SR-22 Insurance in Maryland
When Maryland requires an SR-22 (or similar) certificate of insurance, how long you must keep it, and what happens if it lapses.
Short answer: 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. Md. Code, Transp. §§17-106, 17-107
| Driving without insurance | 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. Criminal penalties: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=17-107&enactments=false |
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More Maryland car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Maryland
- Driving Without Insurance in Maryland
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Maryland
- Transferring a Car Title in Maryland
- All Maryland car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in 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.
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.