Washington criminal charge
Driving without a license in Washington
Driving without a license is a Misdemeanor under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 46.20.005. As a Misdemeanor, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Washington sets for that offense class. Washington sorts criminal offenses into class A, B, and C felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors — a gross misdemeanor is a distinct, more serious rung than a misdemeanor — with maximum penalties set by RCW 9A.20.021.
Defined by RCW 46.20.005.
What is the penalty for driving without a license in Washington?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 90 days (statutory maximum, county jail (RCW 9A.20.021(3)); offenses outside Title 9A carry the same default under RCW 9.92.030 unless the offense fixes its own penalty) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5))) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
Applies to current.
Common questions about driving without a license in Washington
Is driving without a license a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Driving without a license is a Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 46.20.005.
What are the penalties for driving without a license in Washington?
As a Misdemeanor, driving without a license carries up to 90 days (no mandatory minimum) of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000 (no mandatory minimum) under RCW 9A.20.021 (current).
Which Washington statute covers driving without a license?
Driving without a license is governed by RCW 46.20.005 (Driving without a license—Misdemeanor, when).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.