Driving Without Insurance: Penalties in Every State (2026)
Fines, license and registration suspensions, and impound rules for driving uninsured in each state.
| State | Driving without insurance |
|---|---|
| Alabama | An owner or operator convicted of a mandatory liability insurance violation may be fined up to $500 for a first violation; a second or later violation carries a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a six-month driver license suspension. Separately, if a vehicle is registered or operated without liability insurance, the vehicle's registration is suspended, and reinstating it requires proof of current Alabama insurance and a reinstatement fee of $200 for a first violation or $400 for a second or later violation. A vehicle may not be driven while its registration is suspended or revoked. Alabama Department of Revenue, Mandatory Liability Insurance brochure; Mandatory Liability Insurance Instructions and Appeal Rights |
| Alaska | Failing to carry the required insurance may result in suspension of a driver's license, and in the Municipality of Anchorage a vehicle may be impounded for lack of proof of insurance. Failing to show proof of insurance when required is an infraction with a mandatory $500 fine (the charge is not a conviction if valid proof that was in effect is later produced in court or at the officer's office). If a driver involved in a qualifying crash cannot prove insurance, the DMV suspends the license for at least 90 days, or at least one year if there was a prior insurance suspension within 10 years; limited work or medical privileges may be available after filing proof of future financial responsibility. Alaska DMV, Mandatory Insurance; Alaska Stat. §§ 28.22.019, 28.22.041 |
| Arizona | Driving without required insurance is a civil violation. First violation: minimum civil penalty of $500 and a three-month driver license suspension (or restricted driving privileges, after MVD verifies current insurance). Second violation within 36 months: minimum $750 and a six-month suspension of the driver license and the vehicle's registration and plates. Third or later violation within 36 months: minimum $1,000 and a one-year suspension of license, registration and plates, with proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) required to reinstate. After a suspension ends, the license stays suspended until the driver files proof of financial responsibility and pays a $10 fee, and the registration and plates stay suspended until proof is filed and a $25 fee is paid. A court may reduce or waive the penalty for a driver with no violation in the past 24 months (or no more than one in 36 months) who buys a six-month policy. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-4135(E), 28-4141, 28-4137 |
| Arkansas | Driving uninsured carries a mandatory fine of $100 to $250 for a first offense, $250 to $500 for a second offense, and $500 to $1,000 and/or up to one year in jail for a third or later offense. The judge may dismiss the charge if the driver shows coverage was in effect at the time of the arrest. If the driver cannot show coverage when the case is decided, the court orders the vehicle's registration suspended until proof of coverage is presented to the Office of Motor Vehicle, and a $20 reinstatement fee must be paid. Ark. Code Ann. § 27-22-103 |
| California | Drivers who cannot show proof of insurance when asked get a ticket; driving without insurance can bring fines, license suspension and impoundment of the vehicle. A driver involved in a collision without proper insurance has their driving privilege suspended for up to four years, regardless of who was at fault. The DMV also suspends a vehicle's registration when it does not receive proof of insurance. California Department of Insurance, Automobile Insurance guide; California Driver's Handbook, Section 10; California DMV, Insurance Requirements |
| Colorado | Driving (or letting your vehicle be driven) without required insurance, or failing to present proof when required, is a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense with a mandatory minimum fine of $500 for a first offense; the court may suspend up to half the fine if the person shows they have since obtained insurance. A second or later conviction within five years carries a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 (the statute says this minimum may not be suspended, though it also lets the court suspend up to half of the fine on proof that insurance has been obtained) plus any jail imposed under the misdemeanor traffic penalty statute. The court may also order at least 40 hours of community service. A person convicted of driving uninsured must file proof of future financial responsibility (SR-22) for three years; if it is not filed within 20 days of notice or lapses, the driver's license is suspended until proof is provided. Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 42-4-1409(4), 42-4-1410 |
