Legal Question in Traffic Law in Alabama

Driving Without License (License Lost)

What are the laws concerning driving without a drivers license in possession - but having a valid license? The driver in question had lost his license in a recent move, and not having a copy of his birth certificate, has sent off to Michigan to receive it. Ticket was issued over the Christmas/New Year's Holiday and the documentation from Michigan has been slow in arriving. Drives only when absolutely necessary until it can arrive and he get a new license. Got pulled by local sheriff's department on one such trip. What are the chances of going to court to get ticket dismissed? Fine was $213 - which seems very hefty. Any suggestions/ recommended course of action would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.


Asked on 1/08/03, 10:24 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Kreitlein Robert Kreitlein, Attorney at Law

Re: Driving Without License (License Lost)

That fine does seem hefty, heftier, in fact, than it should be. Was this person ticketed for anything else in conjunction with the driving without a license charge? Even so, that specific charge can be resolved by obtaining a replacement license and taking it to court on the court date specified. As long as the license was valid at the time of the citation, according to AL Code section 32-6-9, the individual cannot be convicted. You may want to have an attorney assist you in obtaining the new license and going to court to defend the charge. Having an attorney can really streamline the process and can also help if anything unexpected pops up.

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Answered on 1/08/03, 11:35 am


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