Deaths from motor vehicle crashes in the United States hit a 16-year-high in 2021. Nearly 43,000 U.S. residents were killed on the roads last year, marking a 10.5% increase from 2020. (These are the 20 car accidents Americans get in the most.)
Most fatal wrecks involve drivers who are legally licensed to operate their vehicles, but accidents involving unlicensed drivers, or drivers operating vehicles with suspended, revoked, or expired licenses are quite common. Â
To determine the states where unlicensed drivers are involved in the most fatal wrecks, 24/7 Wall St. examined fatal accidents data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database for 2011-2022. States are ranked by the percentage of unlicensed drivers involved in fatal car crashes. Unlicensed drivers include those whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired as well as drivers with canceled and denied licenses. We also included state license status laws from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, and state penalties for driving without a license from RateForce and Driving Laws.
It may come as a surprise, but accidents involving unlicensed drivers are quite common. Just in September, a 19-year-old Las Vegas woman was killed in an accident involving a car driven by a 16-year-old girl. In New York City, a 5-year-old boy was killed in a hit-and-run allegedly driven by an unlicensed 40-year-old man. And in San Diego, a 34-year-old man pleaded guilty to killing two people in a collision while driving intoxicated without a license. In fact, the percentage of unlicensed drivers involved in fatal car crashes ranges from 5.5% in New Hampshire to 18.3% in Texas.
In 37 states, at least 10% of drivers involved in fatal crashes were unlicensed from 2011-2022. After Texas, California, North Carolina, Louisiana, and Hawaii round out the states with the highest share of unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes at around 16%. (See also the vehicles involved in the most fatal crashes.)
In 36 states, unlicensed drivers or drivers operating a motor vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or expired license, risk imprisonment for their infractions and can also be subjected to costly fines. Some states are more lenient. In Texas and four other states, the penalty for the first offense is just a fine. In Ohio, driving without a license can cost you a fine and community service. In New Hampshire, the state where the fewest unlicensed drivers are involved in fatal crashes, unlicensed drivers face at least 1 week imprisonment; fine of no more than $1,000; and the license suspension increased by one year.
Here are the states where unlicensed drivers are involved in the most fatal wrecks.
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50. New Hampshire
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 83 — 5.5% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 1.0% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 2nd smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 4.5% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 2nd smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for at least 1 week; fine of no more than $1,000; license suspension increased by 1 year.
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49. Maryland
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 420 — 5.8% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.2% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 9th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 3.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — the smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 1 year, fine of no more than $1,000, or both; possible license suspension increased by no more than 1 year.
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48. Maine
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 127 — 6.4% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 0.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — the smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 5.8% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 8th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16 year, 9 months
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Fine of up to $1,000 and a maximum six months in jail
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47. Nebraska
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 230 — 7.4% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.5% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 16th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 4.9% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 4th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Unable to operate any motor vehicle for 1 year; license revocation for like period.
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46. Massachusetts
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 374 — 7.9% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.4% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 15th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 5.4% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 6th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 10 days, $500-$1,000 fine, or both
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45. New Jersey
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 690 — 8.6% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.7% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 18th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 5.9% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 9th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: $500 fine.
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44. Illinois
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,235 — 8.7% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.2% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 10th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 6.4% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 16th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 1 year; fine of no more than $2,500.
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43. Minnesota
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 472 — 8.7% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.7% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 17th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 6.0% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 11th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 90 days, fine of no more than $1,000, or both.
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42. Pennsylvania
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,526 — 9.1% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.9% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 21st smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 6.1% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 12th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: $200 fine; license suspension increased by 1 year if originally suspended, 2 years if it was originally revoked.
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41. Kentucky
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 954 — 9.3% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 3.1% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 23rd smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 6.2% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 14th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for at least 90 days; license suspension increased by 6 months.
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40. New York
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,336 — 9.3% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 4.0% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 18th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 5.3% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 5th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $200-$500 fine, or both.
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39. Georgia
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,867 — 9.4% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 3.2% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 25th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 6.2% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 13th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for between 2 days and 1 year; possible additional fine of no more than $500.
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38. Florida
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 3,979 — 9.7% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 3.4% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 24th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 6.3% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 15th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 60 days or $500 fine.
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37. Virginia
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,064 — 10.0% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.4% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 12th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 7.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 24th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 12 months, fine of no more than $2,500, or both. Vehicle may be impounded for up to 90 days.
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36. Kansas
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 548 — 10.2% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 1.3% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 3rd smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 8.9% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 20th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16.5
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Nonperson Imprisonment for at least 5 days; fine of at least $100.
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35. Idaho
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 287 — 10.2% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 3.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 22nd largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 6.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 17th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for between 2 days and 6 months; fine of no more than $1,000; license suspension increased by 180 days.
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34. Michigan
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,455 — 10.3% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 3.2% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 25th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 7.2% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 19th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 93 days, a fine of no more than $500, or both.
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33. Iowa
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 482 — 10.4% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.9% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 20th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 7.5% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 23rd smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Simple $250-$1,500 fine; license suspension increased for an additional like period or for one year, whichever is shorter.
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32. Rhode Island
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 83 — 10.5% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 3.2% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 24th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 7.3% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 21st smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17.5
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: $250-$500 fine.
