Driving Without Insurance in Oklahoma

Failing to comply with the Compulsory Insurance Law is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $250, up to 30 days in jail, or both, plus suspension of the driving privilege. The officer may have the vehicle towed and stored if there is probable cause it is uninsured. The suspension lasts until reinstatement fees are paid and proof of an owner's or operator's policy (not a binder) is filed; failing to surrender the license within 30 days adds a $50 fee. A person who shows the court that coverage was in force at the time is entitled to dismissal. Separately, an uninsured person injured in a crash can generally recover only medical costs, property damage and lost income, not pain and suffering.

Every driver of a vehicle registered in Oklahoma must carry an owner's or operator's security verification form (insurance card) issued by the insurer, or an equivalent Department of Public Safety form. The Insurance Department may approve verification forms in electronic as well as paper format. Oklahoma runs an online insurance verification system, maintained by the Oklahoma Insurance Department, that officers must check during traffic stops and crash investigations; no citation is issued if the system confirms valid coverage.

After a conviction or bond forfeiture for driving uninsured or not carrying an insurance verification form, the Department of Public Safety suspends the driving privilege until fees are paid and proof of security is furnished. For this purpose proof must be an owner's or operator's policy, not a binder. If the person shows coverage was in effect at the time, the suspension is vacated and no certificate of insurance is required.