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Driving without insurance is an offense that many states in the U.S. take seriously, though the penalties do vary greatly. Thompson Law provides penalties by state for driving without insurance.
Penalties for Driving without Insurance A great variation also exists in penalty ranges between states; for example, every state enacted its own laws as well as laws relating to its uninsured motorists which brought about varied ranges of the following penalties : fines, licenses suspension, immobilization of autos, and several additional surcharges.
For instance, while California can charge a much lesser sum for first-time offenders, New York State can go as high as the triple number according to the offense. In addition, some states such as Texas, use a point system that marred a driver’s record while other states solely focus on monetary penalties. This variation is one of the critical reasons to grasp state insurance requirements in order not to be victimized by stiff penalties or charges.
State-By-State Penalties for Driving Without Insurance
Below is a breakdown of the laws for every state in the United States related to penalties for driving a vehicle without adequate or no insurance coverage.
State Summary of State Laws Links to State Law
Alaska
Offenders who are charged with violating any law may incur the following: For each offense a fine of up to $500. Driver license suspension for from 90 days to one year longer with each crime. Alaska Statute and Penalty Section 28.22.101
Arizona
Having insufficient insurance means that your license and/or plate could be revoked. To reinstate these privileges, fees and future proof of financial responsibility must be filed with MVD. The future proof requirement is most commonly an SR22 form from an insurance company. This can be expensive to the vehicle owner, especially since the law requires the owner to carry the SR22 for three years from the date of suspension. Section 28-4135
Arkansas
Any person who drives a motor vehicle within this state without carrying the minimum liability insurance is in violation and shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and imprisoned for not less than three (3) days, and driving privileges shall be suspended for one (1) year. Arkansas Code 27-22-103
California
Driving without insurance in California once typically results in a fine between $100 and $200. Penalty assessments may be added on top of this fine, which could bring the total closer to $400. Ca. Code 16029
Colorado
Driving without proof of insurance means steep penalties with four points against your driver’s license. First offense: minimum $500 fine and license suspension until you can show proof to the Division of Motor Vehicles that you are insured. Co. Statute 42-4-1409
Connecticut:
That offense is a Class C misdemeanor. The penalties are a $500 fine, a jail term of not more than three months or a combination of both. The DMV will suspend your registration and driver’s license for a month on your first conviction. CGS § 14-213b
Delaware,
You will be fined no less than $1,500 for the first offense and $3000 for each subsequent offense occurring within 3 years of a former offense. Driving license and/or privileges will also be suspended for 6 months. Delaware Code 2701
District of Columbia:
If you do not keep continuous, active insurance on a vehicle registered in the District, your DC DMV vehicle registration or reciprocity sticker will be suspended. You will be fined, and those fines will increase over time. DC Code § 31–2413 (2023)
Florida:
Up until three years, your license can be suspended until you pay $150 and show proof of insurance to regain possession of it. If this happens again within three years, it will cost you $250. And if this happens three times within a span of three years, then the amount increases to $500. Florida Statutes § 627.7407
Georgia:
A person convicted shall be punished as a misdemeanant. Penalties for a misdemeanor conviction in Georgia include up to 12 months imprisonment, a fine of between $200 and $1,000, or both. O.C.G.A. §40-6-10
Hawaii
First offense without cover: License suspended, 75 to 100 hours of community service, with an SR-22 and $500 fine. Second offense without cover: License suspended, 200 to 275 hours of community service with an SR-22 and a $1,500-$5000 fine. Hawaii 431-10C-117
Idaho
The penalty for failure to carry liability insurance is a fine between $75 and $1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months. Idaho considers a first offense within five years an infraction. Idaho Sec. 49-1232
Illinois
A first conviction of this offense will classify the driver for a three-month driver’s license suspension by the Illinois Secretary of State with a minimum mandatory $500 fine (maximum fine of $1,000) plus court costs and a $100 reinstatement fee. 625 ILCS 5/3-707
Indiana
Driver’s license will be suspended for at least 90 days, and you’ll have to pay a fee of $250 to get it back. If you’re found to be operating without insurance, you’ll be required to provide proof of future financial responsibility (an SR-22 certificate) for 180 days. In. Code § 9-25-8-2
Iowa:
To reinstate your driver’s license following a suspension, you must purchase an insurance policy, request that your insurer file an SR-22 form on your behalf, and pay a $15 administrative fee. The penalties are higher if you are involved in an accident while uninsured. If the property damage and medical costs associated with the accident are more than $1,500, and you cannot show proof of insurance. In that case, the state will automatically suspend your license and registration for up to 12 months. Iowa 321.20B
