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Driving

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Driving Without a Valid Licence

The first time police catch you driving without a valid driver’s licence in BC, you will get a ticket and you will not be permitted to drive the vehicle any further on the road.

If you are caught a second time driving without a valid driver's licence, a notice on your driving record will tell the police that you have a previous “No Driver’s Licence” conviction. They will immediately impound the vehicle you are driving for seven days (which means they will take it away and put it in a storage lot) — even if someone else owns it. You will be stopped from driving until you get a valid BC driver’s licence and pay any and all outstanding traffic fines.

If you continue to drive a motor vehicle after being told you must stop driving, you will be charged with “Driving While Prohibited” (while not allowed). The punishment for a first offence is a $500 fine and up to six months in jail.

Last reviewed date: 2021/ Apr