SR-22 Insurance in Rhode Island
When Rhode Island requires an SR-22 (or similar) certificate of insurance, how long you must keep it, and what happens if it lapses.
Short answer: After an uninsured-driving suspension, reinstatement requires filing and maintaining proof of financial security. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-47-9(c), 31-47-12(c)
| SR-22 filing | After an uninsured-driving suspension, reinstatement requires filing and maintaining proof of financial security. Proof can be a certificate of proof of financial responsibility, a bond, a certificate of deposit of money or securities, or a self-insurance certificate. Rhode Island also has a separate chapter on proof of financial responsibility for the future (R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 31-32) that applies in certain circumstances such as unpaid crash judgments. How long proof must be maintained was not found in the sections read. |
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| Driving without insurance | Knowingly driving (or letting someone drive) a registered vehicle without required financial security can bring license and registration suspension: first offense, suspension of up to 3 months and a fine of $100 to $500; second offense, a 6-month suspension and a $500 fine; third or later offense, suspension of up to one year and a $1,000 civil fine. To reinstate, the person must pay a $30 reinstatement fee (which can be raised to up to $50) and file and maintain proof of financial security. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-9 |
More Rhode Island car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Rhode Island
- Driving Without Insurance in Rhode Island
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Rhode Island
- Transferring a Car Title in Rhode Island
- All Rhode Island car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
When do you need an SR-22 in Rhode Island, and for how long?
After an uninsured-driving suspension, reinstatement requires filing and maintaining proof of financial security. Proof can be a certificate of proof of financial responsibility, a bond, a certificate of deposit of money or securities, or a self-insurance certificate. Rhode Island also has a separate chapter on proof of financial responsibility for the future (R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 31-32) that applies in certain circumstances such as unpaid crash judgments.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Rhode Island?
Knowingly driving (or letting someone drive) a registered vehicle without required financial security can bring license and registration suspension: first offense, suspension of up to 3 months and a fine of $100 to $500; second offense, a 6-month suspension and a $500 fine; third or later offense, suspension of up to one year and a $1,000 civil fine. To reinstate, the person must pay a $30 reinstatement fee (which can be raised to up to $50) and file and maintain proof of financial security.
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.