| Connecticut | An owner who drives or allows a registered vehicle to be driven without the required insurance faces a fine of $100 to $1,000 on conviction (a knowing violation with a commercial-registration vehicle is a class D felony), and the DMV suspends the owner's registration and license for one month on a first conviction and six months for a second or later conviction; the license is not restored until the owner proves insurance on every registered vehicle. Separately, when an insurer reports a lapse of more than 14 days, the DMV mails a suspension warning notice; the owner can resolve it by showing current insurance and paying a $200 civil penalty under a consent agreement, or by proving continuous coverage. If the owner does not respond, the registration and all registration privileges are suspended, and the owner's license may be suspended if the matter is not resolved within 30 days of the registration suspension. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-213b, 14-12g; Connecticut DMV, Insurance compliance |
| Delaware | Driving or allowing a vehicle to be driven without required insurance carries a fine of $1,500 to $2,000 and a 6-month suspension of the driver's license for a first offense; a subsequent offense within 3 years carries $3,000 to $4,000 and a 6-month suspension. The court may suspend the minimum fine if the person gets insurance before sentencing, and driving privileges stay suspended until proof of insurance is filed with the DMV. When insurance lapses during the registration year, the DMV suspends the registration and assesses $100 for up to 30 days uninsured plus $5 per day after that (until insurance is replaced, plates are surrendered or the registration expires), plus a $50 reinstatement fee; the owner must surrender the registration card and plate within 5 days of a suspension notice, and police or the Insurance Fraud Bureau may confiscate plates. A hardship (occupational) license may be available in some cases. 21 Del. C. § 2118(m), (n), (q), (r), (s) |
| District of Columbia | Operating or permitting operation of a vehicle without required insurance carries a civil fine of $500 and/or a license suspension of up to 30 days for a first offense; for second and later offenses the fine increases by 50% and/or the license may be suspended up to 60 days. An owner whose registered vehicle is uninsured is fined $150 per vehicle for 1-30 days uninsured, then $7 per day, up to $2,500 per violation (the DMV Director may waive fines on proof the vehicle was not driven). The DMV suspends the registration 30 days after a notice of proposed suspension unless proof of insurance is shown and fines are paid; reinstatement requires proof of insurance, a reinstatement fee and the fine, and the vehicle may be immobilized. Making false statements about insurance, driving on a suspended registration or not returning tags can bring up to 30 days in jail (90 days for repeat offenses). D.C. Code §§ 31-2413, 31-2403(d)(2) |
| Florida | If required PIP/PDL coverage is not maintained, FLHSMV suspends the owner's driver license and registration (for up to three years), and there is no hardship license for insurance-related suspensions. Reinstatement requires proof of coverage and a reinstatement fee of $150 for the first reinstatement, $250 for the second and $500 for each later one within 3 years of the first (the fee returns to $150 after 3 years without a second reinstatement). An at-fault owner in a property-damage crash who lacked PIP/PDL must also obtain releases or post a security deposit. Turning in the plate before canceling insurance avoids suspension. Fla. Stat. § 324.0221; FLHSMV, Florida Insurance Requirements; Involved in a Crash? |
| Georgia | Violating Georgia's requirement to keep proof of the required minimum insurance in the vehicle (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-10(a)) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $200 to $1,000, up to 12 months in jail, or both. Knowingly making a false insurance statement carries the same penalty. Administratively, the Department of Revenue charges a $25 insurance lapse fee for failing to keep continuous coverage on a vehicle with current registration; if the registration is canceled for not paying the lapse fee, reinstatement costs $60 for a first or second offense and $160 for more than two offenses in 5 years. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-10(a)(4), (c); Georgia DOR, Motor Vehicles Fees, Fines, and Penalties |
| Hawaii | A conviction for not having a motor vehicle insurance policy carries a fine of $500 for a first offense and at least $2,000 for each subsequent offense within five years (the court may suspend the fine if the driver shows current insurance, or allow community service). In addition, the court must either suspend the driver's or registered owner's license (3 months for a first conviction, 1 year for a subsequent offense within five years) or require a nonrefundable insurance policy to be kept for six months. For repeat convictions within five years, the court may also impose up to 30 days in jail, suspension or revocation of the vehicle's plates, and impoundment or sale of the vehicle. Other violations of the motor vehicle insurance law carry fines of $100 to $5,000. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-117(a) |
