What you should know
Being charged with driving without a license in Arizona under ARS 28-3473 can result in serious legal consequences, even if you were unaware of the status of your license. Arizona takes unlicensed driving seriously, and it’s essential to understand your rights and legal options if you’re cited or arrested for this offense.
At Rideout Law Group, our experienced traffic and criminal defense attorneys have helped countless clients across Scottsdale, Lake Havasu, and the Phoenix metro area fight ARS 28-3473 charges and minimize penalties.
What Is ARS 28-3473?
ARS 28-3473 is Arizona’s statute that makes it unlawful for a person to drive a motor vehicle without a valid driver license. The law applies in multiple scenarios, including:
- Driving with an expired license
- Driving without ever having been issued a license
- Driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license
- Driving while your license is restricted, and you violate that restriction
The statute reads, in part: “A person shall not operate a motor vehicle or vehicle on a highway without a valid driver license.”
Penalties for Violating ARS 28-3473
Violations of ARS 28-3473 are typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor level in Arizona. Potential penalties include:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $2,500
- Up to 3 years of probation
- Vehicle impoundment in some cases
- Additional license suspension or revocation
- A permanent criminal record
For individuals with prior driving offenses, or who are caught driving on a revoked license, the consequences can be even more severe.
Common Situations That Lead to Charges
Some of the most common ways people find themselves facing ARS 28-3473 charges include:
- Forgetting to renew their license
- Moving to Arizona and not updating their out-of-state license
- Driving after a DUI license suspension
- Failing to appear in court for a traffic ticket, leading to suspension
In some cases, the driver may have believed they had a valid license or did not receive proper notice of suspension.
How Rideout Law Group Can Help
If you’re charged under ARS 28-3473, our attorneys can:
- Investigate whether the suspension or revocation was legally valid
- Work to reinstate your license while the case is pending
- Negotiate for reduced charges, such as a civil traffic violation
- Advocate for dismissal if you were unaware of the suspension or if errors occurred in DMV records
Our goal is to protect your driving record, your freedom, and your future.
Defending Your Rights in Court
At Rideout Law Group, we have decades of experience defending clients in Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, and throughout Arizona. We understand how local courts treat unlicensed driving cases and tailor our defense strategy to your specific circumstances.
Whether this is your first offense, or you have prior violations, our team will build a strong case aimed at reducing or eliminating the penalties you face.
Don’t Face Charges Alone
A charge under ARS 28-3473 can impact your job, your insurance rates, and your reputation. Let Rideout Law Group fight for you.
📞 Call (480) 584-3328 or visit our Scottsdale DUI defense page to schedule your free consultation.