§ 9-24-18-1 — Driving without a license

(a) An individual, except an individual
exempted under IC 9-24-1-7, who knowingly or intentionally operates
a motor vehicle upon a highway and has never received a valid driver's
license commits a Class C misdemeanor. However, the offense is a:
(1) Class A misdemeanor if the individual has a prior unrelated
conviction under this section;
(2) Class A misdemeanor if the operation of the motor vehicle
results in bodily injury;
(3) Level 6 felony if the operation of the motor vehicle results in
serious bodily injury; or
(4) Level 5 felony if the operation of the motor vehicle results in
the death or catastrophic injury of another person.
(b) In a prosecution under this section, the burden is on the
defendant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the
defendant:
(1) had been issued a driver's license or permit that was valid; or
(2) was operating a motor driven cycle;
at the time of the alleged offense. However, it is not a defense under
subdivision (2) if the defendant was operating the motor driven cycle
in violation of IC 9-21-11-12.
[Pre-1991 Recodification Citation: 9-1-4-26.5.]

Legislative History

As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.100-2010, SEC.3; P.L.125-2012, SEC.235; P.L.85-2013, SEC.62; P.L.217-2014, SEC.92; P.L.221-2014, SEC.71; P.L.198-2016, SEC.527; P.L.111-2021, SEC.77; P.L.117-2025, SEC.3.