Driving without car insurance isn’t just risky—it can lead to fines, license suspensions, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time. Every U.S. state has its own penalties, and understanding the law where you drive can save you from serious legal and financial consequences. This 2025 guide breaks down the penalties for driving without insurance in all 50 states and explains what you can do if you’ve been cited.

Driving Without Insurance — Penalties by State

At Francis Injury, we help drivers navigate the legal fallout of traffic violations and accidents. If you’re facing uninsured driving charges, contact us today for a free case review.

Why Driving Without Insurance Is a Big Risk

According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 14% of U.S. drivers are uninsured. In some states, the number is closer to 25%. If you cause an accident without insurance, you can be personally liable for damages, face lawsuits, and have your license suspended for years. Even a first offense without an accident can result in costly fines and the requirement to file an SR-22—proof of future insurance—before you can drive again.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in All 50 States

Driving Without Insurance — Penalties by State (2025)

Compact, template‑safe table. Always confirm the most current rules on the linked official pages or with an attorney.

State	First Offense	Subsequent Offenses	Additional Consequences	Source / Statute
Alabama	$200 civil penalty	$300 (2nd) $400 (3rd+)	Suspension if unpaid	ALEA MLI Ala. Code §32‑7A‑16
Alaska	$500 fine	$500+; 90 days–1 yr suspension	SR‑22 (3 yrs)	AK DMV Alaska Stat. §28.22.041, §28.22.019
Arizona	$500 civil	$750 (2nd) $1,000 (3rd)	Reg./license suspensionSR‑22	AZ MVD A.R.S. §28‑4135
Arkansas	$50–$250	$250–$1,000	Possible impoundSuspension	AR DFA Ark. Code Ann. §27‑22‑104
California	$100–$200 base	$200–$500 base	Impound possibleSR‑22 after crash	CA DMV Cal. Veh. Code §16020, §16029
Colorado	Up to $500	Up to $1,000	4–8 mo suspensionSR‑22	CO DMV Colo. Rev. Stat. §42‑4‑1409; §42‑7‑301
Connecticut	$100–$1,000	Up to $1,000; ≤3 mo jail	License/reg. suspension	CT DMV Conn. Gen. Stat. §14‑213b
Delaware	$1,500	$3,000	SuspensionSR‑22	DE DMV 21 Del. C. §2118; §2902
Florida	$150–$500 reinstate fees	$500 (repeat)	Reg./license suspensionSR‑22/FR‑44	FLHSMV Fla. Stat. §324.0221; §627.733
Georgia	$200–$1,000	$200–$1,000; ≤12 mo jail	Suspension	GA DOR O.C.G.A. §40‑6‑10
Hawaii	~$500 (county dependent)	Up to ~$1,500; jail/community svc	License suspension	HI DOT Haw. Rev. Stat. §431:10C‑104, §431:10C‑117
Idaho	$75	Up to $1,000; possible jail	SuspensionSR‑22 (3 yrs)	ID DMV Idaho Code §49‑1232
Illinois	$500; suspension	$1,000; longer suspension	SR‑22	IL SOS 625 ILCS 5/3‑707; 5/7‑601
Indiana	Fine; 90‑day suspension possible	Higher fines; 1‑yr suspension	SR‑22 (often 3 yrs)	IN BMV Ind. Code §9‑25‑4‑1 et seq.
Iowa	$250 (typ., no accident)	$500 (repeat)	Possible impoundSR‑22 in some cases	IA DOT Iowa Code §321.20B; §321A.32
Kansas	$300–$1,000; possible jail	$800–$2,500; jail more likely	Suspension	KS DOV K.S.A. §40‑3104; §40‑3107
Kentucky	$500–$1,000; ≤90 days jail	$1,000–$2,500; ≤180 days jail	Suspension	KY Drive KRS §304.39‑080; §304.39‑090
Louisiana	$500–$1,000	$500–$1,000; enhanced penalties	Impound possibleSuspension	LA OMV La. R.S. §32:863.1
Maine	$100–$500	$100–$500; longer suspensions	SuspensionSR‑22	ME BMV 29‑A M.R.S. §1601, §1605
Maryland	$150+ plus daily lapse fees	Up to $1,000; continued daily fees	Reg./license suspension	MD MVA Transp. §17‑106; §17‑104
Massachusetts	$500; suspension	Additional fines; longer suspension	Surcharges	MA RMV M.G.L. c.90 §34J; §34A