| Idaho | Driving without required insurance, or without proof of insurance in the vehicle, is an infraction with a $75 fine for a first violation; a second or later conviction within five years is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both. Under the Drive Insured program, an owner whose vehicle shows no insurance for two consecutive months gets a warning and 30 days to provide proof or an exemption before the registration is suspended; reinstatement requires proof of insurance and a $75 fee. An owner who stops carrying insurance must surrender the registration and plates and may not drive the vehicle until insured and re-registered. Idaho Code §§ 49-1229(5), 49-1232(3), 49-1230; ITD, Vehicle Insurance |
| Illinois | Driving an uninsured vehicle is a petty offense with a fine over $500 and up to $1,000 (a third or later conviction is a business offense with a $1,000 fine), plus a 3-month suspension of the driver's license, after which a $100 reinstatement fee is required; driving during that suspension adds 6 more months. A first offender who shows current insurance at the court date pays a $100 fine and gets court supervision. No one is convicted who shows the court the vehicle was insured at the time of arrest. Uninsured driving that causes bodily harm is a Class A misdemeanor. After a third or later conviction, the driver must file proof of financial responsibility with the Secretary of State and keep it for at least 3 years. 625 ILCS 5/3-707 |
| Indiana | Driving without the required insurance leads to suspension of driving privileges and reinstatement fees. No-insurance suspensions effective on or after Dec. 31, 2021 are indefinite; they can be stayed when the insurer files an SR22 and end after the SR22 is kept continuously for 180 days. Reinstatement fees for no-insurance suspensions after Jan. 1, 2015 are $250 for a first, $500 for a second and $1,000 for a third or later suspension, but a driver who keeps an SR22 for 180 consecutive days can reinstate without paying the fee. If the insurer can show the driver was insured on the date in question, it can file a Certificate of Compliance to remove the suspension. Indiana BMV Driver's Manual, Chapter 5; Indiana BMV, Reinstating Your Driving Privileges |
| Iowa | If a driver of an Iowa-registered vehicle cannot show proof of coverage at a stop, the officer may issue a warning, issue a citation, issue a citation and remove the plates and registration (the vehicle may then be driven for up to 48 hours only to get it off the road), or issue a citation, remove the plates and registration and impound the vehicle. The scheduled fine is $325, or $645 if the violation is connected with a motor vehicle accident; a court may order unpaid community service instead of the fine. To get new plates and registration the owner must show proof of coverage, proof the fine was paid, and pay a $15 administrative fee to the county treasurer; an impounded vehicle also requires payment of towing and storage and may be treated as abandoned if not claimed within 30 days. A citation is dismissed (with court costs) if the driver shows the clerk that coverage was in effect at the time of the stop. Iowa Code §§ 321.20B, 805.8A(14)(f) |
| Kansas | Driving or allowing an uninsured vehicle to be driven is a class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $300 to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both; a subsequent offense within three years of a prior conviction is a class A misdemeanor with a fine of $800 to $2,500. When the Division of Vehicles has evidence that coverage lapsed, it notifies the owner, who has 10 days to prove continuous coverage or request a hearing; otherwise the vehicle registration is revoked and driving privileges are suspended 30 days after notice. After an accident report or insurer denial of coverage, the licenses of uninsured drivers and owners can be suspended and registrations revoked. Reinstatement requires filing proof of insurance and paying a $100 reinstatement fee ($300 if the owner's registration was revoked within one year of a prior revocation). Giving a false certification of financial security is a class A misdemeanor. K.S.A. 40-3104(g)-(j), 40-3118(e)-(i) |
| Kentucky | An owner who fails to maintain insurance has the vehicle registration revoked. The vehicle owner and driver are also subject to a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. A revoked registration carries a $40 reinstatement fee payable to the county clerk (KRS 186.040(8), as amended in 2024). Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (DRIVE), Mandatory Insurance |
| Louisiana | If a driver cannot show proof of insurance when stopped, the vehicle is impounded, the license plate is removed, and a notice of noncompliance is issued. The owner has three calendar days (excluding weekends and holidays) to show the vehicle was insured; otherwise, after sixty days the plate is destroyed and the registration revoked. When the state finds a vehicle uninsured or coverage lapsed, it revokes the registration, impounds the vehicle and cancels the plate until proof of insurance is provided and reinstatement fees are paid: $100 for a lapse of 1 to 30 days, $250 for 31 to 90 days, and $500 for more than 90 days (with no fee in some first-time lapses of ten days or less). Submitting false information that a vehicle is insured brings sanctions of 12 to 18 months and fees of $250, $500 and $1,000 for first, second and third or later violations. La. R.S. 32:863.1(C); La. R.S. 32:863(A) |