Kansas:
If you drive without insurance in Kansas, you can be charged with a misdemeanor. Fines range from $300 to $2,500, depending on how many times you’ve been caught driving uninsured. Penalties also include suspension of your license and registration and can also include imprisonment. Kansas Statute 40-3104
Kentucky:
A registrant who fails to maintain insurance on his vehicle shall have his vehicle registration revoked. Furthermore, the vehicle owner and driver are liable for a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. Kentucky 304.99-060
Louisiana
The fines against driving without coverage in Louisiana could be a $100 fine, impound of your vehicle, revocation of your registration, and seizure of your license plate. A repeat offender would face fines to the amount of $500 and more. La: RS 22-1295
Maine
Driving without evidence of financial responsibility is a traffic offense in Maine. This could result in suspension of driving privileges as well as fines that could be up to $500. Title 29-A-Ch 13-§1601
Maryland:
A driver can face jail time, a fine or even points on one’s license. The maximum penalty for driving without insurance is one year of incarceration, a $500 fine and 5 points on your driver’s license. Maryland DOT
Massa chusetts
A fine of not less than $500, but not more than $5,000, or imprisonment for not more than 1 year in a house of correction, or both such fine and imprisonment, shall be the penalties attached to a conviction under this section. M.G.L. c. 90, § 34J.Michigan
If you are convicted of driving without insurance in Michigan, you “shall be fined not less than $200.00 nor more than $500.00” and/or sent to jail. MCL 500.3102(2)Minnesota
The maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If convicted, the court will also “certify” the conviction to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. MN Section 169: 791Miss Mississippi
Driving without Mississippi car insurance: a fine could be $100 and the person may have to give up their right to drive for a whole year. Section 63-16-13Missouri
Insurance is not strictly required in Missouri as long as you never drive a car or do not own one that is registered. Driving around uninsured in Missouri is, however illegal and punishments include suspension of driver’s license and fees for license reinstatement, up to $400. Sec 303.042-044
Montana:
Driving without car insurance in Montana is considered a misdemeanor. Punishment for No Insurance Citation: the fine is in the range of $250 and $500 and/or up to 10 days in jail upon conviction for first offense. Sec. 61-6-304
Nebraska:
Your driver’s license and/or driving priviledges are automatically suspended after you have been convicted/has been found guilty of a No Proof of Insurance citation. Nebraska Law 60-3167Nevada
Failing to carry car insurance will incur a fine ranging from $250 to $1,000 and a reinstatement fee of up to $750 to reinstate a license. Revised Statutes § 482.557New Hampshire
Fines for driving without auto insurance in New Hampshire might also include fines up to $125. New Hampshire is a no-fault state with no mandatory insurance law. The punishments for a repeat offense will be even stiffer. N.H. – SR-22New Jersey
Penalties for driving with no insurance in NJ Driving without liability insurance is highly punishable. For a first offense (Driving Without Liability Insurance), a fine ranging from $300 to $1,000, community service, and required license suspension, among other provisions, stands. N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2 (Assembly No. 649)New Mexico
Driving without insurance can bring a fine of up to $300, up to 90 days of jail time, or some combination. N.M. § 66-5-301New York
Driving without insurance only is a violation. The penalty, however is quite harsh. A conviction for driving without proper insurance has a maximum penalty of 15 days in jail, a fine of $1,500.00, and the loss of one’s driver’s license for an entire year. N.Y. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 15 § 35.4North Carolina
Drivers will be fined $50 civil penalty $50 reinstatement fee, and face a possible probation between 1 to 45 days. In addition, your registration and license plates could be suspended for 30 days. Second offense. The civil penalty is increased to $100. N.C. Article 13 § 20-311-(b)North Dakota
Drivers who are arrested for driving in North Dakota without coverage may be placed in jail up to 30 days for their second and later offenses, but may also incur other penalties that include suspension of registration and up to $5,000 fines. N.D. Century Code § 39-08-20
Ohio
Drivers will receive a fine of as much as $500 and license suspension of up to 90 days. You will also need to have SR-22 insurance for a minimum period, which can be costly. Ohio Section 4509.101-2Oklahoma
Drivers face a fine of not more than $250 or imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both. Ok. Title §47-7-606Oregon
Drivers will be charged $135 to $1,000 fine and face suspension and/or impoundment of driving privileges and vehicle. Drivers will be required to file an SR-22 for three years and pay a fee of $75. ORS 806.010Pennsylvania:
At least $500 fine for driving without insurance. Suspension of your vehicle registration for three months. Suspension of your driver’s license for three months. PA Section 1786-(d)Rhode
