What Are the Consequences of Driving Without Car Insurance?

All states require motorists to carry motor vehicle liability insurance or another form of proof of financial responsibility. Financial responsibility laws ensure that drivers have the ability to pay for property damages and injuries that result from motor vehicle accidents. This article covers car insurance requirements and the penalties for driving without insurance.

Can I Legally Drive Without Car Insurance?

You generally can't lawfully drive without insurance or another acceptable form of financial responsibility. Although most drivers have traditional car insurance, many states have alternatives for drivers who can prove they have sufficient financial resources to pay for damages they might cause while driving. States that allow these types of alternatives usually require the driver to post a bond or make a cash deposit with the DMV and carry proof of financial responsibility while operating a vehicle.

Can Police Pull Me Over for Driving Without Car Insurance?

Police generally can't stop drivers just to check insurance. But if police have a valid reason to stop a driver, such as a traffic violation, they can also ask to see proof of insurance.

What Are the Consequences of Driving Without Car Insurance?

The consequences for driving uninsured (or without adequate financial responsibility) vary significantly by state. Generally, driving without insurance is a traffic infraction or a misdemeanor, and potential penalties include:

• fines
• imprisonment
• license and/or registration suspension
• community service
• vehicle impoundment and/or license plate removal, and
• demerit points on the motorist's driving record

In most states, the penalties are more severe if the motorist was involved in an accident or has subsequent violations within a certain time period (usually three to five years).

Fines for Driving Without Car Insurance

Typically, state laws impose a fine when a motorist is convicted of uninsured driving. However, fine amounts differ significantly. Depending on the state, fines can range from $50 to $2,000. Fine amounts generally increase if the motorist is involved in an accident or has prior driving uninsured convictions.

In addition to a fine, some jurisdictions require offenders to pay a fee or civil penalty to the DMV, Secretary of State, or other licensing authority. In some states, the offender must pay a one-time civil penalty. In other jurisdictions, the DMV assesses a fee and, after a certain amount of time, the fee increases each day the owner doesn't have the minimum required insurance coverage.

Jail Time Is Possible for Driving With No Car Insurance

Most states don't impose mandatory jail time for a first uninsured driving conviction. But in some states, imprisonment is a potential penalty, even for a first offense. In these states, the maximum sentence ranges from about 15 days to one year.

In other jurisdictions, judges can't impose jail time unless the offender has at least one prior uninsured driving conviction or the current offense involved an accident.

License Suspension and Registration Revocation for Driving Without Car Insurance

In many jurisdictions, the DMV will suspend a motorist's license and/or vehicle registration for driving without insurance.

Duration of Suspension and Registration Revocation

In some states, the duration of the suspension or registration revocation is a set period of time, which generally ranges from 30 days to one year for a first conviction. In other states, the suspension continues until the offender provides proof of insurance and payment of all applicable fees. The duration of the suspension typically increases with subsequent convictions.

License and Registration Reinstatement Requirements

To reinstate a license and/or registration following a suspension, the offender is generally required to provide proof of current insurance coverage and pay a reinstatement fee.

SR-22 Requirements

Additionally, many states require the motorist to get an SR-22 certification as a precondition for license and/or registration reinstatement. An SR-22 certification provides proof that the driver has at least the minimum required insurance coverage. A motorist who's convicted of driving without insurance might be required to maintain an SR-22 on file with the DMV for one to three years, depending on the jurisdiction.

Vehicle Impoundment and License Plate Removal for Car Insurance Violations

In some states, vehicle impoundment and/or license plate removal and confiscation is a possible penalty for driving uninsured. However, impoundment and license plate removal are generally only for cases where the motorist drives while the registration is suspended.

An offender can typically claim an impounded vehicle by providing proof of insurance coverage and payment of applicable fines, fees, and the costs of towing and storing the vehicle. The DMV destroys the confiscated license plates and normally issues new plates only after the motorist pays a fee and provides proof of current insurance coverage.

Demerit Points for Uninsured Driving

Most jurisdictions assess demerit points to a motorist's driving record for an uninsured driving conviction.