Driving without a license: High penalties and risks for drivers!

Driving without a license: High penalties and risks for drivers!

On May 28, 2025, the issue of driving without a valid driver's license will be examined again, as it has both legal and financial consequences for those affected. Anyone who is stopped by the police and has forgotten their driver's license at home is committing an administrative offense and must expect a fine of 10 euros ka-news reported. However, this small penalty does not count in the same way for the serious consequences that can arise if someone drives without any driving license.

Driving without a license is a criminal offense. According to Section 21 Paragraph 1 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG), in such cases there is a risk of a fine of at least five to a maximum of 360 daily rates or a prison sentence of up to twelve months. This regulation also applies to people whose driving license has been revoked. In this case, the fine can be up to 180 daily rates or a prison sentence of up to six months can be imposed.

Legal consequences

It is important to note that people who receive a fine of 90 daily rates or more are considered to have a criminal record. In addition, the vehicle owner is also committing a criminal offense if he allows a person without a license to drive the vehicle. For driving without a license, 3 points are also recorded in Flensburg.

The issue of vehicle insurance also requires special attention. If an accident occurs and the driver does not have a valid driver's license, the insurance company can claim back up to 5,000 euros. However, if you simply forget your driving license, you will have to bear the cost of the warning fine of 10 euros yourself, while the insurance will cover the costs of the accident ADAC describes.

Serious violations and driving bans

An existing driving ban requires the surrender of the driving license and it applies to all motorized vehicles, including mopeds, e-scooters and S-Pedelecs. Driving without a valid license can be a serious criminal offense, especially if the person has a criminal record or is deemed to have acted intentionally. The penalties depend on the severity of the offense and the defendant's previous convictions.

Additionally, drivers who drive after a license revocation are not protected in most cases—it often requires a medical-psychological evaluation (MPU) to reapply for a license. For example, anyone who is guilty of drug abuse or drunk driving will lose their authorization for a longer period of time.

In summary, it can be said that driving without a valid license can not only have legal consequences, but also entail significant financial burdens. Caution and responsible behavior on the road are therefore essential to avoid legal problems and to ensure your own safety and that of other road users.