What is the penalty for driving without insurance in New Jersey?

If you are caught driving without insurance in New Jersey, you may face fines, suspension of your driver's license, and community service after the first offense. Penalties for repeat offenses include fines up to $5,000 jail time.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in New Jersey

Other penalties for driving without insurance in New Jersey include up to 14 days in jail and/or community service. In addition to the legal consequences, you can expect your car insurance premium to go up.

Penalties for Driving Without Proof of Insurance

Not having car insurance and not being able to prove that you have it are two different violations. If you have insurance but cannot prove it when you get pulled over or at the scene of an accident, you are guilty of an “administrative violation,” similar to a seat-belt ticket. In New Jersey, your citation might be dismissed if you can provide the court with proof of valid insurance for the date of the citation within 24 hours.

Driving without car insurance at all is much more serious, and the penalties are more severe. To avoid these consequences, make sure you meet New Jersey's minimum car insurance requirements.

Required Car Insurance in New Jersey

• $5,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
• $15,000 in personal injury protection coverage (up to $250,000 for certain injuries)

The key to maintaining the minimum amount of coverage required by New Jersey is to find a policy you can afford. If your coverage has already lapsed, start by comparing quotes from the insurance companies WalletHub’s analysis identified as having the best post-lapse rates.

Best Car Insurance in New Jersey After a Lapse in Coverage

• Geico
• NJM
• Amica
• Allstate
• Travelers

Drivers in New Jersey pay an average of $2,303 per year to maintain the minimum amount of coverage. That’s nothing compared to the consequences of driving without insurance, especially if you get into an accident.

What Happens If You Get Into a Car Accident Without Insurance in New Jersey?

1. If you get into an accident, all penalties will apply.

If you get into an accident while driving without insurance in New Jersey, you will incur the penalties for driving without insurance no matter who is at fault. Driving uninsured can make it difficult to be compensated for damages if you are not at fault and can have long-lasting and life-changing consequences if you are at fault.

2. If the accident is your fault, you’ll have to pay for all the damages out of your own pocket.

In addition to the legal consequences of driving without insurance, you could easily be responsible for tens of thousands of dollars or more in damages to your vehicle, the other driver’s car repairs and hospital bills, and your own medical care. You could face mounting debt or even bankruptcy, especially if the other driver doesn’t carry uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection.

3. Even if the accident is not your fault, driving without insurance may leave you responsible for your accident-related expenses.

New Jersey is a “no pay, no play” state, which means drivers cannot pursue certain damages after an accident, regardless of fault, if they were uninsured at the time the accident occurred. In New Jersey, no pay, no play means you cannot recover damages of any kind if you are driving uninsured.

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide on driving without car insurance.