VC 14601.1 (a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle when his or her driving privilege is suspended or revoked… if the person so driving has knowledge of the suspension or revocation. Knowledge shall be conclusively presumed if mailed notice has been given by the department to the person pursuant to Section 13106.
California is very strict in enforcing license suspension. If you were pulled over and the officer sees that your license is suspended, you will likely be charged with 14601.1(a), even if the initial traffic violation was very minor. If you were involved in an accident, the courts will be particularly fierce.
The law does allow some exceptions, but not many. You can get a restricted driver’s license, but you can only drive to and from certain designated activities (like work). Driving for other reasons is still illegal. And, as long as you are abiding by the conditions of your probation, you may be able to drive certain vehicles at work, on premises only—such as a forklift in a warehouse. Other work related driving is illegal, even if not driving means losing your job.
But to prove that you violated VC 14601.1(a), the prosecutor must show that you knew your license was suspended. If you weren’t given proper notification, the charge could potentially be dropped. A good DUI lawyer may be able to help you fight the charge or negotiate a better outcome.
Have you been charged with driving on a suspended license? We can connect you with an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer and get you a FREE consultation. Fill out the form to the right or call (310) 896-2724 and get your free consultation today.