Driving without valid insurance or failing to provide proof of insurance in South Carolina can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.
Whether you were unable to show proof at a traffic stop or were caught driving without an active policy, you may face fines, license suspension, and even vehicle impoundment. Before you accept the penalties, consult an experienced traffic attorney to explore your legal options. At Chambers Law, we help drivers fight no insurance violations and work to restore their driving privileges.
Call 843-449-0420 today for a free consultation.
Understanding No Proof of Insurance vs. No Insurance
South Carolina law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover potential damages in the event of an accident. However, there is a difference between being charged with “no proof of insurance” and “no insurance.”
- No Proof of Insurance: You have an active auto insurance policy but were unable to provide proof when stopped by law enforcement.
- No Insurance: You do not have a valid auto insurance policy and were caught driving uninsured.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in South Carolina
If you are convicted of driving without insurance, you may face severe penalties, including:
- A fine of $550 for failure to have insurance
- An additional $5 per day for every day uninsured
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration suspension
- SR-22 insurance requirement for three years
- Possible vehicle impoundment
How the South Carolina Point System Works
South Carolina assigns penalty points for traffic violations. Reckless driving is a six-point offense, meaning:
- Six points – One reckless driving conviction can put you halfway to license suspension
- 12 or more points – Automatic driver’s license suspension
Points are reduced by half after one year, but accumulating new points can quickly lead to another suspension.
Penalties for No Proof of Insurance
If you have insurance but fail to provide proof when stopped, you may still be ticketed. However, if you provide valid proof of coverage by the court date, the charge may be dismissed.
- Fine of up to $100
- Possible points added to your driving record
- Potential increase in insurance premiums
How to Fight a No Proof of Insurance or No Insurance Charge
Many drivers assume they must accept the penalties, but there are legal defenses that may help reduce or dismiss the charges. Possible defenses include:
- Proof of Coverage: If you had insurance at the time of the stop but couldn’t provide proof, showing valid coverage may resolve the charge.
- Administrative Errors: If your policy was canceled due to a clerical error or delayed payment, you may have grounds for dismissal.
- Unlawful Traffic Stop: If law enforcement had no valid reason to pull you over, the charge may be thrown out.
How to Reinstate Your License and Registration
If your license or vehicle registration has been suspended due to a no insurance violation, you must complete the following steps:
- Obtain valid auto insurance and request an SR-22 form
- Pay all outstanding fines and reinstatement fees
- Submit proof of coverage to the South Carolina DMV
- Complete any required suspension periods
We can guide you through this process to help you get back on the road legally.
How Chambers Law Can Help
At Chambers Law, we aggressively fight no insurance and no proof of insurance charges to protect your driving record. Our firm:
- Reviews the circumstances of your stop for legal defenses
- Works to get charges reduced or dismissed
- Negotiates with prosecutors to minimize penalties
- Helps clients reinstate their licenses and vehicle registrations
