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Edited by John Leach
Last Updated August 8, 2022
If you’re an uninsured motorist, there can be many penalties for owning and operating a motor vehicle.
Insurance laws vary greatly from state to state. Not only do states mandate different requirements for insurance coverage, but there are also different consequences for violating these laws. Most states require drivers to carry proof of insurance at all times when driving. A few states only require proof of financial responsibility.
In any case, uninsured drivers can face a combination of penalties including:
Fines
Loss of driving privileges
Loss of vehicle registration or license plate
License, registration, and plate reinstatement fees
Vehicle impoundment
Jail time
Required filings of SR-22, a.k.a. proof of insurance, documentation
Assigned to state high-risk pool
Cost of medical bills from a car accident if at fault or driving in a no-fault state
Cost of property damage if at fault for an accident
Keep in mind that the circumstances by which a driver is caught without insurance matters. Car accidents and driving infractions may inspire harsher penalties. Additionally, even if you have the proper coverage, failure to show proof of insurance often has its own penalties and fines.
Below is a list of the consequences involved with driving without a license as a first time offender.
Insurify can help you avoid the risk altogether. Compare car insurance quotes in less than two minutes and find your lowest rate today!
Alabama
$500 fine
Possible jail time up to three months
License suspension for 45 days minimum
Vehicle registration suspension for 45 days minimum
Possible vehicle impoundment
Subsequent offenses: $1,000 fine and suspensions of 6 months
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Alabama and compare quotes today.
Alaska
$500 fine
Driver’s license suspension for 90 days
$135-$285 reinstatement fees
SR-22 filed for three years
Subsequent offenses: One year driver’s license suspension
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Alaska and compare quotes today.
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Arizona
$250 fine
License, registration, and license plate suspension for 90 days
$35 reinstatement fees
SR-22 filled for two years
Subsequent offenses: $500-$750 fine and 36-month driver’s license and registration suspension
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Arizona and compare quotes today.
Arkansas
$50-$250 fine
Possible driver’s license, registration, and license plate suspension
$20 reinstatement fees
Possible vehicle impoundment with towing and storage fees
SR-22 filed as part of the reinstatement
Subsequent offenses: $250-$1,000 fine and possible jail time
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Arkansas and compare quotes today.
California
$100-$200 fine
$260-$520 penalty assessment fees
Possible vehicle impoundment
Assessed as a “high-risk” driver
Suspension of driving privileges if involved in an accident no matter which driver is at fault
Subsequent offenses: $1,000 minimum fine, impoundment, and driver’s license suspension up to four years
Please note that California runs a DMV check-up to verify that drivers have insurance
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in California and compare quotes today.
Colorado
$500 fine at minimum
Possible community service
Driver’s license, license plates, and vehicle registration suspended until proof of insurance is provided
$40 reinstatement fee
SR-22 filed for three years
Four points on driving record
Subsequent offenses: $1,000 minimum fine; mandatory community service; possible jail time, driver’s license, license plates, and vehicle registration suspension for four to eight months
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Colorado and compare quotes today.
Connecticut
$500 fine for the owner of the vehicle even if they’re not the driver
$100-$1,000 fine for the driver even if they’re not the owner of the vehicle
Possible jail time up to three months
Driver’s license and registration suspended for one month
$175 reinstatement fee after filing an SR-22
Vehicle impoundment
Subsequent offenses: driver’s license and registration suspended for six months
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Connecticut and compare quotes today.
Delaware
$1,500-$2,000 fine
Driver’s license suspended for six months
Must file proof of insurance once with an FR-19
Subsequent offenses: $3,000-$4,000 fine
Please note that Delaware uses random selection to check proof of insurance for vehicles with active registration
Read our guide to cheap auto insurance in Delaware and compare quotes today.
Florida
Driver’s license, license plates, and registration suspended until proof of insurance is provided
$150 reinstatement fee
Suspension can last up to three years
Subsequent offenses: $250-$500 reinstatement fees and possible suspension up to three years
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Florida and compare quotes today.
Georgia
$25 lapse fee
License and registration suspended for 60 days
$60 reinstatement fee
Possible jail time up to one year
Subsequent offenses: $160 reinstatement fee and suspension up to six months
Please note that if your insurance premium expires or is canceled, your insurance company is required to notify the Georgia Department of Driver Services
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Georgia and compare quotes today.
