In Arizona, the misuse of a driver’s license can lead to serious legal consequences. Statute 28-3478 outlines the unlawful use of a driver’s license and the associated penalties. This statute is in place to ensure the integrity of driver’s licenses and protect public safety on the roads.
What Does Statute 28-3478 Prohibit?
The statute categorizes the following actions as class 2 misdemeanors:
- Knowingly displaying, causing, or allowing the display of a canceled, revoked, suspended, fictitious, or fraudulently altered driver’s license.
- Lending one’s driver’s license to someone else or knowingly permitting another person’s use of their driver’s license.
- Knowingly representing someone else’s driver’s license as one’s own.
- Making false statements, using a false name, concealing material facts, or committing fraud in a driver’s license application.
- Permitting the unlawful use of one’s driver’s license.
- Knowingly using false information, a fictitious name, or committing fraud in an application for a nonoperating identification license.
Consequences of Violating the Statute
Being charged with a class 2 misdemeanor can result in significant penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment. The severity of the consequences emphasizes the importance of complying with the law and using driver’s licenses responsibly.
Avoiding Unlawful Use of Your Driver’s License
To avoid facing legal trouble, it’s crucial to handle your driver’s license with care and ensure that it is valid and not altered in any way. Lending your license to others or using someone else’s license as your own is strictly prohibited. Additionally, providing truthful and accurate information in driver’s license applications is essential to avoid potential fraud charges.
New PVC Licenses
As of February 28th, 2023 The Arizona MVD has implemented new security features in the Arizona Drivers License. If you receive your license after the 28th of February, 2023 it will have a lot of new security features making it even more difficult to duplicate. If you manufacture a fake drivers license with the intent to conceal true citizenship you will be dealing with a much more serious penalty.
Common Defenses:
If you’re arrested for a fake ID in Arizona, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Ted Law immediately. They can help you understand your rights and explore defense strategies to dismiss your charges or reduce penalties. Defense strategies may include lack of criminal intent (lack of knowledge of driving on a suspended license), no evidence of driving, and constitutional rights violations. Call (602) 453-3100 for a free initial case evaluation.