| Maine | Driving or owning a vehicle without the required insurance is a traffic infraction with a fine (forfeiture) of $100 to $500. Thirty days after the Secretary of State receives the adjudication, the person's driver's license, vehicle registration, or right to apply for them is suspended until proof of financial responsibility (an SR-22-type filing) is provided. A charge can be dismissed if the person shows the court that insurance was in effect at the time of the alleged violation. 29-A M.R.S. §1601(4)-(7-A) |
| Maryland | Knowingly driving an uninsured vehicle, or letting someone else drive it, is a crime punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense, and up to 2 years and/or $1,000 for a second or later offense. Separately, when insurance lapses, the vehicle's registration is suspended, and the MVA may charge an uninsured motorist penalty of $200 for the first 1 to 30 days, then $7 per day starting on day 31, up to $3,500 per violation in a 12-month period. The penalty is not charged in certain cases where the plates are returned within 10 days. Plates must be surrendered within 48 hours of notice of suspension, or the owner's driver's license may be suspended. Md. Code, Transp. §§17-106, 17-107 |
| Massachusetts | Operating, or allowing to be operated or to remain on a way, a vehicle without the required insurance, bond or deposit is punishable by a fine of $500 to $5,000, up to one year in a house of correction, or both (a first offense may be handled with a fine of not more than $500). A person convicted or pleading guilty also owes the state's residual market plan the greater of $500 or one year's premium for the highest-rated territory and class, and the driver's license is suspended for 60 days, or for one year for a second or later conviction within six years. M.G.L. c. 90, §34J |
| Michigan | An owner or registrant who drives, or allows driving of, a vehicle without the required no-fault security is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $200 to $500, up to 1 year in jail, or both; a driver who knows the owner has no insurance is also guilty. If found responsible for the civil infraction of failing to have insurance, the court may require the driver's license to be surrendered and order it suspended unless proof of insurance is submitted. An uninsured vehicle owner also cannot collect damages under the mini-tort provision for damage to that vehicle. MCL 500.3102; MCL 257.328(4); MCL 500.3135(4) |
| Minnesota | Driving, or as an owner allowing operation of, a vehicle without required insurance is a misdemeanor (a gross misdemeanor for a third offense within ten years, or if the uninsured driver causes an accident resulting in death or substantial bodily harm), with a mandatory fine of at least $200. Failing to produce proof of insurance on demand is also a misdemeanor. On conviction, the driver's license is revoked for up to 12 months, and if the driver is also the owner, the vehicle's registration is revoked for up to 12 months. The Commissioner of Public Safety may also revoke registration and suspend the license based on department records showing no insurance. Minn. Stat. §169.797, subds. 4 and 4a; §169.791, subd. 2 |
| Mississippi | According to the Mississippi Insurance Department, the initial penalty for failing to maintain an insurance card is a $1,000 fine and suspension of driving privileges for one year or until the vehicle owner shows proof of insurance. The compulsory liability law is enforced by the Department of Public Safety's Safety Responsibility Division (601-987-1255). Mississippi Insurance Department, Auto Insurance |
| Missouri | Driving or keeping a registered vehicle without insurance is a misdemeanor: a class D misdemeanor for a first violation; for a second or later violation, up to 15 days in jail and a fine of $200 to $500. No one is found guilty if they show the court they were insured when the citation was written. The court must also notify the Department of Revenue and may suspend the driving privilege or assess points. The department suspends the license and/or plates: for a first violation until proof of insurance and a $20 reinstatement fee; a second within two years, 90 days and a $200 fee; a third or more, one year and a $400 fee. RSMo §303.025.3; §303.042.2 |
| Montana | Driving without insurance, or failing to carry or show proof, is punishable by a fine of $250 to $500 for a first conviction, $350 for a second, and $500 and/or up to 10 days in jail for a third or later conviction. On a second or later conviction, the court orders surrender of the vehicle's registration receipt and license plates and the registration is suspended until proof of insurance is provided (a restricted registration may be issued after 90 days, or 180 days for a third or later conviction). On a fourth or later conviction, the driver's license is surrendered and suspended until proof of insurance is provided. MCA 61-6-304 |