Michigan	$200–$500; impound possible	Repeat fines; impound	License consequences	MI SOS MCL §500.3101; §500.3102
Minnesota	$200–$1,000; possible jail	Up to $3,000; jail more likely	Suspension	MN DVS Minn. Stat. §169.797
Mississippi	$500; up to 1 yr suspension (typ.)	$500; reinstatement fees	SR‑22 often required	MS DPS Miss. Code Ann. §63‑15‑4
Missouri	$300; suspension	Repeat suspensions; SR‑22	SR‑22 (3 yrs)	MO DOR RSMo §303.025; §303.041
Montana	$250–$500	$350–$500; possible jail	SR‑22 after certain violations	MT DOJ MVD Mont. Code Ann. §61‑6‑301; §61‑6‑304
Nebraska	$50–$500; automatic suspension	Same range; higher reinstatement	SR‑22 (3 yrs)	NE DMV Neb. Rev. Stat. §60‑3,167; §60‑514
Nevada	$250–$1,000; reg./license suspension	$500–$1,000; longer suspension	SR‑22Reinstatement fees	NV DMV NRS §485.185; §485.317
New Hampshire	Financial responsibility proof after crash/violation	SR‑22; suspension until compliance	SR‑22Suspension	NH DMV RSA §264:3; §264:14
New Jersey	$300–$1,000 + surcharges	$500–$5,000; possible jail	SuspensionImpound possible	NJ MVC N.J.S.A. 39:6B‑2
New Mexico	$300–$1,000; possible jail; suspension	Higher fines; jail more likely	Suspension	NM MVD NMSA §66‑5‑205; §66‑5‑301
New York	Up to $1,500; reg./license revocation	Severe repeat penalties; civil assessments	Jail possibleCivil penalties	NY DMV VTL §319; §318
North Carolina	Civil penalty; registration revocation	Higher penalties; SR‑22 possible	Reg. revocation	NC DMV N.C.G.S. §20‑309; §20‑311
North Dakota	Fine; possible suspension	Higher fines; SR‑22 required	SR‑22	ND DOT N.D.C.C. §39‑08‑20; §39‑16.1‑02
Ohio	FR suspension; reinstatement fees	Longer suspensions; plate seizure	SR‑22	OH BMV Ohio Rev. Code §4509.101; §4509.45
Oklahoma	$250 typ.; suspension; possible jail	Higher fines; jail more likely	Suspension	OK DPS 47 O.S. §7‑601; §7‑605
Oregon	$130–$1,000; license/reg. suspension	Higher fines; SR‑22	SR‑22Suspension	OR DMV ORS §806.010; §806.012; §806.020
Pennsylvania	$300; 3‑mo suspension (typ.)	$300; longer suspensions	Reinstatement fees	PA DMV 75 Pa.C.S. §1786
Rhode Island	$100–$500; suspension possible	$500–$1,000; up to 1‑yr suspension	SR‑22 possible	RI DMV R.I. Gen. Laws §31‑47‑2; §31‑47‑9
South Carolina	UM fee/fine; SR‑22	Higher assessments; suspension	SR‑22Suspension	SC DMV S.C. Code §56‑10‑520; §56‑10‑240
South Dakota	$100+; suspension; possible jail	Higher fines; jail more likely	SR‑22 after certain violations	SD DPS SDCL §32‑35‑113; §32‑35‑70
Tennessee	$300 typ.; suspension possible	Repeat fines; possible jail	SR‑22 often required	TN Revenue Tenn. Code Ann. §55‑12‑139; §55‑12‑217
Texas	$175–$350 + fees	$350–$1,000; possible suspension	SR‑22Plate/registration consequences	Texas DOI Tex. Transp. Code §601.051; §601.191
Utah	$400; suspension	$1,000; SR‑22	SR‑22	UT DLD Utah Code §41‑12a‑302; §41‑12a‑303.2
Vermont	$250–$500; possible suspension	$250–$500; SR‑22	SR‑22	VT DMV 23 V.S.A. §800; §809
Virginia	Fines; reg./license suspension	Higher fines; FR‑44 in some cases	SR‑22 / FR‑44	VA DMV Va. Code §46.2‑707; §46.2‑706
Washington	$550 civil penalty (typ.)	Higher penalties; SR‑22 after certain violations	SR‑22 possible	RCW 46.30 & 46.29 Proof of insurance; financial responsibility
West Virginia	$200–$5,000; suspension	Repeat fines; longer suspension; jail possible	SR‑22	W. Va. Code §17D Mandatory security; penalties
Wisconsin	Up to ~$500; proof required	Higher fines; SR‑22 possible	SR‑22 possible	Wis. Stat. §344 Proof of financial responsibility
Wyoming	$250–$750; suspension possible	$250–$1,500; jail/suspension possible	SR‑22 possible	Wyo. Stat. §31‑4‑103 Mandatory insurance; penalties

