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A driving without insurance ticket in South Carolina is a costly mistake. Consequences, if a vehicle owner is caught by a law enforcement officer, include fines, confiscation of vehicle registration, and potential jail time.
Civil penalties can reach up to $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. For the first automobile insurance offense, the fine is typically $550 and can be paid at the magistrate or circuit court office or online through SCDMV.
Subsequent offenses for failure to provide proof of coverage can result in higher fines and possible jail time. Providing proof of insurance may lead the court to reduce or dismiss charges.
Multiple offenses for not having a valid insurance policy when stopped by a police officer can lead to a license suspension ranging from three months up to two years.
Contact Touma Law Group traffic attorneys for assistance with driving without an insurance ticket in South Carolina.
Overview of Driving Without Insurance Ticket in South Carolina
Driving without insurance in South Carolina is illegal and can result in serious penalties. A driver who fails to have the required minimum amount of car insurance requirements of $50,000 for a bodily injury per accident and $25,000 in bodily injury per person or proof of financial responsibility can be found guilty of a misdemeanor offense and receive a driving without insurance ticket.
The penalty for this risk driver offense can include fines, suspension of license, points on your driving record, suspension of your driving privileges, and even jail time. It's important to understand the potential consequences of driving without insurance due to a lapse in coverage in South Carolina so that you can take steps to avoid them.
If you have received a ticket for driving without insurance, it is best to consult with an experienced traffic attorney who can help you fight the charge and protect your rights.
Penalties for Violating the Law
Drivers have two options: buy insurance or pay a $600 fee. Not buying insurance or paying the fee is a misdemeanor. The fault driver penalties include jail time, fines up to $200, and surrendering registration and license plates.
Additionally, drivers may have to file an SR-22 form and face higher insurance rates. The implications of going a day without insurance are immense, including high medical payments coverage, property damage coverage, and motorist bodily damage medical bills. Uninsured drivers end up paying more in court costs, fines, and unexpected fees. It's better to have the minimum insurance requirements or pay the fee for peace of mind.
Uninsured Motorist Fee
In South Carolina, drivers without valid liability insurance coverage face an uninsured motorist fee. This fee is imposed on drivers who don't have proof of financial responsibility or who are involved in an accident without insurance coverage. To cover medical bills and property damage from accidents caused by uninsured drivers, South Carolina charges a $600 Uninsured Motorist Fee.
This fee must be paid annually before license plates can be renewed. The fee may be waived if the driver can show proof of insurance to the court and prove that their lack of insurance was not intentional or fraudulent. Additionally, the fees will be waived if the driver can demonstrate to the court that they have obtained insurance before the court date.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is a must-have for drivers in South Carolina. This coverage protects against accidents involving uninsured drivers by covering medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
FAQ: How do I get my license back if it was revoked in South Carolina?
South Carolina law requires drivers to have liability and uninsured motorist coverage, with specific minimum coverage amounts. It is essential to know the following damage per accident requirements before driving a vehicle which is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
Subsequent Offenses
Driving without insurance in South Carolina is a serious offense. It can result in steep fines, penalties, and potential jail time. Subsequent offenses carry even harsher consequences, with fines of up $5,000 and/or 30 days in jail.
The court may also require you to file an SR-22 form with the DMV as proof of insurance for three years. Your license may be suspended or revoked, and you may have to attend a driver safety program.
It's best and worth it in the long run, both financially and for peace of mind, to have affordable insurance coverage or pay the average cost yearly fee before driving.
License Plate Reinstatement Fee
If you’ve been cited for driving without insurance in South Carolina, you may be facing a hefty fine and other penalties, including an additional license plate reinstatement fee. This fee is required by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to reinstate your license plates after they’ve been suspended due to a citation for driving without insurance.
The amount of this fee varies depending on the type of violation, but it typically ranges from $50 to $200. In addition, you may also be required to pay a reinstatement auto insurance fee to the DMV or court if your license was suspended due to this offense.
Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Requirements
In South Carolina, it is mandatory to have active minimum insurance coverage from an insurance carrier. This insurance must meet the state's Department of Insurance requirements for proof of liability insurance. The minimum coverage needed from insurance companies under insurance laws includes bodily injury and property damage liability. Bodily injury liability covers medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs from an accident caused by the insured driver.
Property damage liability covers damage to another person's property, like a car or a fence, if the insured driver is at fault. The minimum coverage required is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
Financial Responsibility
Driving without proof of auto insurance in South Carolina is a serious offense. It can lead to expensive consequences like fines, license suspension, and jail time. When convicted, drivers must show they can pay for damages or seek reimbursement. Not demonstrating financial responsibility can result in more penalties like license suspension or revocation.
SR-22 Form Filing Requirement
In South Carolina, if you are cited for driving without insurance, you may be required to file an SR-22 form as proof of financial responsibility. An SR-22 is a certificate of insurance that verifies the driver has liability coverage in the state at least equal to South Carolina's minimum requirements. When filing an SR-22, the driver must provide proof of insurance from their auto insurer or a surety bond. Once the form is filed, it will remain in effect for three years from the date of filing.
Call Our Touma Law Group Traffic Attorneys Today!
If you've been ticketed for driving without insurance in South Carolina, contact the Touma Law Group now! Our lawyers understand the serious consequences and will protect your rights. Penalties for driving without insurance can be severe: big fines, license suspension or revocation, and even jail time. It's crucial to get legal help to protect your rights and achieve the best outcome. Call us today for a free case review and let us fight your ticket!