Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle

Respected Boston Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney Committed to Keeping You on the Road

Getting pulled over without a valid driver’s license in Massachusetts can lead to more than just a warning or fine. Whether you’ve never been licensed, were driving on an expired license, or moved from out of state and didn’t update your credentials, police can charge you with unlicensed operation—a criminal traffic violation that comes with real legal consequences. At the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, we know how easy it is for a simple traffic stop to turn into a criminal case. As a seasoned Boston traffic ticket lawyer, Attorney Murphy has spent over 27 years defending drivers in court and helping them avoid convictions that could derail jobs, immigration status, or future license eligibility.

What the Law Says About Driving Without a License

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 10 makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle without being properly licensed. The statute applies to:

• Drivers who have never held a valid license
• Drivers with an expired or suspended license
• Out-of-state drivers who fail to obtain a Massachusetts license within the required time
• Individuals operating with a learner’s permit outside the authorized conditions

The charge is not just a civil traffic infraction—it’s a criminal traffic offense, meaning it can result in a misdemeanor conviction being added to your record.

Common Scenarios That Lead to Charges

Many unlicensed operation cases result from honest mistakes or misunderstandings, such as:

• Driving after your license expired without realizing it
• Moving to Massachusetts and failing to switch over your license within 30 days
• Assuming a valid foreign or out-of-state license covers you
• Driving without a license in an emergency situation
• Thinking a suspended license had been reinstated

Whatever the reason, driving without a valid license can lead to a summons to criminal court and other consequences that aren’t immediately obvious.

What Happens If You’re Convicted

While jail time is rare for a first offense, a conviction for unlicensed operation can still cause problems down the road. For example, penalties may include:

• Fines of up to $500
• Possible jail time (up to 10 days for a first offense, up to 1 year for repeat offenses)
• A criminal record that appears in background checks
• RMV license delays or complications when applying in the future
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens

If you’re a student, caregiver, or working in a field that requires a clean record, even a misdemeanor conviction for unlicensed operation can carry potentially life-changing consequences.

How a Boston Traffic Ticket Lawyer Can Help

With the right legal strategy, it may be possible to resolve the charges against you without a conviction. In some cases, the Commonwealth may agree to dismiss the case upon the payment of court costs or compliance with licensing requirements.

Attorney Patrick J. Murphy will:

• Represent you at your arraignment and throughout the court process
• Seek to reduce or dismiss the charge, especially for first-time offenders
• Help you obtain a valid license, which may improve your outcome in court
• Advocate for pretrial diversion or other non-criminal resolutions
• Work to preserve your clean record and avoid license-related delays

These cases are often more manageable with early intervention. Don’t assume your best option is to plead guilty and pay the fine, because it could have a lasting impact on your future

Don’t Let One Mistake Lead to a Permanent Record

Unlicensed operation may seem like a minor offense, but the criminal court system treats it seriously. Prosecutors won’t always consider the reason you were driving—or how close you were to getting your license. With help from a knowledgeable Boston traffic ticket attorney, you can push back against the charges, protect your record, and take steps to drive legally moving forward. Call the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy at (617) 367-0450 to schedule a confidential consultation. If you’ve been cited for driving without a license, your case may be resolved without long-term damage.