SR-22 Insurance in New York
When New York requires an SR-22 (or similar) certificate of insurance, how long you must keep it, and what happens if it lapses.
Short answer: 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. N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law §§318, 319
| Driving without insurance | 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. Lapse penalties and revocation: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/318. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law §§318, 319 |
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More New York car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in New York
- Driving Without Insurance in New York
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in New York
- Transferring a Car Title in New York
- All New York car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in 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.
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.