Driving Without Insurance in Virginia

Owning and driving (or allowing the driving of) an uninsured vehicle registered in Virginia is a Class 3 misdemeanor, as is a non-owner knowingly driving it. An owner of an uninsured vehicle must immediately surrender the plates (failing to do so is also a Class 3 misdemeanor). After a conviction, DMV suspends the owner's driver's license, registrations and plates until the owner pays a $600 noncompliance fee and files proof of financial responsibility for the future; DMV's New to Virginia page also lists a $145 reinstatement fee.

When registering a vehicle, the owner must certify that it is insured. DMV may require an owner to verify insurance in a method set by the Commissioner, and insurers electronically notify DMV when a policy is not in effect. An owner who fails to submit insurance information within 30 days when required faces suspension of the license, registrations and plates.

After a conviction for driving uninsured (or a suspension for not verifying insurance), the owner must furnish proof of financial responsibility for the future (such as an SR-22 certificate) before the license and registrations are reinstated. The Commissioner may lift the requirement once three years have passed from the date of suspension.