| Nebraska | An owner who drives or allows a vehicle to be driven without insurance is guilty of a Class II misdemeanor; on conviction, the owner's driver's license, registration and license plates are suspended until proof of financial responsibility is filed, and the owner must maintain that proof for three continuous years. An owner who could not show proof when stopped has ten days to show the prosecutor that insurance was in effect, and the citation is then dismissed. Paying registration fees without keeping insurance in effect for the whole registration period is a Class IV misdemeanor. To reinstate after a no-proof-of-insurance conviction, the DMV requires an SR-22 and a $50 reinstatement fee. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§60-3,167, 60-3,168; Nebraska DMV, No Proof of Insurance Conviction |
| Nevada | Driving without insurance, or without evidence of insurance in the vehicle, is a misdemeanor with a fine of $600 to $1,000 per violation (reduced to $100 for a first violation if the person obtains a policy by sentencing); a court may not convict if the person proves insurance was in effect. Separately, the DMV suspends the registration for any lapse in coverage (Nevada has no grace period) and charges tiered reinstatement fees and fines: for a first offense, $250 for a 1-30 day lapse, $500 for 31-90 days, $750 for 91-180 days (plus 3 years of SR-22), and $1,250 for 181 days or more; second and third offenses within five years cost more (up to $1,750), and a third offense also brings a driver's license suspension of at least 30 days. NRS 485.187(3)-(4); Nevada DMV, Insurance: Penalties & Fines |
| New Hampshire | If a driver or owner is involved in a reportable accident without a qualifying liability policy or bond in effect, the director suspends the driver's license and the vehicle registration (and requires surrender of the plates) until the driver or owner posts security sufficient to satisfy any judgment from the accident and then maintains proof of financial responsibility in the future. Notice is sent at least 10 days before the suspension takes effect. RSA 264:3 |
| New Jersey | New Jersey law requires every registered vehicle to be insured; driving without insurance is against the law. According to DOBI, failing to maintain coverage can lead to suspension or revocation of your driver's license or registration, additional fines and penalties, higher prices for new policies, and placement in the assigned risk pool. A lapse of more than 30 days could place you in the assigned risk market. If a car is off the road, the plates should be surrendered to the Motor Vehicle Commission before letting insurance lapse. NJ DOBI, Everything Auto Insurance (2026) |
| New Mexico | Driving, or allowing the driving of, an uninsured vehicle is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $300, up to 90 days in jail, or both; a person is not convicted if they produce in court evidence of insurance valid when the citation was issued. A driver cited after an accident has the license plate removed and receives a 30-day temporary operation sticker; the plate is returned after proof of insurance and a $25 reinstatement fee (waived if proof of coverage in effect at the time is provided within 15 days). If the IIDB shows a vehicle as uninsured, the MVD sends a verification letter and, if not resolved within 30 days, suspends the registration; the owner must return the registration and plate within ten days of the suspension notice. NMSA 1978, §§66-5-205, 66-5-205.1, 66-8-7; New Mexico MVD, Insurance FAQs |
| New York | Driving, or letting someone drive, a vehicle without required insurance is a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of $150 to $1,500, up to 15 days in jail, or both, plus a $750 civil penalty payable to DMV. The DMV revokes the registration and the owner's driver's license, and no vehicle may be registered in the owner's name for one year; a non-owner driver who knew the vehicle was uninsured also has their license revoked. When insurance lapses on a registered vehicle, DMV suspends the registration and the registrant's license; the suspension can be ended by paying a civil penalty of $8 per day for days 1-30, $10 per day for days 31-60 and $12 per day for days 61-90 without coverage. N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law §§318, 319 |
| North Carolina | When coverage lapses, NCDMV sends a liability insurance termination notice to the registered owner, who must respond by the deadline (10 days from the notice date, increased to 30 days starting October 1, 2026). Failing to respond or pay can lead to revocation of the license plate (which law enforcement may seize), civil penalties, late fees, interest and collections. To relicense after a revocation, the owner pays a civil penalty of $50, $100 or $150 depending on the number of prior paid lapses on the vehicle within three years, plus a $50 restoration fee at registration renewal. If the insurer submits an FS-1 showing coverage was continuous, the lapse is cleared. Penalties may be waived if the vehicle was registered in another state within 30 days of the NC policy ending. Owners should surrender the plate to NCDMV before canceling insurance to avoid lapse fines. NCDMV, Vehicle Insurance Requirements |
