permanent criminal record. Whether you are a Florida resident, visiting from out-of-state, or a tourist from a foreign country, you can be charged with driving without a valid driver’s license.

At The Traffic Law Firm we know the ins and outs of the law and can help you fight your case in court. We know the law, and all the exemptions that come with it. We also are well practiced in defending our clients against NVDL criminal charges.

Driving without a valid license in Florida can have a life-altering impact on you. Let our team of experienced NVDL attorney’s fight for you and keep your record clean.

What happens if I drive with a no valid drivers license in Florida?

While you might not think driving without a license in Florida is a serious offense, it carries serious penalties. You could face up to 60 days in jail, and a fine of up to $500. Even worse, being convicted could give you a permanent criminal record. That is why having the experienced driver’s license attorneys at The Traffic Law Firm on your side is so important.

Why am I getting charged with not having a valid driver’s license in Florida?

You do not have a valid driver’s licence at all. Whether you are a minor, or visiting from another country, the lack of a driver’s license could see you facing criminal charges in Florida.
Your license has been cancelled. Similar to a suspended license, your license can be cancelled. If you are driving under a cancelled license you could be subject to criminal charges for driving with a no valid driver’s license.
Florida Statutes 322.03(17) provides the definition of what is a valid driver’s license as explained by US Code 49 U.S.C 30301

Are there exceptions to the requirement of having a valid Florida driver’s license?

Yes. Here are a couple of the exceptions to having a valid Florida driver’s license according to Florida Statutes 322.04:

You are temporarily driving tractors, road machines, and farm-related machinery on a public road
You are operating a golf cart, and are in compliance with Florida Law
You are a non-resident, at least 16 years of age, and have in your possession a valid non-commercial driver’s license from a different state or country, and are operating a vehicle that requires a Florida Class-E driver’s licence
You are a non-resident, at least 18 years of age, and have in your possession a valid non-commercial driver’s license from a different state or country, and are operating a non-commercial vehicle
You are a government employee operating a non-commercial vehicle owned or leased by the government for official purposes

How is driving without a valid driver’s license different from driving with a suspended license?

Contrary to a suspended license, the state prosecutor does not need to prove that you are aware of your NVDL status. They only need to prove you do not have a valid license and that you were operating a motor vehicle.

NVDL charges do not count towards an HTO classification while a suspended license does. Either way, both charges will leave you with a permanent criminal record.

What are some defenses against a no valid driver’s license charge?

There are many examples of defenses The Traffic Law Firm can use against a no valid driver’s license charge. They include but are not limited to:

You were stopped unlawfully
You were unlawfully detained after the stop
You have a valid driver’s license
You are a non-Florida resident with a valid driver’s license from a different state or country
You were not driving on the a public street or highway

Do I need an International Driver’s License in Florida?

No. Orlando is home to many tourist attractions, and millions of international visitors. As of 2013, HB 7059 states if you are a foreigner driving in Florida, you do not need an international driver’s licence to operate a vehicle. You only need a valid driver’s license from your country of origin.

What can the Traffic Law Firm do for me?

The Traffic Law Firm’s experienced valid driver’s license lawyers will help you fight your case in court. We will do what we can to have your case thrown out. If there is no logical defense, we will use our expertise and experience to prevent you from getting a permanent criminal record.