Island Drivers can be expect to receive fine between $100 and $500 to be issued, depending on any previous convictions as a first-offense penalty; the second, at least a minimum of $500 and increasing to a level of $1,000 for third, and offenders facing license suspension-3 months as one’s first; 6months as second offenders; up until a year may be met upon third. RI Gen. Laws § 31-47-9
South Carolina
Drivers must pay an uninsured motor vehicle fee and have their license suspended. On the first offense, the drivers are fined between $100-$200 or jailed for 30 days. S.C. Code Section 56-10-520South Dakota
Breaking this law will run you more than $500 in fines and reinstatement fees, a year of suspended driver’s license, and 30 days in jail. S.D. Codified Law 32-35Tennessee
Operating without insurance is against the law in Tennessee and can include fines up to $300 and driver’s license suspension. Tennessee DIFD-8,14Texas
Drivers will be fined as much as $500, incarcerated for as long as 90 days, or both. Check out Thompson Law’s insurance guide to understand car insurance coverage in Texas and its laws of minimum liability. TX Sec. 601.008Utah
Drivers will be fined at least $400, lose their license, and be required to carry an SR-22. Utah Code Part 31A-22-3
Vermont
Drivers will be fined up to $500. Title 23: Chapter 11 -(b)Virginia
Drivers will face a noncompliance fee of $600 and license suspension for 180 days. Code of Virginia § 46.2-707Washington:
A person who committed or attempted to commit a moving traffic infraction shall be punished by fine. No penalty may exceed $250 for each offense unless this chapter or Title authorizes an additional penalty. RCW 46.63.110West Virginia
Drivers shall be fined no less than $200 nor more than $5,000, and upon a second or subsequent conviction, shall be fined not less than $200 nor more than $5,000 or confined in the county or regional jail for not less than fifteen days nor more than one year, or both. §17D-2A-4Wisconsin
Drivers may be subject to a fine not to exceed $500. 344.65Wyoming
Drivers will pay a fine not exceeding $750. Section 31-4-104-Page 113
Driving Without Any Insurance or Inadequate Insurance Coverage
Driving without any insurance or under-insured, puts one at serious risk of not only legal action but also huge financial losses. First and foremost, it is unlawful to drive in most states without a minimum amount of insurance coverage; hence, one might incur heavy fines, suspension of his license, or even criminal charges.
The worst part is without sufficient insurance cover, the accident victim bears a huge risk of having to pay damages to others, possibly for other damaged cars, medical treatment of the victim, and the cost of lawsuits if filed against him. These costs may go up to considerable sums of money leading to debts, which might pile up into large insurmountable debts or bankruptcy.
In addition, driving without insurance can lead to permanent penalties against one’s license record and insurance rates, which increase the hassle of trying to get coverage in the long run or even a significantly higher rate. The dangers of uninsured driving far exceed any supposed savings over premium prices.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance
- Very High Fines: If one is found driving with no insurance, it can create a high penalty from the state.
- License suspension is issued to those caught driving without their required insurance.
- Driving without automobile insurance may result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the jurisdiction.
- Any damage or injuries in an accident are covered from his pocket since he does not have automobile insurance.
- Financial Burden: Incidents involving damage of vehicle and treatment of the injuries cost a lot, and this can put quite a financial burden on the pocket.
- Risk of Bankruptcy: The heavy burden of costs associated with accidents and lawsuits can bring about severe financial stress and even bankruptcy.
- Driving Record Impact in the Long Term: Uninsured drivers may have a negative impact on their driving record, which may include points that are used to increase future insurance rates and reduce available coverage.
- Uninsured Driving History: Many insurers will categorize an uninsured driver as a high-risk and may deny or charge a much higher premium to insure them.
- Premiums to be paid in the Future for Higher Insurance: After being insured, drivers would pay more for insurance premiums considering their prior history of non-insurance.
- High Stress and Anxiety: there will always be the risk of getting caught driving without insurance, making it stressful and anxious to drive daily.
Minimum auto insurance coverage required in the US
In the United States, minimum auto insurance coverage for car insurance differs in each state. Liability insurance is generally a requirement across most states – this covers other people in the event of an accident resulting from the fault of another driver.
The minimum liability limits can vary significantly; for example, Texas requires $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. Other states have different minimum limits and may also require underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. Drivers need to check their specific state requirements to ensure compliance and protection on the road.
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