| North Dakota | Driving, or letting someone drive, a vehicle without liability insurance is prohibited. After a violation, the person must file proof of insurance (a certificate from an insurer) with the Department of Transportation for one year or have driving privileges suspended, and must buy a duplicate license with a proof-of-insurance notation ($50 fee, plus $50 to remove the notation). For a second or later violation, the court must order the vehicle's plates impounded until the person shows proof of insurance and pays a $20 fee. The court must also order the uninsured driver to pay at least the other person's insurance deductible for damage caused. N.D. Cent. Code §§ 39-08-20, 39-08-20.1 |
| Ohio | Driving without proof of financial responsibility brings civil penalties: a license suspension that lasts until conditions are met (first violation), a one-year suspension if it happens again within one year, and a two-year suspension if it happens two or more times within one year, plus license impoundment. Limited driving privileges may be available, but not for the first 15 days (second) or 30 days (third). Reinstatement fees are $40 for a first violation, $300 for a second and $600 for a third or later, plus a $10 deputy registrar service fee, and the person must file and maintain proof of financial responsibility. Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4509.101(A), 4510.02(B) |
| Oklahoma | Failing to comply with the Compulsory Insurance Law is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $250, up to 30 days in jail, or both, plus suspension of the driving privilege. The officer may have the vehicle towed and stored if there is probable cause it is uninsured. The suspension lasts until reinstatement fees are paid and proof of an owner's or operator's policy (not a binder) is filed; failing to surrender the license within 30 days adds a $50 fee. A person who shows the court that coverage was in force at the time is entitled to dismissal. Separately, an uninsured person injured in a crash can generally recover only medical costs, property damage and lost income, not pain and suffering. 47 Okla. Stat. §§ 7-116, 7-605, 7-606 |
| Oregon | Driving uninsured is a Class B traffic violation. A person convicted must file proof of financial responsibility (an SR-22-type future responsibility filing) with DMV and maintain it for one year; failing to file within 30 days after conviction is a separate Class A traffic violation and leads to license suspension. A driver involved in a crash while uninsured is subject to license suspension. Failure to carry proof of insurance is also a Class B traffic violation. Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 806.010, 806.012, 806.230 |
| Pennsylvania | Driving uninsured can bring a minimum $300 fine, a three-month suspension of the vehicle registration, a three-month suspension of the driver's license, and restoration fees for the registration and license. A lapse in coverage alone leads to a three-month registration suspension unless the lapse was less than 31 days and the owner proves the vehicle was not driven. Instead of serving the registration suspension, an owner may pay a $500 civil penalty plus the restoration fee, no more than once in 12 months. A suspension can also be avoided by returning the plate and registration card to PennDOT within 30 days after the insurance was canceled. PennDOT Insurance Law fact sheet (February 2025) |
| Rhode Island | Knowingly driving (or letting someone drive) a registered vehicle without required financial security can bring license and registration suspension: first offense, suspension of up to 3 months and a fine of $100 to $500; second offense, a 6-month suspension and a $500 fine; third or later offense, suspension of up to one year and a $1,000 civil fine. To reinstate, the person must pay a $30 reinstatement fee (which can be raised to up to $50) and file and maintain proof of financial security. R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-9 |
| South Carolina | Owning and driving (or allowing the driving of) an uninsured vehicle is a misdemeanor: first offense, a $100-$200 fine or 30 days in jail; second offense, a $200 fine and/or 30 days; third or later offense (within five years), 45 days to six months in jail. SCDMV suspends the owner's driver's license, registrations and plates until a reinstatement fee is paid; the statute sets the fee at $600, adjusted annually by the Department of Insurance, and SCDMV currently describes it as a $700 fee. A non-owner driver who knew the vehicle was uninsured has the license suspended for 30 days ($100 reinstatement fee). If insurance lapses and coverage is not verified within 20 business days of SCDMV's letter, the license, plate and registration are suspended, with up to $400 in fees to reinstate. S.C. Code § 56-10-520; SCDMV, Facts About Driving Uninsured |
