{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-300.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-300.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-300.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-300.html"}],"law_id":61610,"edition_id":1,"section_id":61610,"structure_id":12773,"section_number":"46.2-300","catch_line":"Driving without license prohibited; penalties","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-347; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-349; 1968, c. 494; 1970, c. 347; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727; 2005, c. 245; 2007, c. 532; 2008, c. 684; 2025, c. 121.","full_text":"No person, except those expressly exempted in \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-303 through 46.2-308, shall drive any motor vehicle on any highway in the Commonwealth until such person has applied for a driver’s license, as provided in this article, satisfactorily passed the examination required by \u00a7 46.2-325, and obtained a driver’s license, nor unless the license is valid.\n\t\tA violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.\n\t\tUpon conviction under this section, the court may suspend the person’s privilege to drive for a period not to exceed 90 days.\n\t\tThe court may, in its discretion, dismiss the summons or warrant, where proof of compliance with this section is provided to the court on or before the court date, unless such person was operating a commercial motor vehicle as defined in \u00a7 46.2-341.4.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":224947,"text":"No person, except those expressly exempted in \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-303 through 46.2-308, shall drive any motor vehicle on any highway in the Commonwealth until such person has applied for a driver’s license, as provided in this article, satisfactorily passed the examination required by \u00a7 46.2-325, and obtained a driver’s license, nor unless the license is valid.\n\t\tA violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.\n\t\tUpon conviction under this section, the court may suspend the person’s privilege to drive for a period not to exceed 90 days.\n\t\tThe court may, in its discretion, dismiss the summons or warrant, where proof of compliance with this section is provided to the court on or before the court date, unless such person was operating a commercial motor vehicle as defined in \u00a7 46.2-341.4.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":12773,"edition_id":1,"name":"Unlicensed Driving Prohibited","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12772,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225631,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12773,"identifier":"1","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/1","url":"\/46.2\/II\/3\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12772,"edition_id":1,"name":"Licensure of Drivers","identifier":"3","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12771,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225629,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12772,"identifier":"3","token":"46.2\/II\/3","url":"\/46.2\/II\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12771,"edition_id":1,"name":"Titling, Registration and Licensure","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225627,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12771,"identifier":"II","token":"46.2\/II","url":"\/46.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":61610,"structure_id":12773,"section_number":"46.2-300","catch_line":"Driving without license prohibited; penalties","url":"\/46.2-300\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/1\/46.2-300","metadata":false},{"id":54237,"structure_id":12773,"section_number":"46.2-301","catch_line":"Driving while license, permit, or privilege to drive suspended or revoked","url":"\/46.2-301\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/1\/46.2-301","metadata":false},{"id":53958,"structure_id":12773,"section_number":"46.2-301.1","catch_line":"Administrative impoundment of motor vehicle for certain driving while license suspended or revoked offenses; judicial impoundment upon conviction; penalty for permitting violation with one's vehicle","url":"\/46.2-301.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/1\/46.2-301.1","metadata":false},{"id":60940,"structure_id":12773,"section_number":"46.2-302","catch_line":"Driving while restoration of license is contingent on furnishing proof of financial responsibility","url":"\/46.2-302\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/1\/46.2-302","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":54237,"structure_id":12773,"section_number":"46.2-301","catch_line":"Driving while license, permit, or privilege to drive suspended or revoked","url":"\/46.2-301\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/1\/46.2-301","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-300\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 9 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1958, chapter 541; in 1968, chapter 494; in 1970, chapter 347; in 1984, chapter 780; in 1989, chapter 727; in 2005, chapter 245<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 532<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 684<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 