What Happens if You Get Pulled Over in Lancaster Without Your License on You?

October 10, 2025 | Pennsylvania Law

What Happens if You Get Pulled Over in Lancaster Without Your License on You?

Getting pulled over can be stressful under any circumstances. If it happens in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and you realize you do not have your driver’s license on you, the situation can feel even more overwhelming. 

Forgetting your license is not the same as driving without a valid license, but it can still lead to consequences. Here is what you need to know.

What Does Pennsylvania Law Say About Carrying a Driver’s License?

Pennsylvania law requires that every driver carry a valid driver’s license or commercial driver’s license when operating a motor vehicle. This is outlined under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1511, which grants police officers the authority to request your license during a traffic stop. 

You may receive a citation if you cannot present your license, even if you do have a valid license on file. Failing to carry your license is not the same as driving without a license. If you are properly licensed, the offense is typically considered minor and results in a fine. 

However, if you are unlicensed or driving under suspension, the consequences can escalate quickly.

What Are Potential Penalties for Getting Pulled Over Without a Driver’s License?

Forgetting your license may seem like a minor mistake, but it can have legal consequences. In Pennsylvania, failing to carry your license is a summary offense under state law. This is the lowest level of enforceable traffic violations. 

The penalties may also include:

  • A citation for failure to carry your license.
  • Fines of up to $200.
  • A summary offense that appears on your driving record.

However, the situation changes if you are truly unlicensed or have had your license suspended or revoked. In those cases, you may face much steeper penalties, including higher fines, points on your driving record, and even jail time for repeat offenses. 

The difference between forgetting your license and not having one at all is significant.

What Can I Expect During a Traffic Stop?

Being pulled over without your license can be nerve-racking, but the process is straightforward in most cases. The officer will approach your vehicle and request your license, registration, and proof of insurance. 

During the stop, you should expect:

  • Questions about your identity, such as your full name, date of birth, and home address.
  • Verification of your driver’s status through PennDOT’s electronic database.
  • A potential citation for failing to carry your license under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1511.
  • Instructions on how and where to present your license later, often at the local magistrate’s office or district court, if the officer allows it.
  • Additional questioning or further investigation if there are discrepancies in your record or if your license cannot be verified on the spot.

The stop will usually result in a citation if you are properly licensed but simply forgot your card.  On the other hand, if you are stopped without ever having a license, or while your license is suspended or revoked, the officer may issue more serious citations for driving without a license under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1501 or driving under suspension under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1543. 

These charges carry higher fines, points on your driving record, and, in some cases, even the possibility of jail time, especially if you are involved in a car crash in Lancaster, PA. 

What if I Retrieve My License Later?

Drivers with valid licenses who fail to carry them may usually bring the card to the court or magistrate later to show they were licensed. This may reduce or even dismiss the citation, but repeated violations can still lead to fines, points, or higher insurance rates. 

Keep in mind that this option does not apply if you have never had a license or if your license is suspended or revoked. In those situations, the penalties are far more severe.

Know the Law: Drive With Your License

Carrying your driver’s license may feel like a small detail, but it is a requirement in Pennsylvania. Forgetting your license can lead to a citation, while driving unlicensed or under suspension can result in more serious consequences. 

The best way to avoid fines, points, and stress is to always keep your license with you when you drive. To learn more, contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates to schedule a time to speak with a Lancaster personal injury attorney. 

Call Marzzacco Niven & Associates to schedule a free consultation today.

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