A license is definitely on the top of the must-have lists of every driver whenever they go out. Driving without a license is strictly prohibited as it serves as proof that you are knowledgeable enough to drive a motor vehicle and know the safety precautions on the road.

It must also be carried around by every driver and simply forgetting it at home will not exempt you from penalties.

Importance of driver’s license

If you violated a traffic law, the first thing that traffic enforcers will ask you is your driver’s license. If you are not able to present it, you will also be apprehended for driving without a license aside from the traffic law that you initially violated.

Penalties for driving without license

The penalty for driving without a license is a hefty P3,000. Carrying an expired, suspended, revoked, or fake driver’s license is also punishable under this violation.

Those who have a student permit will also be penalized with the same fine when caught driving without being accompanied by someone who has a non-professional or a professional driver’s license.

If you are caught carrying an expired or fake driver’s license among a few other things, your vehicle can get impounded or towed as you are not legally allowed to drive the vehicle that you are using. Towing or impounding the vehicle is the most logical option in this case since there is no authorized person to drive it.

The following license-related violations can get your vehicle impounded:

• Improper use of drivers license
• Expired drivers license
• Fake drivers license or Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR)
• Expired Traffic Violation Receipt
• Tampered documents pertaining to franchising, registration, and licensing

All these violations are equivalent to driving without a license.

To avoid these penalties, always remember to bring your driver’s license wherever you go and make sure to observe other traffic rules and regulations.

Photos by Dylan Afuang, Philippine News Agency, and Roy Robles