Hawaii
$500 fine
75-100 hours community service, possibly in lieu of fine
License suspension for three months
Possible vehicle impoundment
Possible jail time up to 30 days
SR-22 filed for three years
Subsequent offenses: $1,500 to $5,000 fine, 200-275 hours community service, and suspension for one year
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Hawaii and compare quotes today.
Idaho
$130 fine and fees
Mandatory court appearance
Driver’s license suspension until proof of insurance is provided
$85 reinstatement fee
SR-22 filed for one year
Subsequent offenses: Up to $1,000 fine, possible jail time, and SR-22 filed for three years
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Idaho and compare quotes today.
Illinois
$1,501-$2,500 fines and fees
Possible driver’s license and vehicle registration suspension for three months
$100 reinstatement fees
Third+ offense: $2,000-$3,000 fines, four-month suspension, and SR-22 filed for three years
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Illinois and compare quotes today.
Indiana
Driver’s license suspended a minimum of 90 days
$250 reinstatement fees
SR-22 filed for three years
Subsequent offenses: $500-$1,000 fine, one-year suspension, and SR-22 filed for three to five years
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Indiana and compare quotes today.
Iowa
$250 fine
Possible community service in lieu of fine
Vehicle registration and license plates revoked
$15 reinstatement fee
Possible vehicle impoundment
Subsequent offenses: $250 mandatory fine, possible 12-month revocation, probable vehicle impoundment, driving test, $200 civil penalty, and $35 reinstatement fees.
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Iowa and compare quotes today.
Kansas
$300-$1,000 fine
Possible jail time up to six months
Driver’s license and vehicle registration suspension until proof of insurance has been presented
$100 reinstatement fee
SR-22 filed for one to three years
Subsequent offenses: $800-$2,500 fine, driver’s license suspension, SR-22 filed for three years, $300 reinstatement fee, and possible jail time up to one to two years depending on the number of offenses
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Kansas and compare quotes today.
Kentucky
$500-$1,000 fine
Possible jail time up to 90 days
License suspension until proof of insurance is provided
Vehicle registration suspended for up to one year
$40 reinstatement fee
Subsequent offenses: $1,000-$2,500 fine, possible jail time up to 180 days, vehicle registration up to two years, possible license suspension, and possible driving exam
Read our guide to cheap auto insurance in Kentucky and compare quotes today.
Louisiana
$500-$1,000 fine
Driver’s license, vehicle registration, and license plate suspended
Possible vehicle impoundment plus storage fees
$60 reinstatement fines and fees
Blocked from filing claims for losses if your car is damaged in a collision, even if you are not at fault
Subsequent offenses: $160-$510 reinstatement fines and fees
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Louisiana and compare quotes today.
Maine
$100-$500 fine
Driver’s license and vehicle registration suspended until proof of insurance is provided
$115 reinstatement fees
SR-22 filed for three years
Subsequent offenses: $2,000 fines and possible jail time up to six months
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Maine and compare quotes today.
Maryland
Up to $1,000 fine
Possible jail time up to one year
Five points on license and possible license suspension
Subsequent offenses: $2,000 fine, $150 minimum fees, mandatory license and registration suspension, and jail time up to two years
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Maryland and compare quotes today.
Massachusetts
$500 fine
$70 administrative fees
Possible jail time up to one year
License and registration suspended for 60 days
$500 reinstatement fee
Assigned to Massachusetts high-risk pool
$500 pre-paid car insurance
Subsequent offenses: Up to $5,000 fine
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Massachusetts and compare quotes today.
Michigan
$400 administrative fees
Possible jail time up to one year
License suspended up to 30 days
$25 reinstatement fee
Subsequent offenses: $1,000 administrative fees and $125 reinstatement fee
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Michigan and compare quotes today.
Minnesota
$200-$1,000 fine
Possible community service in lieu of fine
License, registration, and plates suspended up to 30 days
$30 reinstatement fee
SR-22 filed once
Subsequent offenses: $200-$3,000 fine, possible jail time up to 90 days, and license, registration, and plates suspended up to one year
Read our guide to cheap auto insurance in Minnesota and compare quotes today.