121<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":66050,"section_number":"12.1-19","catch_line":"Duties of clerk; records; copies; personal identifiable information; records related to the administrative activities of the Commission; unauthorized filings","order_by":null,"url":"\/12.1-19\/"},{"id":73688,"section_number":"15.2-1716","catch_line":"Reimbursement of expenses incurred in responding to DUI and related incidents","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1716\/"},{"id":63788,"section_number":"16.1-228","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-228\/"},{"id":68913,"section_number":"16.1-69.48:1","catch_line":"Fixed fee for misdemeanors, traffic infractions and other violations in district court; additional fees to be added","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-69.48_1\/"},{"id":71693,"section_number":"17.1-293","catch_line":"Posting and availability of certain information on the Internet; prohibitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/17.1-293\/"},{"id":80038,"section_number":"18.2-6","catch_line":"Meaning of certain terms","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-6\/"},{"id":58970,"section_number":"19.2-327.15","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-327.15\/"},{"id":79544,"section_number":"2.2-3705.7","catch_line":"Exclusions to application of chapter; records of specific public bodies and certain other limited exclusions","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3705.7\/"},{"id":86548,"section_number":"2.2-3808","catch_line":"Collection, disclosure, or display of social security number; personal identifying information of donors; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3808\/"},{"id":62639,"section_number":"2.2-3808.1","catch_line":"Agencies' disclosure of certain account information prohibited","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3808.1\/"},{"id":72435,"section_number":"20-107.1","catch_line":"Court may decree as to maintenance and support of spouses","order_by":null,"url":"\/20-107.1\/"},{"id":54223,"section_number":"20-60.3","catch_line":"Contents of support orders","order_by":null,"url":"\/20-60.3\/"},{"id":58397,"section_number":"22.1-205","catch_line":"Driver education programs","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-205\/"},{"id":77926,"section_number":"22.1-289.031","catch_line":"Child day center operated by religious institution exempt from licensure; annual statement and documentary evidence required; enforcement; injunctive relief","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-289.031\/"},{"id":57873,"section_number":"24.2-410.1","catch_line":"Citizenship status; Department of Motor Vehicles to furnish lists of noncitizens","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-410.1\/"},{"id":65899,"section_number":"24.2-411.3","catch_line":"Registration of Department of Motor Vehicles customers","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-411.3\/"},{"id":60077,"section_number":"24.2-416.7","catch_line":"Application for voter registration by electronic means","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-416.7\/"},{"id":74895,"section_number":"32.1-291.2","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-291.2\/"},{"id":75794,"section_number":"33.2-613","catch_line":"Free use of toll facilities by certain state officers and employees; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-613\/"},{"id":85034,"section_number":"4.1-305","catch_line":"Purchasing or possessing alcoholic beverages unlawful in certain cases; venue; exceptions; penalty; forfeiture; deferred proceedings; treatment and education programs and services","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-305\/"},{"id":82691,"section_number":"46.2-100","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-100\/"},{"id":83616,"section_number":"46.2-203.2","catch_line":"Emergency contact information program","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-203.2\/"},{"id":55091,"section_number":"46.2-209","catch_line":"Release of information in Department records for motor vehicle research purposes","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-209\/"},{"id":65399,"section_number":"46.2-216.1","catch_line":"Electronic filings or submissions to Department; provision of electronic documents by Department","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-216.1\/"},{"id":54977,"section_number":"46.2-221","catch_line":"Certain state agencies to report to Department concerning the blind and nearly blind; use of such information by Department; Department to report names of persons refused licenses for defective vision; reports to law-enforcement agencies concerning certain blind or vision impaired individuals who operate motor vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-221\/"},{"id":70051,"section_number":"46.2-221.2","catch_line":"Extension of expiration of driver's licenses issued to certain persons in service to the United States government or for good cause shown","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-221.2\/"},{"id":53958,"section_number":"46.2-301.1","catch_line":"Administrative impoundment of motor vehicle for certain driving while license suspended or revoked offenses; judicial impoundment upon conviction; penalty for permitting violation with one's