Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Utah
Driving without insurance is considered a misdemeanor in Utah. Drivers caught without insurance will likely face a fine of at least $400, lose their driving privileges and be required to maintain an SR-22.
Every driver is required to carry liability insurance with at least the minimum coverage, which is $25,000 for bodily injury liability coverage per person and $65,000 per accident, plus $15,000 for property damage per accident.
Penalties for driving uninsured in Utah
If you're caught driving without insurance, the state may charge fines and suspend your license and registration — and getting your driving privileges back can be costly. You might be caught when a police officer asks for proof of coverage during a traffic stop, at a checkpoint or at the scene of an accident. Or, the state's Uninsured Motorist Identification Database Program, operated by its partner Insure-Rite, may flag you in the system.
That's why it's important to carry proof of insurance, such as an ID card or the policy's declaration form, anytime you're driving in Utah. If you are driving uninsured, here are some of the penalties you may face in the state.
Penalty | Conviction after a traffic stop citation | Conviction after an accident | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First offense | Second offense | First offense | Second offense | |
| Fine | $400 | $1,000 | $400 | $1,000 |
| Driving privileges | Suspension until proof of insurance is provided | 1 year compulsory suspension | ||
| SR-22 | Maintain for 3 years | Maintain for 3 years | ||
| Court security surcharge | $53–$60 | $53–$60 | ||
| License reinstatement fee | $40 | $40 | ||
| Registration reinstatement fee | $100 | $100 | ||
When you're identified by the database or caught at a traffic stop
In Utah, police officers can ask for proof of insurance during routine traffic stops, at checkpoints and at the scene of an accident. The state also tracks insurance policies for every registered car using an electronic monitoring system. If you're caught driving while uninsured, the department of public safety will send you a notice. You can avoid penalties by sending proof of insurance with this notice within 15 days.
But if you fail to send proof of insurance, the state can fine you $400 and add a court security surcharge to your first offense. A second or subsequent offense carries a $1,000 fine plus a court security surcharge.
Reducing your fines with a compliance credit
The state offers some relief if you're caught driving without insurance but you buy a policy before you appear in court. Your insurer will need to file an SR-22 form on your behalf as well. Your fine may be reduced by $300 as a compliance credit.
The state can fully dismiss the charge and your fine if you can prove you had insurance coverage in place at the time of your citation. You'll need to bring proof of coverage to the court hearing.
Driving uninsured in an accident
Drivers who cause an accident while driving uninsured face harsher penalties. You'll pay the same $400 fine plus a court security surcharge on your first offense or a $1,000 fine plus the court surcharge on your second and subsequent offenses. But the penalties can increase if the court finds you at fault for the crash. You'll need to surrender your license and registration for a full year.
Reinstatement fees and requirements
To reinstate your license, you must present a valid insurance policy to the court or keep an SR-22 form on file for 3 years. You’ll also need to pay your violation fines and the $40 license reinstatement fee.
You can restore your registration by:
- Providing proof of insurance coverage or an SR-22 form
- Showing you own the vehicle tagged on your ticket
- Showing a valid photo ID
- Paying a fine along with a $100 reinstatement fee
If you cause an accident while uninsured, there's a mandatory suspension of 1 year that you'll need to fulfill before you can begin the reinstatement process.
Reapplying for auto insurance in Utah
The penalties for driving uninsured are often more costly than purchasing auto insurance in the first place. A conviction can lead to you being labeled a high-risk driver, which can hurt your chances of getting an affordable Utah auto insurance policy. If you're having trouble finding coverage, consider applying for a Utah Automobile Insurance Plan (UT AIP) policy through any Utah car insurance agent.