The penalty in California for driving without a valid license typically includes not only a fine and court fees but the towing and impoundment of the vehicle the driver without a valid license was operating. In California, it is a misdemeanor to drive without a valid driver's license. CA laws require a driver to have his license in his possession while driving.

California Vehicle Code 14601 - 14601.3 gives information about the penalties for driving with a revoked license. VC 14601 is titled Driving When Privilege Suspended or Revoked and it states that:

(a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle at any time when that person’s driving privilege is suspended or revoked for reckless driving in violation of Section 23103, 23104, or 23105, any reason listed in subdivision (a) or (c) of Section 12806 authorizing the department to refuse to issue a license, negligent or incompetent operation of a motor vehicle as prescribed in subdivision (e) of Section 12809, or negligent operation as prescribed in Section 12810.5 , if the person so driving has knowledge of the suspension or revocation.

(b) A person convicted under this section shall be punished as follows:

(1) Upon a first conviction, by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than five days or more than six months and by a fine of not less than three hundred dollars ($300) or more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(2) If the offense occurred within five years of a prior offense that resulted in a conviction of a violation of this section or Section 14601.1, 14601.2, or 14601.5, by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than 10 days or more than one year and by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) or more than two thousand dollars ($2,000).

(c) If the offense occurred within five years of a prior offense that resulted in a conviction of a violation of this section or Section 14601.1, 14601.2, or 14601.5, and is granted probation, the court shall impose as a condition of probation that the person be confined in a county jail for at least 10 days.

So to sum up the penalties in CA for a first time conviction for driving with a revoked license (a misdemeanor) include jail time of between five days to six months and a fine of between $300 and $1,000. A second offense within 5 years comes with jail time of not less than 10 days and up to 1 year and a fine amount between $500 and $2000.

CA Vehicle Code 14601.2 is titled Driving When Privilege Suspended or Revoked for Driving Under the Influence, With Excessive Blood Alcohol, or When Addicted and gives information on the penalties for this offense which are a bit harsher.

A first conviction comes with the same penalties as listed above - imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 10 days or more than six months and by a fine of not less than three hundred dollars ($300) or more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). But for a second offense within five years the penalties are imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 30 days or more than one year and by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) or more than two thousand dollars ($2,000).

This section of the CA VC also notes that the court shall require a person convicted of a violation of this section to install a certified ignition interlock device on a vehicle the person owns or operates for a conviction of driving with a revoked license due to a conviction for a DUI with excessive blood alcohol or when addicted.

For more information on the penalties for driving with a revoked license in California you can check with the court, if ticketed for this offense, or the CA Department of Motor Vehicles. You also can contact a lawyer for legal advice and read through the CA Vehicle Code on your own for more information on CA laws.