Georgia law § 40-6-10 states that you must meet state-mandated car insurance requirements; driving without insurance is illegal and may result in fines, license suspension, or jail time. You are legally required to have proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times, physical or electronic. Expect to be penalized if you are pulled over for any reason and fail to show the appropriate documentation.
According to a 2022 Insurance Research Council (IRC) study, 14% of drivers are uninsured nationwide, with Georgia falling closely behind at 12%. As a Georgia driver, you must carry 25/50/25 personal liability insurance, which means your coverage includes $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident. If you do not have this coverage, you’re breaking the law.
Though you may think allowing your insurance to lapse is no big deal, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Driving without insurance in Georgia is taken very seriously. Eventually, the decision to drive without insurance will catch up with you, resulting in consequences. The driving without insurance in Ga first offense punishment may only be a fine, but if it’s a problem you frequently have, you could face jail time.
Understanding the Risks of Driving Without Insurance
If you get caught driving without insurance, you’ll receive more than a slap on the wrist. On top of paying fines, your license and registration may get suspended. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll be arrested and jailed. Aside from the legal requirements we must all meet as drivers, there’s also the moral responsibility to protect those we share the road with.
Car insurance preserves the right to compensation for those involved in accidents, ensuring they have at least some assistance moving forward after an accident. When you drive without insurance, you accept the legal and moral knowledge that you are putting yourself and others at unnecessary risk. Speaking of risks, let’s discuss the dangers of driving without insurance in Ga.
Insurance Risks
Driving without insurance after you’ve allowed it to lapse will affect your rates. The longer you go without reinstating your insurance and depending on the company used, the higher your new premium will be. Different insurers will have varying lapse increases. The General, for example, lists their lapse rates as the following:
- 9% increase is less than 30 days
- 48% increase if between 30–60 days
- Not eligible for reinstatement after 60 days
Your insurance rate may also increase if you’re considered a high-risk driver, meaning you are more likely to miss payments or make claims. If that’s the case, your rate will be higher, and you may be ineligible for additional savings. Your rate might also be higher if you have a record of speeding tickets, car accidents, or DUIs.
State Risks
Once you’ve got coverage, you must maintain it; otherwise, you’ll be subjected to a lapse penalty from the Georgia Division of Motor Vehicles (GDMV) of $25. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the state won’t find out you lapsed your coverage. Insurance companies are legally required to notify the GDMV of any infractions. Once they’ve been notified of your missing active coverage, you only have 30 days to provide them with new proof of insurance. If you do not, your license and vehicle registration will be suspended for 60 to 90 days.
Under Georgia law, the Department of Revenue is required to:
- Financially penalize owner/lessee. $25 for lapse while actively registered or up to $160 (in addition to the $25 fine) if the lapse of coverage fine is paid after 30 days.
- Suspend or revoke registration. Failure to pay the $25 lapse fine in a timely manner will also result in the registration being suspended.
- Refuse to renew/reinstate. This applies to any vehicle for which the fines have not been paid, there is an unresolved lapse of coverage, or the vehicle is not insured.
The consequences of driving without insurance in Georgia extend beyond fines and penalties. If your license is suspended due to a lapse in coverage, you cannot drive for the entire suspension, regardless of when you obtain insurance. Once the suspension ends, you’ll need to pay a license reinstatement fee, ranging from $200 to $410, depending on your violation history and payment method. You may also be required to file an SR-22 form, which can cause your premiums to rise for at least three years.
Legal Risks
Can you get arrested for driving without insurance? In short, yes, you can. However, an arrest will usually only occur in extreme situations. Jail time will not extend past 12 months, and the lengthier suspension sentences are typically reserved for those who have committed the offense before. Generally speaking, you’re looking at a misdemeanor charge that will stay on your permanent record and fines that must be paid in court. Fines can get pricey, ranging from $200 to $1,000. Review some of the Georgian financial penalties for driving without insurance below:
- Fines: $200 on first offense, up to $1,000 on subsequent offenses
- Jail time: Up to one year with 2+ offenses
- License suspension: 60 days minimum on first offense, 90 days minimum on subsequent offenses
- Lapse fee: $25 for all offenses
- Registration reinstatement fee: $60 on first offense, up to $160 on subsequent offenses
Even with all these potential risks, your vehicle may be impounded if you still decide to break the law and drive without insurance in Georgia. You may also face additional consequences if you are convicted of driving with a canceled or suspended vehicle registration or license. So, once again, can you be arrested for driving without insurance? Yes, yes, you can. However, this will likely only happen if you’re a repeat offender.
FAQs
What is a Lapse of Loss of Insurance Coverage?
Insurance coverage lapse occurs when there are 10 days or more between the new insurance’s effective date and the previous policy’s termination date. It also occurs when the policy is terminated, and no new policy is received within 30 days of the termination date.
Can you drive without insurance in Georgia?
No, you cannot legally drive without insurance in Georgia. All drivers and motorcyclists must have liability insurance under Georgia law § 40-6-10. Failing to do so may result in financial penalties, suspensions, or jail time. Once your insurance has lapsed, you have 30 days to provide proof of new insurance or your vehicle registration will be suspended. Note that your insurance rates will be higher the next time you attempt to get coverage.
Can you go to jail for driving without insurance in Georgia?
Yes, you can go to jail for driving without insurance in Georgia. However, this may depend on the amount of previous offenses and violations. More likely than not, only repeat offenders will see jail time (up to 12 months).
What’s the penalty for driving without insurance in Georgia?
The driving without insurance Georgia penalty varies depending on whether it is your first offense. Having no insurance but still choosing to drive is classified as a misdemeanor, which can result in a fine, license suspension, jail time, or a combination of things. First offenders typically have to pay a fine between $200 and $1,000, with the chance of an additional $1,000 for other offenses. They may also see up to one year of jail time if the subsequent offenses are severe.
Will I Get Ticketed for Not Having Insurance in Georgia?
Yes, you will get ticketed for not having insurance in Georgia. The amount you’ll have to pay will depend on whether you have prior convictions for driving without insurance. You will also have to pay insurance lapse and registration reinstatement fees, which range from $25 to $160.
What Happens if I Get into an Accident without Insurance in Georgia?
If you get into an accident without insurance, you’re footing all the expenses out of pocket. You’ll have to pay it alone, from medical bills to property damages and legal fees. If an insured driver hits you but is not covered yourself, you may be able to sue them for damages as Georgia is not a “no pay, no play” state.