Driving without insurance can get you into some trouble and cause you some serious consequences. If you have been caught driving without insurance in NY, you may be feeling very worried and wondering what is going to happen next.
New York law requires that every vehicle driven on a public road must carry liability insurance. As the insured, you must be able to provide confirmation of coverage. If you fail to comply, you run the risk of being ticketed or arrested and your vehicle being impounded by the police. In addition, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may suspend your registration, requiring you to turn in your license plate.
Driving Without Insurance in NY: New York Auto Insurance Requirements
New York has very specific insurance laws regarding the operation of a vehicle. Insurance must be issued and company licensed by the New York State Department of Financial Services. The registration and insurance must be listed under both the same name and the same address. The minimum insurance requirements are as follows:
- $25,000 bodily liability maximum for one person injured in an accident
- $50,000 bodily injury liability maximum per incident
- $10,000 property damage liability maximum for one accident
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Driving Without Insurance in NY: The Penalties
New York has established minimum insurance requirements to operate a vehicle. If you have failed to maintain insurance coverage on your vehicle, you can be subject to receive a citation from a police officer and the potential of financial loss if an accident has occurred. Driving without the minimum insurance in NY is a criminal offense carrying the following serious consequences:
- Citations
- Driver license suspension up to a maximum of three years
- Suspension of vehicle registration
- Excessive fines
Driving Without Insurance in NY: Allowing Others to Drive Their Uninsured Vehicle
Letting someone borrow your vehicle is a common occurrence. However, know that if you do, you assume liability for that person. If you do not have the required insurance and the person is in an accident, you may be held liable.
New York law states that vehicle owners are liable whether they drive their vehicle or allow others to drive. The penalty is loss of your driver license for at least one year ― the same penalty if you were the one who had the accident while uninsured. In addition, you may need to pay in full many other fines, fees, and costs, often as high as $1,500, prior to applying for a new license.
If you have been caught driving without insurance, please call and schedule a free consultation with our traffic violation lawyer Arthur Pressman for dependable legal representation.