Driving Without Insurance in Wisconsin
Fines, license and registration suspension, and SR-22 requirements for driving uninsured in Wisconsin.
Short answer: Driving without required liability insurance carries a forfeiture of up to $500. Failing to carry proof of insurance carries a $10 forfeiture, and the charge is dismissed if the driver shows the court or the officer's office that coverage was in effect when cited. Wis. Stat. § 344.65
| Driving without insurance | Driving without required liability insurance carries a forfeiture of up to $500. Failing to carry proof of insurance carries a $10 forfeiture, and the charge is dismissed if the driver shows the court or the officer's office that coverage was in effect when cited. Providing fraudulent or false proof of insurance carries a forfeiture of up to $5,000. Source: Wis. Stat. § 344.65 |
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| Proof of insurance | Drivers must have proof of insurance in their immediate possession and show it on a traffic officer's demand. Proof may be printed or electronic, including an image on a cell phone; showing it electronically does not allow the officer to view other content. Officers may not stop or inspect a vehicle solely to check for insurance. |
| SR-22 filing | Wisconsin requires proof of financial responsibility for the future (a certification of insurance such as an SR-22, a bond, or a deposit of money or securities) in situations set out in chapter 344, at 25/50/10 limits. The Department of Transportation consents to canceling the proof once the required period has expired, or if the person dies, becomes permanently unable to drive, or surrenders the license. The length of the required period was not confirmed in the sections read. |
More Wisconsin car insurance & vehicle laws
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- SR-22 Insurance in Wisconsin
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- Transferring a Car Title in Wisconsin
- All Wisconsin car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Wisconsin?
Driving without required liability insurance carries a forfeiture of up to $500. Failing to carry proof of insurance carries a $10 forfeiture, and the charge is dismissed if the driver shows the court or the officer's office that coverage was in effect when cited. Providing fraudulent or false proof of insurance carries a forfeiture of up to $5,000.
Can you show proof of car insurance on your phone in Wisconsin?
Drivers must have proof of insurance in their immediate possession and show it on a traffic officer's demand. Proof may be printed or electronic, including an image on a cell phone; showing it electronically does not allow the officer to view other content. Officers may not stop or inspect a vehicle solely to check for insurance.
When do you need an SR-22 in Wisconsin, and for how long?
Wisconsin requires proof of financial responsibility for the future (a certification of insurance such as an SR-22, a bond, or a deposit of money or securities) in situations set out in chapter 344, at 25/50/10 limits. The Department of Transportation consents to canceling the proof once the required period has expired, or if the person dies, becomes permanently unable to drive, or surrenders the license.
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.