1. (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 Class A misdemeanor if the individual has a prior unrelated conviction under this section.

2. (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. (1) had been issued a driver's license or permit that was valid; or

   2. (2) was operating a Class B 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 Class B motor driven cycle in violation of IC 9-21-11-12 .

      [Pre-1991 Recodification Citation: 9-1-4-26.5.]

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.