Alaska requires you to pass an exam and demonstrate certain driving skills before obtaining a driver’s license. This requirement is in place to help keep you and others safe from car accidents on the road. Driving without a license is illegal, but have you ever thought about what would happen if you get pulled over without your license? If you simply forgot your license at home, you may get off with just a warning. The officer has broad discretion on how to handle that situation. However, if you are intentionally driving without a license because you know your license is suspended or revoked, you could face serious legal consequences. Keep reading below to learn all the details.
Basic Traffic Stop Process When You Don’t Have Your License
The three things commonly requested at the start of most traffic stops are your license, registration, and proof of insurance. If you know you don’t have your license on you, your heart may start racing. It is important to remain calm and courteous with the officer and let them know that you don’t have your license on you. Here is what is likely to happen:
Provide Personal Details
If you don’t have your license, the officer is likely to ask for your personal information to verify your identity. This may include your:
- Full name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license number (if you know it)
If you happen to know your driver’s license number, this can help verify your license status more quickly. If you don’t know it, that’s OK. Simply provide your other information and let the officer check the law enforcement database.
Identity Verification
More than likely, the officer will return to their vehicle to verify your identity. This may require checking the database on their in-vehicle computer, or they may need to ask dispatch to assist with the identity verification. If they are unable to verify your identity, you may be asked to provide another form of identification, such as a passport or Social Security card.
Officer’s Discretion
Once your identity has been verified, the officer has discretion about how to handle the situation. This is where being courteous and cooperative can really help your case. The officer might decide to send you on your way with a warning, but they also have the authority to issue a citation if they decide that is necessary.
Penalties for Driving Without a License in Alaska
Driving without a license in Alaska is a serious offense, and you can face severe penalties if convicted. If you have never obtained a driver’s license or failed to obtain an Alaska license after moving to the state, you will receive a traffic infraction. This is accompanied by a fine and points on your driving record. However, if you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, the penalties are much more severe.
What To Do After an Accident With an Unlicensed Driver
If you are in a car accident with an unlicensed driver, things can potentially get a little more complicated. First, call the police to report the accident. They can respond to the scene and will get license information from all the drivers involved. If the other driver simply left their license at home, then the claims process should not be that different. If the other driver was at fault, you may be entitled to recover both economic damages and non-economic damages. However, if they don’t have a license, they might not have insurance either. The insurance company could also decline coverage if the other driver did not have a valid license. In those situations, you may have to rely on your own uninsured motorist coverage for compensation for your injuries. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side during these complex situations can help ensure you are exploring all your options for compensation.
Contact an Eagle River Car Accident Lawyer at Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
In Alaska, driving without your license on you can result in anything from a simple warning to more serious penalties, depending on the circumstances. While forgetting your license at home is often a minor issue, driving without a valid license because it has been suspended or revoked can lead to significant legal consequences. If you have been injured in a crash or have questions about your legal options, an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
For more information, please contact Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We have two locations in Alaska, including Anchorage and Eagle River.
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Anchorage 2525 Gambell St #410, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 290-8980
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Eagle River 13135 Old Glenn Hwy, Suite 101 Eagle River, AK 99577 (907) 802-4097