Driving without car insurance is not only a risky idea financially, it’s also likely it’ll get in trouble sooner rather than later. Whether you find out the hard way — in an accident, by the police, or by the state’s verification system — you’re bound to get caught driving without insurance.

Not only are you putting yourself at risk, but other drivers too, if an accident were to happen. The severity of the penalty you face for not having auto insurance varies from state to state. Read below to find out what the penalty of driving without car insurance is in your state.

Why do you need car insurance?

Car insurance is there to help you recover financially in case of an incident. If you were to cause an accident that injured another driver or their passengers, you’re responsible for their medical bills, which can potentially cost many thousands of dollars. Without insurance, you’d be forced to pay that cost out of pocket.

Auto insurance also can help you recover if you have damage to your car, such as if a tree fell on it or if you hit another car or object.

Beyond the importance of car insurance for you financially, it’s also legally required in every state except New Hampshire and Virginia — though even those states have certain requirements related to car insurance.

Some states also have a “no pay, no play” law, meaning if you’re hurt in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, but you’re uninsured, you're limited on the compensation you can receive from them.

What is the penalty for uninsured driving in your state?

The laws may change from time to time, but as of publication, every state besides New Hampshire will fine you for driving without insurance. Other penalties vary depending on the state and severity of your offense, with penalties ranging from community service time to jail. Below is a list of the penalty for driving without insurance in each state.

Alabama

The first offense for driving without insurance is a fine up to $500 and a suspended license. For a second offense, the fine is up to $1,000 and a mandatory four-month suspension. You’ll also have to pay a reinstatement fee to get your license back.

Alaska

If you drive without car insurance in Alaska, your first offense is a $500 fine and a 90-day suspended drivers license. For a second offense, you'll face a one-year driver's license suspension. If you're in an accident with no insurance, you'll also need to file for SR-22 insurance after the crash.

Arizona

In Arizona, the first offense you'll face is a $500 fine minimum and up to a three-month license suspension. For a second offense, your license will be suspended for up to six months. For the third offense without insurance, there is a $750 fine minimum and at least a year-long suspension of your license.

Arkansas

If you're found driving without insurance in Arkansas, your first offense fines will range from $50-$250. For a second offense, fines vary starting at $250. For a third offense in Arkansas, you could face up to a year in jail time.

California

The first offense for driving without insurance in California is a fine between $100-$200. For a second offense, the state can seize your car and you'll face fines up to $500.

Colorado

Your first offense for driving without insurance in Colorado is a $500 fine and the suspension of your license until you can prove you're insured. For the second offense, you must pay a minimum $1,000 fine and face a mandatory four-month license suspension. You can also be sentenced up to 40 hours of community service.

Connecticut

If you're caught driving in Connecticut with no insurance, your fine can range between $100-$1,000 and your license may be suspended for a month. For the second offense, you'll face a higher fine and your license will be suspended for six months.

Delaware

Delaware is one of the strictest states if you get caught driving without car insurance. For your first offense, fines vary between $1,500 to $2,000 and license suspension for up to six months. Subsequent offenses face a $3,000-$4,000 fine and a six-month suspension of your license and registration.

Florida

In Florida, if you’re caught driving without car insurance, your license and registration are suspended until you provide evidence that you're insured and you'll face fines up to $500. Florida has the highest number of uninsured drivers at more than 26 percent.

Georgia

You can be charged a $200 to $1,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail for driving without insurance in Georgia. You may also face the suspension of your registration until proof of insurance is provided and fees are paid.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, the penalty for driving without insurance includes a fine of $500 and up to $2,500 for subsequent offenses. Your license can also be suspended for three months for your first conviction and one year for other convictions. In Hawaii, multiple convictions can also result in up to 30 days in jail.

Idaho

Idaho is one of the more lenient states if you get caught driving without car insurance. For your first offense, you'll face a fine of $75, although subsequent offenses are up to a $1,000 fine and possibly six months in jail.

Illinois

The penalty for driving without insurance in Illinois begins with a fine ranging between $500-$1,000 and the suspension of your license. You may also be required to file an SR-22 form varying on the number of offenses.

Indiana

If you get caught driving without car insurance in Indiana, your license will be suspended for at least 90 days and have to pay $250 to renew it. You'll also need to obtain an SR-22 insurance policy for a minimum of three years. If other convictions occur, you're license will be suspended for a year.

Iowa

For your first offense when driving without car insurance in Iowa, you'll have to pay a $250 fine and your car may be impounded depending on the number of previous convictions. You also may have your license suspended.

Kansas

If you're caught driving without car insurance in Kansas, it’s considered a misdemeanor, where you can face a fine between $300 to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail. For a second offense, penalties may include the suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration and a fine up to $2,500.

Kentucky

The first offense penalty for driving without car insurance in Kentucky is a $500 to $1,000 fine and/or 90 days in jail. For any subsequent offenses, you'll be fined between $1,000- $2,500 and may serve up to 180 days in jail.

Louisiana

If you’re caught driving without insurance in Louisiana, you most likely will have to pay a fine ranging from $100- $700 depending on the level of offense. Your license and registration will also be suspended.

Maine

If you get caught driving without car insurance in Maine, you'll be fined anywhere from $100 to $500 and a face a 30-day license and registration suspension.

Maryland

In Maryland, the penalty for driving without insurance is a little different compared to the other states. You have to pay a $150 uninsured motorist fee for the first 30 days and $7 each additional day. The maximum penalty is $2,500 for a 12-month period.

