Driving Without Insurance in 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.

Insurers must give an insurance identification card for each insured vehicle, which may be in paper or electronic format, including an image on a cell phone or other portable device. The card must be carried in the insured vehicle at all times and shown on demand to a peace officer or commercial vehicle enforcement officer; failing to show it is treated as a violation of the financial responsibility law. Insurers report coverage to the Department of Revenue's electronic insurance verification system, MOIVS.

To reinstate after a suspension for failing to maintain insurance, the driver must file proof of liability insurance, most commonly an SR-22 filing, and keep it on file with the Department of Revenue for three years from the date the person is eligible to reinstate. If the proof lapses, the license and/or plates are suspended again for the rest of the three years unless proof is refiled and a $20 reinstatement fee is paid. If an accident is involved, an SR-22 filing is required; an insurance ID card is not acceptable.