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31. Arizona
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,372 — 11.0% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 6.1% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 5th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 4.9% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 3rd smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16.5
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for up to 6 months; possible vehicle impoundment.
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30. Connecticut
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 414 — 11.0% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 5.4% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 8th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 5.7% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 7th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 3 months, $150-$200 fine, or both.
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29. Wyoming
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 183 — 11.5% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 3.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 23rd largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 7.9% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 25th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license:
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Up to $750 in fines and a maximum six months in jail
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28. Delaware
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 192 — 11.6% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.2% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 8th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 9.5% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 17th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for between 30 days and 6 months; $500-$1,000 fine; possible vehicle impoundment of at least 90 days.
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27. Ohio
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,869 — 11.8% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 1.5% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 4th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 10.4% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 9th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Fine of no more than $1,000; 500 hours community service.
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26. Vermont
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 93 — 11.9% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 1.9% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 5th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 10.0% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 13th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16.5
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 2 years, fine of no more than $5,000, or both.
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25. Oklahoma
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,107 — 12.0% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 4.8% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 13th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 7.1% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 18th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16.5
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $50-$300 fine, or both.
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24. West Virginia
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 481 — 12.2% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.0% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 6th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 10.2% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 11th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Fine of up to $500
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23. New Mexico
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 587 — 12.3% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 3.9% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 19th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 8.3% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 22nd largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16.5
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for 4-364 days; possible fine of no more than $1,000.
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22. South Dakota
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 201 — 12.5% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 4.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 15th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 7.9% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 24th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 1 year; fine of no more than $2,000.
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21. South Carolina
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,624 — 12.7% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.0% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 7th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 10.7% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 7th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16.5
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $300 fine, or both.
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20. Oregon
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 713 — 12.7% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 5.1% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 12th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 7.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 25th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: $220-$2,000 fine.
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19. Missouri
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,513 — 12.7% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.4% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 14th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 10.3% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 10th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: No set term of imprisonment; not to exceed one year.
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18. Washington
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 909 — 12.8% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 3.1% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 22nd smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 9.7% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 14th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Fine of up to $1,000 and a maximum 90 days in jail
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17. Utah
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 467 — 12.9% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.3% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 11th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 10.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 8th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16.5
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment of no more than 6 months; $1,000 fine.
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16. Colorado
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,031 — 13.3% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 7.3% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 3rd largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 5.9% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 10th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 6 months; fine of no more than $500; license suspension increased by 1 year.
15. North Dakota
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 220 — 13.3% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 5.4% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 7th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 7.9% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 23rd largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 30 days, $1,500 fine, or both.
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14. Wisconsin
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,087 — 13.7% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 4.7% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 14th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 9.0% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 18th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Fine of $200
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13. Alaska
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 126 — 13.8% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 4.2% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 17th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 9.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 15th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16.5
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: 10 day suspended imprisonment provided at least 80 hours of community service are completed; possible forfeiture of vehicle; license suspension increased by at least 90 days.
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12. Nevada
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 589 — 14.0% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 5.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 6th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 8.4% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 21st largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 6 months, a fine of no more than $1,000, or both.
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11. Arkansas
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,033 — 14.1% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.4% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 13th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 11.7% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 2nd largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for between 2 days and 6 months; possible fine of not more than $500.
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10. Alabama
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,740 — 14.1% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 5.2% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 11th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 8.9% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 19th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: $100-$500 fine; additional fine of $50; imprisonment for no more than 180 days; immediate vehicle impoundment; possible license suspension increase by 6 months.
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9. Tennessee
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 2,057 — 14.2% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 2.8% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 19th smallest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 11.4% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 3rd largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for not more than 6 months, fine of no more than $500, or both.
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8. Montana
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 347 — 14.6% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 3.8% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 20th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 10.8% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 6th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Fine of no more than $500.
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7. Mississippi
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,277 — 15.1% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 7.8% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 2nd largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 7.3% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 20th smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16.5
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for between 48 hours and 6 months; $200-$500 fine; license suspension increased by 6 months.
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6. Indiana
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,792 — 15.3% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 4.3% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 16th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 11.0% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 5th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 21
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for between 6 months and 2 years, 6 months; fine of no more than $10,000.
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5. Hawaii
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 217 — 15.5% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 5.3% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 10th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 10.2% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 12th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000
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4. California
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 7,672 — 16.2% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 6.7% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 4th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 9.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 16th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for between 5 days and 6 months; $300-$1000 fine.
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3. North Carolina
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 3,113 — 16.3% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 3.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 21st largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 12.6% of all drivers in fatal accidents — the largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 16.5
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for 1-10 days; fine of no more than $200; license suspension increased by 1 year.
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2. Louisiana
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 1,665 — 16.4% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 5.3% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 9th largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 11.1% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 4th largest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 17
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Imprisonment for no more than 6 months, fine of no more than $500, or both.
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1. Texas
> Unlicensed drivers involved in fatal crashes, 2012-2020: 9,025 — 18.3% of all drivers in fatal crashes
> Drivers in fatal accidents who never got a license: 10.8% of all drivers in fatal accidents — the largest share
> Drivers in fatal accidents whose license was suspended, revoked, or expired: 7.5% of all drivers in fatal accidents — 22nd smallest share
> Age required for full driver’s license: 18
> Penalty for driving without a license, first offense: Fine of no more than $500.
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