| South Dakota | Failing to maintain financial responsibility is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A judge must also suspend the driver's license for at least 30 days and up to one year, and must restrict driving during that time to listed purposes (such as work, child care, health appointments, school, court, probation and treatment). Before driving under the restriction, the person must establish financial responsibility and keep it for the restriction period. S.D. Codified Laws §§ 32-35-113, 32-35-121, 32-35-122 |
| Tennessee | Through the EIVS program, owners who fail to show coverage after a notice owe a coverage failure fee of $25, rising to $100 if they do not comply with the first notice, and risk losing their registration. Effective July 1, 2027, Public Chapter 1077 (2026) raises these fees to $500 and $1,000, adds a $1,500 fee (with registration suspension or revocation) for lapsing into unconfirmed status for the same vehicle more than once within three years, blocks renewals after a second notice until proof and fees are provided, and limits noneconomic damages for plaintiffs whose vehicles were not in compliance. Tennessee Department of Revenue, Notice #26-16 (June 2026) |
| Texas | Driving without required insurance is a misdemeanor with a fine of $175 to $350 for a first offense (the court may reduce it if the person cannot pay) and $350 to $1,000 for a later offense. After a second conviction, the Department of Public Safety suspends the driver's license unless the person files and maintains proof of financial responsibility until the second anniversary of that conviction, and the court must order an owner's vehicle impounded for 180 days. It is a defense to show the court a valid insurance document in effect at the time. Tex. Transp. Code §§ 601.191, 601.193, 601.231, 601.261, 601.262 |
| Utah | Driving (or letting someone drive) a vehicle without insurance, or failing to show proof on demand, is a class C misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $400; the court may waive up to $300 for an owner who gets insurance before sentencing. A second or later offense within three years carries a minimum $1,000 fine. After a conviction, the driver license is suspended and will not be renewed or reissued until proof of insurance is given and kept on file with the Driver License Division for three years. Utah Code § 41-12a-302(3), (4), (8) |
| Vermont | Driving without required insurance is a traffic violation with a civil penalty of up to $500. Failing to have proof of insurance while driving carries a civil penalty of up to $100. 23 V.S.A. § 800(b), (d) |
| Virginia | Owning and driving (or allowing the driving of) an uninsured vehicle registered in Virginia is a Class 3 misdemeanor, as is a non-owner knowingly driving it. An owner of an uninsured vehicle must immediately surrender the plates (failing to do so is also a Class 3 misdemeanor). After a conviction, DMV suspends the owner's driver's license, registrations and plates until the owner pays a $600 noncompliance fee and files proof of financial responsibility for the future; DMV's New to Virginia page also lists a $145 reinstatement fee. Va. Code § 46.2-707; Virginia DMV, New to Virginia |
| Washington | Driving without required insurance, or failing to provide proof, is a traffic infraction, with the penalty set by Washington Supreme Court rule (RCW 46.63.110) or community restitution. Rev. Code Wash. § 46.30.020(1)(d) |
| West Virginia | Owners must keep security in effect continuously and surrender the plate if coverage is dropped. An owner without required security has the driver's license suspended for 30 days (and until proof of insurance on all registered vehicles is shown) and the registration revoked for a first offense, unless the owner shows proof and pays a $200 penalty fee before the effective date; for a second offense within five years, the license is suspended 90 days and registration revoked until proof is shown. Failing to carry proof of insurance is a misdemeanor with a $200 to $5,000 fine; a second or later conviction can add 15 days to one year in jail. W. Va. Code §§ 17D-2A-3, 17D-2A-4(b), 17D-2A-7 |
| Wisconsin | Driving without required liability insurance carries a forfeiture of up to $500. Failing to carry proof of insurance carries a $10 forfeiture, and the charge is dismissed if the driver shows the court or the officer's office that coverage was in effect when cited. Providing fraudulent or false proof of insurance carries a forfeiture of up to $5,000. Wis. Stat. § 344.65 |
| Wyoming | Driving or allowing the operation of a vehicle without required insurance is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of $500 to $1,500, or both. For a second or later violation, the judge must order the registration and plates surrendered to the county treasurer until all obligations are met. After a conviction, the person must file and keep proof of financial responsibility for three years; failing to file within 30 days of notice leads to license suspension. The judge may also order a driver who fails to show proof to pay restitution. Wyo. Stat. § 31-4-103 |
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.