Present law generally prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless the person has a valid driver license for the type or class of vehicle being driven. This bill clarifies that a violation of this prohibition generally constitutes a Class B misdemeanor. However, a second or subsequent violation is a Class A misdemeanor. This bill clarifies that (i) such convictions occurring more than 10 years prior to the immediate violation must not be considered for enhancement purposes; (ii) this bill does not apply to a violation for failure to have a license in one's immediate possession when operating a motor vehicle and ready to display to an officer or agent upon request, which is a Class C misdemeanor; and (iii) this bill applies to acts committed on or after July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-50-301