Charged with Driving Without Valid Auto Insurance? Get a Free Consultation

It is illegal in Illinois to drive a motor vehicle without minimum liability insurance coverage. When facing a driving without valid auto insurance charge, know that Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/7-601(a) states:

No person shall operate, register or maintain registration of, and no owner shall permit another person to operate, register or maintain registration of, a motor vehicle designed to be used on a public highway unless the motor vehicle is covered by a liability insurance policy.

The insurance policy shall be issued in amounts no less than the minimum amounts set for bodily injury or death and for the destruction of property under Section 7-203 of this Code, and shall be issued in accordance with the requirements of Sections 143a and 143a-2 of the Illinois Insurance Code, as amended. No insurer other than an insurer authorized to do business in this State shall issue a policy pursuant to this Section for any vehicle subject to registration under this Code. Nothing herein shall deprive an Insurer of any policy defense available at common law.

All drivers should carry their current insurance card in their vehicle at all times, as not having up-to-date proof of insurance, even if you are currently covered, can result in a ticket. That violation can be cleared up by demonstrating proof of valid auto insurance in court.

The penalty for this charge is considered a petty offense, which means a maximum fine of $1,000 and no jail. If you are convicted for driving without valid auto insurance, your license also can be suspended by the Illinois Secretary of State. Though jail time is not an option, facing this charge without a lawyer can hurt you financially. The Secretary’s office may even require you to purchase high-risk SR-22 insurance, which can more than double your insurance premiums.

When facing a driving without valid auto insurance charge in Rockford, Machesney Park, Loves Park, Winnebago County or in surrounding Illinois communities, it’s important to have a skilled attorney at your side. To obtain quality legal representation, and to get back on the road faster, contact the Law Office of Paul M. Marriett for a free consultation to see what options are available to you at (815) 391-0089. You can also contact us using the form on the page, or email us directly by clicking here.