Unlicensed drivers are becoming an increasing danger on North Carolina highways.

More than 650 fatal crashes in 2004 and 2005 – one in approximately every four traffic fatalities – involved a driver with either no license, a suspended licenses or a revoked license, according to state traffic safety statistics.
           
“It’s a serious problem,” said Tom Crosby, AAA vice-president of communications. “Those cited for driving without a license go to  court, maybe get fined, have their license suspended or revoked again, and then go outside the courthouse, get in their car and drive home.”

Both North and South Carolina have lenient penalties for repeat offenders who continue to drive without a license or when their license is suspended or revoked. Penalties usually involve a fine well under $1,000, possible imprisonment for no more than 30 days and further license suspension. 
           
“Jail time is almost never imposed in either state,” said Crosby.
           
In South Carolina, the number of fatal accidents involving drivers with no license, a suspended license or a revoked license more than doubled from 7 to 17 deaths last year.
           
“These are illegal drivers and they should not be behind the wheel,” says Barry Barnette, principal deputy solicitor for Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties, who is pushing for stiff penalties for anyone driving without a license that is involved in a traffic fatality.