Lower range Moderate Severe SR‑22 / FR‑44 Suspension Impound Jail possible

FAQ: Driving Without Insurance (2025)

Answers to the most common questions about fines, suspensions, SR-22/FR-44, and how to get back on the road legally.

What happens if I’m pulled over without insurance?

You may receive a citation, face fines, and risk license and registration suspension. Many states also require filing an SR-22 to reinstate your driving privileges. Check the penalties table above for specifics.

What is an SR-22 or FR-44, and how long do I need it?

An SR-22 (and FR-44 in some VA/FL cases) is a certificate of financial responsibility your insurer files with the state to prove you carry the required coverage. Many states require it for about 3 years, though timelines vary.

Will my car be towed or impounded?

In some states and situations, yes—especially if you’re stopped after a crash or repeat violation. Towing and daily storage fees can add up quickly.

How much more will I pay for insurance after a lapse?

It depends on your record and state, but rate increases of 50%–100%+ are common after lapses or SR-22 filing. You can often reduce costs by shopping around and adjusting coverage.

Can I go to jail for driving without insurance?

Jail is uncommon for a first, no-accident citation—but some states allow it, and repeat or crash-related offenses increase the risk.

How do I get my license back after a suspension?

Generally you’ll need to: (1) obtain an active policy, (2) have your insurer file an SR-22/FR-44 if required, and (3) pay any reinstatement fees.

Financial Consequences Beyond the Fine

Paying the ticket for driving without insurance is only the beginning. The true costs can be far greater and often extend for years:

License & Registration Suspension: Many states automatically suspend your driving privileges until you provide proof of coverage and pay reinstatement fees.
SR-22 or FR-44 Requirements: These state-mandated filings can keep your insurance premiums elevated for three or more years. Learn more here.
Vehicle Impoundment: In certain jurisdictions, law enforcement may tow and impound your car, adding storage fees on top of penalties.
Skyrocketing Insurance Rates: After a lapse, insurers often classify you as high risk, with rates increasing 50%–100% or more.
Long-Term Financial Impact: Convictions for driving uninsured can appear on your driving record for years, affecting employment opportunities that require driving.

Understanding SR-22 and FR-44 Requirements

After an uninsured driving citation, most states require proof of future financial responsibility through an SR-22 filing. Virginia and Florida impose an FR-44 in more serious cases, which requires even higher minimum coverage limits. Your insurer files the form directly with the state. If the policy lapses, the insurer must notify the DMV—often leading to a new suspension period.

Key points to remember about SR-22/FR-44:

They are not insurance policies but a state-monitored guarantee of coverage.
Most states require them for three years, but serious offenses can extend the timeline.
You must maintain continuous coverage—any lapse restarts the penalty clock.

Real-World Impact of Uninsured Driving

When uninsured drivers cause accidents, the financial consequences extend far beyond their own situation. Victims may have no choice but to file lawsuits, which can result in wage garnishments and asset seizures for the at-fault party. According to the Insurance Information Institute, uninsured motorist claims cost insured drivers over $13 billion annually in the United States.

Beyond the financial hit, an uninsured driving conviction can damage your credibility in court, impact your ability to obtain certain professional licenses, and create ongoing legal challenges.

How to Protect Yourself and Stay Compliant

The best way to avoid the severe consequences of driving uninsured is to take proactive measures:

Maintain Continuous Coverage: Set up automatic payments to avoid accidental lapses.
Shop for Affordable Policies: Compare rates every renewal period to find better deals.
Take Advantage of State Programs: Some states offer reduced-cost policies for qualifying drivers.
Increase Your Deductible: This can significantly reduce your monthly premium while keeping you legal.
Seek Legal Guidance: If cited, contact an attorney immediately to explore options for reducing penalties and avoiding extended SR-22 requirements.