North Carolina Statute 20-7 states that to drive a motor vehicle on a highway, a person must be licensed by the Division of Motor Vehicles to drive the vehicle and must carry the license while driving the vehicle.

NC Statute 20‑35 discusses the penalties for violating the law and driving without a license. Here it states that this offense is a violation of this Article of law and is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina usually comes with a fine and/or jail time. It is our understanding that it is up to 6 months in jail and or up to a $500 fine, if you were cited for this offense though you could contact the court or a lawyer to find out for certain.

We did not see it noted that a minor being cited for driving without a license would have a delay in getting their driver's license. If you are under 18 and convicted of being an unlicensed driver though you will need to check with the NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT) to find out if this will delay your ability to apply and start the licensing process in NC.

As for the seat belt violation, NC Statute 20-135.2A is the section of law discussing mandatory seat belt use. Here under section (a) it says that except as otherwise provided in G.S. 20‑137.1, each occupant of a motor vehicle manufactured with seat belts shall have a seat belt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway in this State.

Subsection (e) goes on to state:

Any driver or front seat passenger who fails to wear a seat belt as required by this section shall have committed an infraction and shall pay a penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) plus court costs in the sum of seventy-five dollars ($75.00). Any rear seat occupant of a vehicle who fails to wear a seat belt as required by this section shall have committed an infraction and shall pay a penalty of ten dollars ($10.00) and no court costs. Court costs assessed under this section are for the support of the General Court of Justice and shall be remitted to the State Treasurer. Conviction of an infraction under this section has no other consequence.

And subsection (f) notes that no drivers license points or insurance surcharge shall be assessed on account of violation of a seat belt conviction.

The NC DOT Division of Motor Vehicles would be able to tell you more about the penalties you would receive for driving without a valid license and a seat belt violation while being a minor. Also, if you were ticketed already for these offenses that contact the court on the citation to get more information on the penalties.

Once you have a valid North Carolina driver's license you can shop with us for NC low cost car insurance.