vehicle","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-301.1\/"},{"id":60940,"section_number":"46.2-302","catch_line":"Driving while restoration of license is contingent on furnishing proof of financial responsibility","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-302\/"},{"id":65847,"section_number":"46.2-384","catch_line":"Law-enforcement officers arresting drivers for certain offenses to request abstracts or transcripts of drivers' conviction records","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-384\/"},{"id":86068,"section_number":"46.2-411.1","catch_line":"Reinstatement of driver's license suspended or revoked for a conviction of driving while intoxicated","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-411.1\/"},{"id":66821,"section_number":"46.2-908.3","catch_line":"Low-speed vehicles; operation on highways; license required; registration required; safety and emissions inspections not required","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-908.3\/"},{"id":53997,"section_number":"59.1-442","catch_line":"Sale of purchaser information; notice required","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-442\/"},{"id":77636,"section_number":"59.1-443.3","catch_line":"Scanning information from driver's license or other document; retention, sale, or dissemination of information","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-443.3\/"},{"id":66065,"section_number":"8.01-420.8","catch_line":"Protection of confidential information in court files","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-420.8\/"},{"id":81477,"section_number":"8.9A-503","catch_line":"Name of debtor and secured party","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.9A-503\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":70960,"section_number":"46.2-303","catch_line":"Licenses not required for operating road roller or farm tractor","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-303\/"},{"id":77103,"section_number":"46.2-308","catch_line":"Temporary exemption for new resident licensed under laws of another state; privately owned vehicle driver's licenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-308\/"},{"id":66333,"section_number":"46.2-325","catch_line":"Examination of applicants; waiver of Department's examination under certain circumstances; behind-the-wheel and knowledge examinations","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-325\/"},{"id":66116,"section_number":"46.2-341.4","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-341.4\/"}],"permalink":{"id":225633,"object_type":"law","relational_id":61610,"identifier":"46.2-300","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/1\/46.2-300","url":"\/46.2-300\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-300\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/1\/46.2-300","dublin_core":{"Title":"Driving without license prohibited; penalties","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-300","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

No person, except those expressly exempted in \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-303<\/a> through 46.2-308<\/a>, shall drive any motor vehicle<\/span> on any highway<\/span> in the Commonwealth until such person has applied for a driver<\/span>’s license, as provided in this article, satisfactorily passed the examination required by \u00a7 46.2-325<\/a>, and obtained a driver<\/span>’s license, nor unless the license is valid.\n\t\tA violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor<\/span>. A second or subsequent violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>.\n\t\tUpon conviction<\/span> under this section, the court<\/span> may suspend<\/span> the person’s privilege<\/span> to drive for a period not to exceed 90 days.\n\t\tThe court<\/span> may, in its discretion, dismiss the summons<\/span> or warrant, where proof of compliance with this section is provided to the court<\/span> on or before the court<\/span> date, unless such person was operating a commercial motor vehicle<\/span> as defined in \u00a7 46.2-341.4<\/a>.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDRIVING WITHOUT LICENSE PROHIBITED; PENALTIES (\u00a7 46.2-300)\n\nNo person, except those expressly exempted in \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-303 through 46.2-308,\nshall drive any motor vehicle on any highway in the Commonwealth until such\nperson has applied for a driver’s license, as provided in this article,\nsatisfactorily passed the examination required by \u00a7 46.2-325, and obtained a\ndriver’s license, nor unless the license is valid.\n\t\tA violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent\nviolation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.\n\t\tUpon conviction under this section, the court may suspend the person’s\nprivilege to drive for a period not to exceed 90 days.\n\t\tThe court may, in its discretion, dismiss the summons or warrant, where proof\nof compliance with this section is provided to the court on or before the court\ndate, unless such person was operating a commercial motor vehicle as defined in\n\u00a7 46.2-341.4.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-347; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-349; 1968, c. 494; 1970, c.\n347; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727; 2005, c. 245; 2007, c. 532; 2008, c. 684; 2025,\nc. 121.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}