No Driver's License Number on Ticket

[Zadders]

My question involves a traffic citation from the state of: CA

Hi, i was recently cited for unlicensed driving

On the ticket, for the driver's license #, the officer just wrote NONE, since i obviously had no license and only a permit at the time.

Does this benefit me in any way at all?
Like maybe it won't show on my record since they don't have my actual driver's license? (they do have my name and address and etc.)

Any insight will be appreciated. Thank you.


p.s. will this infraction affect my record in any way? (such as cause my insurance to go up)
Also, will i be able to do traffic school for this?

[Mr. Knowitall]

As should be quite obvious, the fact that you don't have a license number because you don't have a license is in absolutely no way a defense to driving without a license.

[Zadders]

thanks.. no more assistance needed here.

[That Guy]

p.s. will this infraction affect my record in any way? (such as cause my insurance to go up)

Assuming you were cited in violation of CVC section 12500(a), and while a conviction will be reported on your driving record, it carries zero violation points.

Typically, a zero point violation should very little impact, if any, on annual premium. Who knows though, different insurers may utilize different criteria to rate their policies, so that question should be directed at your insurance agent....

Also, will i be able to do traffic school for this?

No, you cannot take traffic school for a zero point count violation.

What you can do, however, is to begin the process for of obtaining a driver's license. If your appearance date is coming up soon & you have not passed the tests or are yet to receive the physical license, you should appear in court and request an extension. Once you become licensed, you can show proof of the same to the court and you should be able to get the citation dismissed upon payment of a $25 administrative fee to the court (instead of paying the higher fine).

This will depend on whether (1) the infraction is marked as "correctable" on your citation, (2) you meet the eligibility requirements for a driver's license, and (3) you do become licensed by the due date on your "notice to appear" or any extension date grated to you by the court.

[Zadders]

ya thanks a lot that's exactly what happened.

I had my license the week after my citation, but all the other threads i read said you should plead not guilty and appear in court and show the judge your license..

but when i went to the courthouse to apply for a court appearance date, the clerk just took care of it right then and there, i payed the 25$ (instead of 400$) with proof of correction..

But one question, do you think this is too trivial of a fine for something like unlicensed driving?
I'm just getting into traffic law (and laws/legal-rights in general) and i do find it interesting.

[free9man]

But one question, do you think this is too trivial of a fine for something like unlicensed driving?

For someone who is already licensed to drive and simply forgot their license, it's a nice little reminder not to forget it next time. In your case, not being mean here, you should have had to pay the full fine and whatever other punishment is available for the offense. You did not have a license and forgot it, apparently had never had a license beyond a learner's permit from what you indicate, and as such were breaking not only the spirit but the letter of the law as well.

[cdwjava]

It can also be charged as a misdemeanor and, in theory, you could do jail time for it. Typically this does not happen, but, it can.

[flyingron]

Over on freeadvice he said it was made out as an infraction.

[cdwjava]

Over on freeadvice he said it was made out as an infraction.

Yes, but it could have been charged as a misdemeanor. He asked about whether the penalty was "too trivial," and I simply referenced the possibility that these can be filed as misdemeanors.