Mississippi
$500 fine
License suspended up to one year
$25 reinstatement fee
SR-22 filed for three years
Subsequent offenses: Treated the same
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Mississippi and compare quotes today.
Missouri
License, registration, and plates suspended until proof of insurance is provided
$20 reinstatement fee
Four points on license
Subsequent offenses: Up to $500 fee, suspension for 90 to 365 days, $200-$400 reinstatement fee, and possible jail time up to 15 days
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Missouri and compare quotes today.
Montana
$250-$500 fine
$35 court fees
SR-22 filed for three years
Subsequent offenses: $350-$500 fine, possible imprisonment up to six months, and registration revoked 90-180 days
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Montana and compare quotes today.
Nebraska
License and registration suspended until proof of insurance is provided
$100 reinstatement fees
SR-22 filed for three years
Subsequent offenses: Treated the same
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Nebraska and compare quotes today.
Nevada
$0-$1,000 fine depending on the length of lapse without insurance
License suspended until proof of insurance is provided
$251 reinstatement fee
SR-22 possibly required for three years
Subsequent offenses: Up to 30-day license suspension and $501-$751 reinstatement fee
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Nevada and compare quotes today.
New Hampshire
Only punishable if involved in an accident—New Hampshire does not have mandatory insurance requirements
License, registration, and plate suspended until judgment fulfilled
$125 reinstatement fees
SR-22 filed for three years
Subsequent offenses: Treated the same
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in New Hampshire and compare quotes today.
New Jersey
$300-$1,000 fine
Community service up to judge’s discretion
$750 surcharge assessment
License suspended for one year
Possible vehicle impoundment
$100 impoundment fee
Subsequent offenses: $500-$5,000 fine, community service up to 180 days, license suspended two years, and possible jail time up to 14 days
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in New Jersey and compare quotes today.
New Mexico
Up to $300 fine
Possible jail time up to 90 days, possibly in lieu of fine
Registration and plate suspension if involved in an accident
$55 reinstatement fees
Subsequent offenses: Up to $1,000 fee, possible jail time up to six months
Read our guide to cheap auto insurance in New Mexico and compare quotes today.
New York
$150-$1,500 fine
Possible $750 civil penalty
Possible impoundment
Possible license and vehicle suspension
Subsequent offenses: Treated the same
Read our guide to cheap auto insurance in New York and compare quotes today.
North Carolina
$50 fee
Probation up to 45 days
License and registration suspended for 30 days
$50 reinstatement fees
Subsequent offenses: $100-$150 fee and possible jail time up to 45 days
Read our guide to cheap auto insurance in North Carolina and compare quotes today.
North Dakota
$150-$1,000 fine
$20 administrative fees
License suspended until proof of insurance is provided
$50 reinstatement fee with $10 driving test
SR-22 filed for one year
Subsequent offenses: $300-$5,000 fine, jail time of 30 days, and plates revoked
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in North Dakota and compare quotes today.
Ohio
License, registration, and plate suspended up to two years
$160 reinstatement fees
SR-22 filed for three to five years
Subsequent offenses: Possible loss of vehicle and up to five-year suspension of registration, and up to $660 reinstatement fee
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Ohio and compare quotes today.
Oklahoma
Up to $250 fine
$125 administrative fees
Possible jail time up to 30 days
Vehicle impoundment
License and registration suspended up to one year or until proof of insurance is provided
$450 reinstatement fees
Subsequent offenses: License plate confiscation
Read our guide to cheap auto insurance in Oklahoma and compare quotes today.
Oregon
$260 fine
$130-$1,000 possible court fees
License and registration suspended
Possible vehicle impoundment
$75 reinstatement fees
SR-22 filed for three years
Monthly proof of insurance verification for three years
Subsequent offenses: treated the same
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Oregon and compare quotes today.
Pennsylvania
$300 fine
$500 civil penalty or registration suspension for three months
License suspended for three months
$88-$179 reinstatement fee
Subsequent offenses: treated the same
Read our guide to cheap auto insurance in Pennsylvania and compare quotes today.
