If you are licensed driver...?

Question

and you are going to operate a automobile, is it required that you have your drivers license with you in the automobile? In the state of Maryland.

Haven't any of you just jumped into the car to run to the store and didnt grap your license? Its not like I don't have a valid drivers license. Beside's there was no reason that I was being pulled over, I was out of state, not speeding, wearing my seat belt, everything on my car in working order. I just didn't have my license. I had my proff of insurance and my registration to show.

Is there a way to beat this ticket?

Answer 1

yes TA 16-112.(b) Each individual driving a motor vehicle on any highway in this State shall have his license with him.

Answer 2

It is Maryland law that you have to have your identification with you at all times. I almost found out the hard way, as I was jogging in Baltimore some years ago and got pulled over by a cop wanting to know why I was running around Federal Hill (a part of Baltimore) at 2am. I explained that I worked until midnight and it wa the only time I could run. Had I not been standing in front of my place, and able to show the cop my ID, I could have been arrested (a misdemeanor, but still a major hassle).
Post 9-11, I am guessing we aren't that far away from a National ID card. Even though it is an abominable abuse of federal congressional authority, i think people's sheep-like fear will allow it to happen.
You have no defense. I read through some of the other responses, and one of them suggested that you present the id within 24 hours. That is COMPLETELY wrong. It is up to the discretion of the police officer who, by the way, doesn't need a reason to pull you over. They are called routine traffic stops for a reason. They are checking for things like seatbelt use, as well as whether you are drunk as a skunk, or have the head of your mother in the passenger seat. That is part of their job.
Sorry if it sounded like I was being harsh with you. the law applies to everyone, and if the judge looks at your spotless driving and arrest record and sees you are basically a good person and not a scofflaw, (s)he might let you off with a warning or whatever. If you've made mistakes in the past, this will likely come back to bite you, and you will have to pay a fine. Too many of those and your insurance rates go up.
Go to court and make a statement. MAKE SURE you bring your ID, registration and proof of insurance when you go. If you don't, the judge will not care what you say. Not having it might even mean that the cops will be waiting for you to drive away from the courthouse, so they can pull you over and give you another ticket for not having your license, registration or proof of insurance. That sort of sting operation has happened in the Chicago area (where I live now), and was widely televised in the news.

Answer 3

It is recommended.

Most states have provisions for drivers without their licenses in the vehicle with them. Generally, it's a 24 hour produce period. If you don't produce a valid license within 24 hours the penalties come into effect. (Yes, you a cited as if you don't have a license.) Keep in mind, you must be able to prove your identity in another way before you are eligible for the deference.

Answer 4

Yes its against the law. You may be able to go to court and show proof that you had a license and the Judge could either suspended all the Fines and Cost or just have you pay cost only. The Judge I worked for usually dismissed the fine portion and only had the person pay the court cost. Worth a try to go to court.

Answer 5

Yes, you have to have your drivers license with you in every state when you operate a vehicle. Most cities will allow you to plead guilty and pay a fine. Also, you can go before a judge and fight it. If your city is large, if you show up to court, most times the cop who wrote the ticket wont be present and you are dismissed.

Answer 6

You would need to ask a local police officer. In my state it is a violation to operate a motor vehicle without your drivers license in possession. The reasoning behind this is Police Officers can check through the State and NCIC computers and check your driving status. This allows us also to check for warrants and restrictions.

If you do not have your drivers license with you it becomes difficult for the Officer to complete his tasks due to you not having your license number or personal information.

Without your I.D. how do we really know its you???

Remember you can be held in custody also until your identified also.

Answer 7

yes it is required! If you get pulled over you can now be fined for it. it would be like if you got pulled over and didnt have registration in your car. But why wouldnt you have it with you at all times?
it would make sense to carry it with you...you may never know when you need it. So yes carry ur license with u at all times!! it would be a smart thing to do!! :)

Answer 8

Most states allow you by or before the court date to bring your license to the police dept and the ticket is dropped. You can go online to the Maryland DPS website and it usually tells you all that.

Answer 9

Yes it is required to have your drivers license with you if you are operating a vehicle. Bringing you up-to-date license with you to court should help you to avoid any fine but you probably will still be reliable for court costs of 95 bucks or so. Good luck.

Answer 10

Here's one for ya, first of all you operate a forklift and you drive a taxi But you traverse in your own vehicle without compinsation/hire, you see the driver's license is a buisness license and it is to regulate income but if you traverse in your own vehicle without compinsation or hire you do not have an income to be regulated. So check that one out