If a motorist does not have their operator's license in possession at the time of being stopped, this is considered what type of offense?

When a motorist is stopped and does not have their operator's license in possession, this situation is classified as a traffic infraction. Traffic infractions are generally lesser violations that do not carry the same level of legal severity as misdemeanors or felonies. They are often associated with regulatory offenses that pertain to the operation of a vehicle, such as not carrying a license, failing to signal, or having an expired registration.

In this case, since the absence of a license does not involve any criminal intent or serious harm to others, it is treated as a less serious offense. The motorist may face penalties such as fines or points on their driving record, but the consequences are typically not as severe as those associated with a misdemeanor or felony charge, which involve higher levels of criminality. Thus, identifying the situation as a traffic infraction appropriately reflects the nature of the offense and the legal framework surrounding it.