Is It Illegal to Drive Without Car Insurance in Arizona in 2024?
Yes, it’s illegal to drive without car insurance in Arizona. The state mandates liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Violations lead to fines between $500 and $1,000, suspension of driving privileges and vehicle registration, and potentially requiring an SR-22 certificate for up to three years. These penalties increase with repeated offenses.
Every motor vehicle driver in Arizona is legally required to carry car insurance. Driving without insurance is a moving violation. While you will not face criminal charges for this offense in Arizona, you could be fined up to $1,000 and be required to pay for more expensive insurance in the future, known as SR-22 certificate insurance.
What Are Arizona’s Insurance Requirements?
All 50 states require motor vehicle drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility, typically in the form of automobile insurance. Car insurance guarantees that a driver can afford to pay for the damage inflicted in a car accident, including a victim’s bodily injuries and property damage. The required amounts of insurance differ from state to state. The mandatory types of insurance in Arizona are:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per accident (for two or more people)
- $15,000 in property damage liability insurance
Other types of insurance are also available, although they are not mandatory, such as collision and comprehensive insurance. All drivers are required to purchase the minimum amounts of insurance within 30 days of initially registering a vehicle. It is against the law to operate a motor vehicle without adequate automobile insurance in Arizona.
Get In Touch With Us
start your free consultation
Proof of Insurance Requirement
Showing proof of insurance is also a requirement for drivers in Arizona. If a driver cannot show proof of insurance during a traffic stop, such as an insurance card or digital copy, he or she could receive a ticket. If the driver can bring proof of insurance to the courts later, he or she may be able to get the citation dismissed. There could be other fines or penalties that must be paid, however. For more information, read here.
Get In Touch With Us
What Are the Penalties for Not Having Car Insurance in Arizona?
The penalties for driving without insurance are a $500 fine, driver’s license and vehicle registration suspension for three months, and a possible SR-22 insurance certificate for three years for a first offense. These penalties are increased to a $750 fine for a second offense and a $1,000 fine for a third or subsequent offense, as well as driver’s license and vehicle registration suspension for up to one year.
Driver’s license suspension takes away an individual’s driving privileges for a period of time. Driving on a suspended license can come with additional penalties, such as enhanced fines and vehicle impoundment. A suspended vehicle registration means that the driver cannot operate the vehicle until the suspension ends. Finally, SR-22 is a more expensive type of car insurance that a driver may be required to purchase for a few years after being caught driving without insurance.
Driving without insurance is not a criminal offense in Arizona. A driver will not get arrested for being unable to show proof of insurance, for instance. It is not an offense that will come with criminal consequences, such as jail time or a permanent criminal record. Instead, it is a moving violation that comes with administrative penalties only. However, the best way to keep yourself out of trouble is by making sure you are always covered by car insurance as a driver in Arizona.
How to Respond to a Ticket for Driving Without Insurance
If you get issued a citation for driving without insurance in Arizona, the state may reduce or waive your penalties in certain situations. If you can provide proof that you have not been convicted of driving without insurance in the past three years, for example, the penalties may be waived. Proof that you have purchased car insurance that meets Arizona’s legal requirements could also lead to a reduced penalty.
If your license or registration has been suspended, you will need to pay a fee to get it back. If you need to drive for your occupation, religion or education, you can file a request for a restricted license during your suspension period. You can clear a license or registration suspension by showing proof of insurance and paying the reinstatement fee. For further assistance with this type of offense in Arizona, consult with a criminal defense lawyer.
John Allen Phebus – Experienced Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Attorney
John Phebus is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury and criminal defense law. With a focus on DUI defense, vehicular crimes, and serious injury cases, John has been fiercely advocating for his clients, ensuring they receive the representation and compensation they deserve. His expertise and dedication have led to numerous successful outcomes. If you’re seeking a knowledgeable and passionate attorney who will fight for your rights, John Phebus is here to help.
Years of experience: +30 years
Linkedin Profile: John Allen Phebus
Client Reviews
What our clients are saying about us
Daniel Hall
The Law Offices of John Phebus, and in particular my Lawyer Roland Rillos are a Very trustworthy and capable law firm. It’s never pleasant to need a lawyer – but I would highly recommend Roland. He was informative every step of the way, always available, and very upfront about costs. Their payment options made it very affordable. If you need legal help I highly recommend them
GBP Review: Daniel Hall
Criminal Defense Attorneys Near Me
- Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyer
- NW Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney
- Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney
- Scottsdale Criminal Defense Attorney
- Surprise Criminal Defense Attorney
- Sun City Criminal Defense Attorney
- Wickenburg Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Buckeye Criminal Defense Lawyer
Resources for Criminal Defense Victims and Arizona Laws
- How Social Media Can Affect Your Criminal Defense Case
- Stages in a Criminal Defense Case
- 5 Tips on Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer For Your Case
- What to Expect in an Arizona Criminal Court
- Criminal vs. Civil Speeding Tickets in Arizona
- What Do Defense Lawyers Do?
- How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Arizona?
- Understanding the Different Types of Robbery
- Is it Illegal to Not Have Car Insurance in Arizona?
- Do the Police Have to Respect No Trespassing Signs?