What Are the Consequences of Driving with a Forged License?

Driving with a forged or fake driving license is a serious offense in India. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), using or possessing a forged license is treated as a criminal act, with severe legal consequences. The consequences include substantial fines, imprisonment, and long-term repercussions such as suspension or permanent cancellation of the driving license.

Consequences of Driving with a Forged License

Legal Penalties Under the Motor Vehicles Act:

Section 180 of the Motor Vehicles Act makes it clear that a person caught using a forged or fake driving license will face a penalty of up to ₹5,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months.

Driving Without a Valid License: Even if the license is forged, the act of driving without a valid license is a punishable offense. If caught, the offender can face fines ranging from ₹500 to ₹5,000. If the offender has been caught multiple times or if the offense is deemed severe, imprisonment might also be an option.

Criminal Offense Under the Indian Penal Code (IPC):

Section 465 (Forgery):

The person using or possessing a forged driving license may be charged with forgery under Section 465 of the IPC. This is a criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment of up to 2 years or a fine, or both.

Section 467 (Forgery of Valuable Security):

If the forged license is related to a document that is treated as a valuable security (e.g., a government-issued document), the penalty becomes more severe, with imprisonment extending up to 7 years.

Section 471 (Using Forged Document):

If someone is found using a forged license, they may face imprisonment for a term of up to 7 years and a fine, as per Section 471 of the IPC.

Additional Penalties for Fraudulent Activity:

Imprisonment:

In addition to fines, the court may also impose imprisonment if the forged license is used in a way that results in an accident, injury, or death.

Forfeiture of License:

If a person is found driving with a forged license, their valid license (if they had one) may be suspended or cancelled.

Impact on Vehicle Insurance:

If an accident occurs while driving with a forged license, insurance companies may refuse to provide compensation, as the license is not valid. This can cause financial and legal problems for the driver.

Impact on Future Driving Privileges:

A conviction for driving with a forged license may result in a permanent ban on obtaining a driving license in the future.

Even if a person holds a valid driving license obtained through legitimate means, they may be permanently disqualified from holding a license after being convicted for forgery.

Example

Case 1:

A person in Delhi is caught driving with a forged driving license. The police discover the license is not issued by the concerned authority, and the individual is arrested.

The individual is charged under Section 465 (forgery) and Section 471 (using forged document) of the IPC.

They face imprisonment of 2 years and a fine of ₹10,000.

Case 2:

A man in Mumbai presents a fake driving license to the traffic police after being stopped for a routine check. Upon verification, the police find the license is forged.

The man is fined ₹5,000 under Section 180 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Further, a case is filed against him for forgery under IPC, and he faces 6 months imprisonment.

Conclusion

Driving with a forged or fake license is a serious offense under both the Motor Vehicles Act and the Indian Penal Code. The consequences include heavy fines, imprisonment, and potential criminal charges for forgery. In addition to these legal penalties, the individual may face a permanent ban from obtaining a legitimate driving license, as well as complications with vehicle insurance.

Therefore, it is essential for all drivers to ensure that their driving licenses are obtained through the proper legal channels to avoid severe legal consequences.