SR-22 Insurance in Illinois
When Illinois requires an SR-22 (or similar) certificate of insurance, how long you must keep it, and what happens if it lapses.
Short answer: A person convicted a third or subsequent time of driving uninsured must file proof of financial responsibility (as defined in 625 ILCS 5/7-315) with the Secretary of State and maintain it for at least 3 years after it is first filed; 625 ILCS 5/3-707(d)
| SR-22 filing | A person convicted a third or subsequent time of driving uninsured must file proof of financial responsibility (as defined in 625 ILCS 5/7-315) with the Secretary of State and maintain it for at least 3 years after it is first filed; the Secretary suspends the license of anyone who does not provide adequate proof. Source: 625 ILCS 5/3-707(d) |
|---|---|
| Driving without insurance | 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. Source: 625 ILCS 5/3-707 |
More Illinois car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Illinois
- Driving Without Insurance in Illinois
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Illinois
- Transferring a Car Title in Illinois
- All Illinois car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
When do you need an SR-22 in Illinois, and for how long?
A person convicted a third or subsequent time of driving uninsured must file proof of financial responsibility (as defined in 625 ILCS 5/7-315) with the Secretary of State and maintain it for at least 3 years after it is first filed; the Secretary suspends the license of anyone who does not provide adequate proof.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in 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.
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.