§ 13553 Unlicensed Driver Penalties

Vehicle Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that even if you don't have a driver's license, you can still get punished for driving when you're not allowed to.

Key Takeaways

•You don't need to have a driver's license to get punished for driving when you're not allowed to.
•The punishment is the same as if you had a license and broke the rules.
•This applies to anyone who drives when their privilege to do so is suspended or revoked.

Example

A person who never got a driver's license drives a car after their right to drive was taken away by a court.

Even though they never had a license, they can still get in trouble for driving when they weren't supposed to.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 13553 Unlicensed Driver Penalties

Whenever a court or the department suspends or revokes the privilege of any person to operate a motor vehicle and the person does not hold a valid driver’s license, or has never applied for or received a driver’s license in this State, the person shall be subject to any and all penalties and disabilities provided in this code for a violation of the terms and conditions of a suspension or revocation of the privilege to operate a motor vehicle. (Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

suspends or revokes privilege to operate a motor vehicle penalties and disabilities

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 13553.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References