Driving without a license in California is illegal and can result in penalties depending on the circumstances. Here are some possible scenarios and their corresponding penalties:

• Driving without a license: This is considered a misdemeanor offense and can result in criminal fines of up to $250 for the first infraction and up to $1,000 in criminal fines for subsequent offenses. Possible jail time of up to six months, probation, and the towing and impounding of the vehicle that was being operated by the unlicensed driver are also possible penalties.

• Driving without a valid license: This is typically a wobbler offense, meaning that the first offense is typically a non-criminal infraction and any subsequent infractions are likely to be charged as misdemeanors. The maximum penalty for a misdemeanor is six months in jail and a $1,000 court fine. If charged as an infraction, the maximum penalty is a $250 court fine. The penalties may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

• Forgetting your license at home: If you possess a valid driver’s license but do not have it in your possession when you are pulled over by law enforcement, it is considered a different violation. This is typically an infraction and can result in a fine of up to $250. However, if you can prove that you had a valid license at the time you were ticketed, you may be able to have the infraction dismissed.

It is important to note that if you are excused from the requirement of having a valid California driver’s license, you would not be criminally liable for driving without a license. This would include out-of-state drivers visiting California, those who maintain primary residences out-of-state, or those who moved to California within the previous 20 days.