Massachusetts

The first offense for driving uninsured in Massachusetts is a $500 fine. A second offense may result in a fine up to $5,000. Your license and registration can be suspended, and to get it reinstated may cost an additional $500.

Michigan

The penalty for driving without insurance in Michigan is up to a year in jail and a maximum $500 fine. Your license and registration may also be suspended.

Minnesota

If you drive uninsured in Minnesota, it’s considered a misdemeanor, and you can face up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. You'll be fined up to $3,000 if a second offense occurs.

Mississippi

You can face a fine up to $500 if you get caught driving without insurance in Mississippi. If your insurance policy lapses, the penalty is up to $1,000 and your license may suspended up to one year, or until proof of insurance.

Missouri

In Missouri, if you're found driving without insurance your license will be suspended until you pay to reinstate it. For your second offense, you’ll face a $500 fine and up to 15 days in jail, along with a suspended license for three months.

Montana

If you're found driving uninsured in Montana, you can be fined up to $500 for your first offense and need to serve up to 10 days in jail. If you get caught for the second time, your license will be revoked for 90 days and you'll be charged $350 minimum.

Nebraska

The penalty for driving without auto insurance in Nebraska is a bit unique. There are no standard fines, but your license and registration will be suspended, and to get them both back, you're required to file an SR-22 for three years and pay a $50 reinstatement fee. Having to file an SR-22 for three years can be very costly.

Nevada

Driving without insurance in Nevada can result in the suspension of your license and paying the fee to reinstate it. You'll have to pay an additional fine between $250 and $1,000, depending on the level of offense.

New Jersey

The penalties for driving uninsured in New Jersey include a fine between $300 and $1,000 and mandatory community service, along with the suspension of your license for an entire year. A second offense means fines up to $5,000 and you're sentenced to 14 days in jail.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, driving without car insurance can lead to 90 days in jail and/or a $300 fine.

New York

For your first offense of driving uninsured in New York, you can face a fine up to $1,500 and up to 15 days in jail. On top of that, your license and registration will be revoked for at least a year and you must pay a $750 fee to get it reinstated.

North Carolina

If you choose to drive in North Carolina without car insurance, it’s considered a misdemeanor, which means it can result in a 30 suspension of your vehicle registration and charged a fee of $50.

North Dakota

If you’re found driving without car insurance in North Dakota, you'll be charged a $150 fine and a $50 fee to reinstate your license.

Ohio

If you’re caught driving without car insurance in Ohio, you'll lose your driver's license and registration for your car, until you prove that you have an insurance policy. You'll also have to pay a $100 fee to reinstate your license. On top of that, you'll have to obtain SR-22 insurance because you're considered a high-risk driver.

Oklahoma

The penalty for driving without car insurance in Oklahoma is a $250 fine along with the possibility of your vehicle being impounded, which means you'll have to pay the storage fees for your vehicle until you can get it back.

Oregon

If you're convicted of driving without insurance in the state of Oregon, you can face fines ranging from $130 up to $1,000. Not only will your license be suspended, but to get it back, you'll also have to file for an SR-22 form for the following three years.

Pennsylvania

If you get caught driving with no auto insurance in Pennsylvania, you'll be fined a minimum of $300, plus your license and registration will be suspended for three months.

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, if you're found driving without car insurance, it can result in the suspension of both your license and vehicle registration, along with a fine up to $500.

South Carolina

For your first offense in South Carolina if you're found driving uninsured, you can face a fine up to $200 and/or 30 days in jail. If you're caught for the second time, you must file an SR-22 for the following three years.

South Dakota

If you get caught driving without insurance in South Dakota, it’s considered a misdemeanor and you can face a fine up to $500 and your license will be suspended for at least 30 days. You'll also have to file for SR-22 insurance to get your license back because you're considered a high-risk driver.

Tennessee

Driving without insurance in Tennessee can result in a $300 fine and the suspension of your license and registration. You'll also have to pay for the impoundment of your car, the fee to reinstate your license and have to file for SR-22 insurance.

Texas

In Texas, the penalty for driving without insurance can affect you for years to come. For your first time offense, you're fined up to $350 but also charged an annual fee of $250 to the DMV for the following three years. If you're caught for the second time you can be charged up to $1,000.

Utah

If you're found driving uninsured in Utah, you'll be fined a minimum of $400, your license and registration will be suspended, and you can’t reinstate it unless you show proof that you’ve obtained an insurance policy.

Vermont

In Vermont, if you’re found driving without auto insurance, you can face a fine up to $500 along with the suspension of your license and registration until you show proof of insurance.

Virginia

If you're caught driving without insurance in Virginia, your driver's license and vehicle registration will be suspended until you show proof of an insurance policy.

Washington

The penalty for driving uninsured in the state of Washington is a $550 fee and required community service.

Washington, D.C.

For your first offense for driving without car insurance in D.C., you can face up to $500 in fines. Subsequent offenses result in a maximum of $2,000 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail.

Wisconsin

The penalty for driving without insurance in Wisconsin is a fine up to $5,000 plus a $10 fine for failing to show proof of insurance.

Wyoming

In Wyoming, the penalty for driving without insurance can result in a fine ranging between $250 and $750 plus up to six months in jail. A second offense will result in a maximum of $1,500 fines as well as losing your license and registration.

The consequences of driving without proof of insurance will be more costly than purchasing state-minimum liability coverage. Regardless of what state you live in, obtaining car insurance is a must. Find the best car insurance here.

The content on this site is offered only as a public service to the web community and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. This site should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an insurance company or an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. You should always consult a suitably qualified attorney regarding any specific legal problem or matter. The comments and opinions expressed on this site are of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the insurance company or any individual attorney.