Driving without a valid license is against the law in Texas and chapter 521 of the TX Transportation code gives information on the offense and penalties associated with a conviction of this violation.

Driving without a driver’s license in Texas is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $200 for a first offense. The penalties go up if you are found operating a vehicle as an unlicensed driver more than once. A third conviction for driving without a license within one year of a second conviction on this charge comes with a fine of up to $500 and 72 hours to 6 months in jail, or both such fine and imprisonment.

Texas also has a Driver Responsibility Program (DRP). The program establishes a system requiring drivers to pay a surcharge fee based on driving history. The surcharge is based on a combination of factors.

Certain convictions will not be assessed points but will result in an automatic surcharge. The surcharge will be required when the conviction is reported to the Department and will then be assessed each year for a three-year period. Driving Without a Valid License is one such offense and it comes with a $100 surcharge for the 3 year period.

The exact amount of the fine would be up to the judge in jurisdiction where the ticket was received for driving without a valid license. We did not see in the TX where a minor could not obtain a driver's license until he or she was 18 if they drove unlicensed as a minor however you should check with the TX DPS to see if this could be a penalty for your son.

Since your son was cited for driving without a valid license in Texas you should contact the court listed on the ticket to find out what the cost of the ticket will be and if there will any additional penalties he could be facing.