Every state has its own unique set of laws and regulations around driving. However, many laws are very similar, especially regarding penalties for breaking the law.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the common punishments around the country for people who drive without insurance.
Increased fines
When the police pull over someone who doesn’t have insurance for their vehicle, they often start by fining the person. The amount ranges from state to state, with some fines beginning at just $100. However, the more times you’re caught driving without insurance, the higher the penalty will be.
License suspension
Another one of the most common punishments for people without insurance is a license suspension. Across the country, driving without insurance can result in the state revoking your driver’s license for a limited period. However, repeat offenders may see their suspension time lengthen or face a permanent suspension.
Additional requirements
Outside of suspension and fines, there aren’t many consistent punishments across all 50 states. However, many states use the SR-22 system to punish repeat offenders. Simply put, the SR-22 is a necessary form that requires a higher level of insurance than the state minimum to get back your license from the state. This system is a bit different across every state, which causes many misunderstandings about the SR-22.
Paying for accidents
While this isn’t a legal punishment, one of the potential consequences of driving without a license is the considerable risk to your financial health. Insurance helps pay for vehicle repairs and medical bills in the case of an accident. Without insurance, you face a big risk as you may need to pay out of pocket for these expenses if you get into an accident.
Understanding these punishments can help you know the risks and potential issues of driving without insurance. Across the whole country, driving without insurance is a big deal and can lead to some harsh consequences. That’s why driving is never worth it if you don’t have insurance for your vehicle.