Rhode Island
$100-$500 fine
License, registration, certificate, and plate suspension for three months
$433 reinstatement fees
Possible Insurance Verification reinstatement fee of $251.50
SR-22 filed for one year
Subsequent offenses: $500-$1,000 fine and suspension of six months to one year
Read our guide to cheap auto insurance in Rhode Island and compare quotes today.
South Carolina
$650-$750 fine
Possible jail time up to 30 days, possibly in lieu of fine
$5 fine per day of lapsed coverage
License and registration suspended
$200 reinstatement fees
SR-22 filed once
Subsequent offenses: $750 fine, plus $5 additionally per day of lapsed coverage, and possible jail time of 30 days to six months
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in South Carolina and compare quotes today.
South Dakota
$100-$500 fine
Possible jail time up to 30 days, possibly in lieu of fine
License suspended 30 days to one year
$50-$200 reinstatement fee, plus $28 application fee
SR-22 filed for three years, with mandatory suspension for non-compliance
Subsequent offenses: Treated the same
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in South Dakota and compare quotes today.
Tennessee
$25-$125 fine
$50 administrative fees
License and registration suspended if proof of insurance is not provided within 45 days
$65 reinstatement fees
Subsequent offenses: $300 fine, suspension until proof is provided, mandatory driving test, and SR-22 filed for three years.
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Tennessee and compare quotes today.
Texas
$175-$350 fine
$750 surcharge fees
Possible license suspension up to two years
Possible vehicle impoundment
Subsequent offenses: $350-$1,000 fine and possible vehicle impoundment up to 180 days with fees of $15 per day.
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Texas and compare quotes today.
Utah
$400 fine
$50 administrative fee
License and registration suspended until proof of insurance is provided
$130 reinstatement fee
Subsequent offenses: $1,000 fine and a one-year suspension
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Utah and compare quotes today.
Vermont
Up to $600 fine
License suspended until proof of insurance is provided
SR-22 filed for 3 years
Subsequent offenses: Treated the same
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Vermont and compare quotes today.
Virginia
$500 fine
License, registration, and plate suspended
$145 reinstatement fee
SR-22 filed for up to three years
Subsequent offenses: Treated the same
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Virginia and compare quotes today.
Washington
$450 minimum fine
$25 minimum court fees
Possible community service
SR-22 possibly required
Subsequent offenses: Treated the same
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Washington and compare quotes today.
Washington, D.C.
$30 fine
$500 civil fine
Driver’s license suspended for 30 days
$98 reinstatement fee
SR-22 filed for three years
Subsequent offenses: Fines are increased by 50% for each offense and suspension lasts for 60 days
Please note that subsequent offenses for owning an uninsured vehicle can result in a fine of $150-$2,500
Read our guide to cheap auto insurance in Washington, D.C. and compare quotes today.
West Virginia
$200-$5,000 fine
Possible jail time 15 days to one year in lieu of fines
License suspended for 30 days
Registration suspended until proof of insurance is provided
$150 reinstatement fees
SR-22 filed for three years
Subsequent offenses: License suspended 90 days
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in West Virginia and compare quotes today.
Wisconsin
Up to $500 fine
License suspended until SR-22 filed
$60 reinstatement fee
SR-22 filed for three years
Subsequent offenses: Treated the same
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Wisconsin and compare quotes today.
Wyoming
$250-$750 fine
Possible jail time up to six months
License suspended until proof of insurance is provided
$50 reinstatement fee
SR-22 filed for three years
Subsequent offenses: $500-$1,500 fine and registration and plates revoked
Read our guide to cheap Sr-22 insurance in Wyoming and compare quotes today.
Bottom Line
Driving uninsured is never worth the risk, especially when cheap car insurance can be found. Legal and financial penalties can cost so much more than a monthly payment for bare-bones liability coverage. Not to mention that you’ll have a misdemeanor on your record for life.
If you’re concerned about affordability, be sure to run a free quote comparison with Insurify today to find the most cost-effective insurance policy. Get free quotes now and see how much you can save!
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Data scientists at Insurify analyzed over 40 million auto insurance rates across the United States to compile the car insurance quotes, statistics, and data visualizations displayed on this page. The car insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers' vehicles, driving records, and demographic information. With these insights, Insurify is able to offer drivers insight into how their car insurance premiums are priced by companies.