State Penalties For Uninsured Drivers

In the United States there are minimal insurance requirements set by individual states.
Many states require proof of insurance to register a motor vehicle or to obtain a drivers
license. Although, requirements and regulations are in place, millions of Americans are
driving without any form of insurance.

Based on the current unemployment rates, the percentages of uninsured motorists are
expected to rise from 13.8 in 2007 to 16.1 by the end of 2010, according to the Insurance
Research Council. The magnitude of uninsured drivers varies from state to state with
each state having individual motor vehicle insurance requirements. If someone is injured
in an automobile accident, there is a one in seven chance the at-fault driver is uninsured.
Rates of uninsured drivers increase annually possibly due to the impaired economic
times. Many motorists without insurance are aware of the laws but simply can’t afford to
purchase insurance for their vehicles. Transportation is a essential part of everyday in
American and many can not let lack of insurance stop them from getting to work to feed
their children.
Unfortunately, many uninsured drivers cannot afford to purchase insurance therefore
cannot afford to pay another individual in the event of an accident.
So, what are the potential risks of driving your vehicle without proper insurance
coverage?
Each state has defined regulations and laws for driving. A form of car insurance is
required in all states, except New Hampshire. For those who are caught driving without
insurance usually result in a traffic infraction and are issued a fine of not less than $100
and can be as high as $5,000. Along with a heavy fine, many states suspend driver’s
licenses and vehicle registration. Fines and term of suspension increase with each offense
of driving without insurance.
To help ensure your safety and the safety of others on the roadways, Autocricket.com has
developed an online comparison-shopping website that allows you to search multiple
insurance companies.
For more specific state laws on insurance contact your state Department of Motor
Vehicles.
Maine:

Being found without insurance is a traffic infraction (and also a Class E

crime) for which a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500
may be assessed. Your license and vehicle registration can also be
suspended. The suspension will continue until financial responsibility is
proven and there are other requirements that might be compulsory.
You might then have a restricted license for a period of time as well.

New Hampshire:
That's why all states (except New Hampshire) require drivers to carry
liability insurance
Mass

Compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance is discussed in chapter

90: Section 34J of the General Laws of Massachusetts. Here it states
that being without insurance on a motor vehicle is punished by a fine
not less than $500 nor more than $5000 or by imprisonment for not
more than 1 year or both the fine and jail time.

The law goes on to say that any person convicted of being uninsured
shall be liable for the amount greater of $500 or 1 year's premium for
compulsory motor vehicle insurance for the highest rated territory and
class or risk in effect at the time of the commission of the offense.

A person cited for driving without insurance may also have their
driver's license suspended for 60 days by the Registry of Motor
Vehicles and likely their registration and tags to the vehicle suspended
as well.