Delaney Simchuk, Car Insurance Writer
@delaney_simchuk
Yes, you can go to jail for not having car insurance in many states. Driving without car insurance can result in 10 days to 1 year of jail time for a first offense, and repeat offenses may come with even longer sentences. You will also face other serious consequences if you drive without insurance, such as large fines or license and registration suspension.
Jail Time for Driving Without Insurance by State
State |
1st Offense |
Repeat Offense |
Up to 90 days |
No more than 6 months |
|
Up to 1 year |
Up to 1 year |
|
None |
10 days to 1 year |
|
Up to 90 days |
None |
|
Up to 1 year |
No more than 1 year |
|
None |
Up to 6 months |
|
Up to 6 months |
None |
|
Up to 90 days |
Up to 180 days |
|
Up to 1 year |
Up to 2 years |
|
Up to 1 year |
Up to 1 year |
|
Up to 1 year |
Up to 1 year |
|
Up to 90 days |
No more than 90 days |
|
Up to 15 days |
Up to 15 days |
|
Up to 10 days |
Up to 10 days for 2nd offense |
|
None |
Up to 14 days |
|
No more than 90 days |
Up to 6 months |
|
Up to 15 days |
Up to 15 days |
|
None |
Up to 30 days |
|
Up to 30 days |
Up to 30 days |
|
None |
Up to 30 days |
|
Up to 30 days |
Up to 30 days |
|
None |
15 days to 1 year |
|
Up to 6 months |
Up to 6 months |
It is very important to have at least the minimum coverage required by your state before driving. Only the states listed above use jail time as a punishment for uninsured driving, but every state has some penalty. See the full list of penalties for driving without insurance by state.
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