Driving without an Ohio license is illegal. Not only can you get a citation, you can be charged with driving without a valid operator’s license, or “no ops” charges. This is a criminal offense and if you are convicted, it can have serious consequences that will follow you for long after the charges have been dealt with. Driving without a license is defined in the Ohio Revised Code 4510.12 as anyone who “operates a motor vehicle on a public road, highway or private road intended for public use without a valid driver’s license” or permit.
Driving and never had a driver’s license in Ohio
If you are convicted for driving without a valid driver’s license and you have never been licensed, you will be charged with an unclassified misdemeanor if this is your first time. This entails the completion of up to 500 community service hours and fines up to $1,000.
Subsequent driving without a valid driver’s license in Ohio
If you are convicted for subsequent driving without a valid license offenses, you will be charged with a first degree misdemeanor. This is punished by up to 6 months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
Driving without a valid driver’s license and your license is expired in Ohio
If you are convicted for driving without a valid driver’s license and your license is expired, you will be charged with a minor misdemeanor. This entails up to $150 in fines.
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