Driving While Suspended
Veh. Code 14601.1 — knowledge, a mailed notice, and five years
In California, driving while the driving privilege is suspended or revoked is an offense when the driver knows of the suspension or revocation. Knowledge is conclusively presumed if the Department of Motor Vehicles mailed the notice. Driving on a highway without ever holding a valid license is a separate violation.
| Why the privilege was suspended | A first conviction | Within five years of a prior |
|---|---|---|
| Why the privilege was suspendedReckless driving, negligent operation, or the grounds on which a license may be refused | A first conviction5 days to six months in county jail, and a fine of $300 to $1,000 | Within five years of a prior10 days to one year, and a fine of $500 to $2,000 |
| Why the privilege was suspendedAny other reason not covered by its own section | A first convictionUp to six months in county jail, a fine of $300 to $1,000, or both | Within five years of a prior5 days to one year, and a fine of $500 to $2,000 |
Some suspensions have their own sections with their own penalties, not set out here.
Sources for this section (3)
- Veh. Code 14601.1 — Driving while the privilege is suspended or revoked for other reasons
- Veh. Code 14601 — Driving while the privilege is suspended or revoked for reckless driving and other causes
- Veh. Code 12500 — Driving without a valid license
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.