SR-22 Insurance in Maine
When Maine requires an SR-22 (or similar) certificate of insurance, how long you must keep it, and what happens if it lapses.
Short answer: The Bureau of Motor Vehicles may require an SR-22 filing, a certification from an insurer that the driver is covered, usually after an accident without insurance or a conviction for a serious violation; 29-A M.R.S. §1603(2)-(5); Maine Bureau of Insurance, Auto Insurance FAQs
| SR-22 filing | The Bureau of Motor Vehicles may require an SR-22 filing, a certification from an insurer that the driver is covered, usually after an accident without insurance or a conviction for a serious violation; Maine accepts an SR-22 only from an insurer licensed in Maine. After a conviction or adjudication and reinstatement, the person must maintain proof of financial responsibility for at least 3 years, and the Secretary of State may waive the requirement after 3 years from the date of demand. A repeat OUI conviction within 10 years also requires proof before reinstatement. SR-22 explanation: https://www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/frequently-asked-questions/auto-insurance |
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| Driving without insurance | 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. Source: 29-A M.R.S. §1601(4)-(7-A) |
More Maine car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Maine
- Driving Without Insurance in Maine
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Maine
- Transferring a Car Title in Maine
- All Maine car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
When do you need an SR-22 in Maine, and for how long?
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles may require an SR-22 filing, a certification from an insurer that the driver is covered, usually after an accident without insurance or a conviction for a serious violation; Maine accepts an SR-22 only from an insurer licensed in Maine. After a conviction or adjudication and reinstatement, the person must maintain proof of financial responsibility for at least 3 years, and the Secretary of State may waive the requirement after 3 years from the date of demand. A repeat OUI conviction within 10 years also requires proof before reinstatement.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in 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.
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.