For decades, drivers could legally operate a car without insurance in Virginia if they paid the Virginia uninsured motorist fee of $500 per year to the DMV. That option ended on June 30, 2024 with the passage of SB 951. Beginning July 1, 2024, all vehicles registered in the Commonwealth must carry minimum liability insurance, and uninsured driving is no longer permitted under any circumstances.
According to Virginia Code § 46.2-707, every motor vehicle must maintain liability insurance, and drivers who fail to do so face license suspension, reinstatement fees, and SR-22 filing requirements.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our Virginia car accident lawyers help clients understand these changes and what they mean in practice. If you are unsure about compliance or were hit by someone driving without coverage, here we explain your rights, whether penalties apply, and how to recover compensation.
What Is the Penalty in Virginia for Driving Without Insurance?
The penalty for driving without insurance in Virginia now includes direct fines, suspension of your license and registration, and costly reinstatement requirements. Drivers no longer have the option of paying the uninsured motorist fee VA, and instead face immediate legal consequences if caught.
If you drive without liability insurance coverage on your vehicle in Virginia, you face:
- License and registration suspension until valid coverage is filed
- Reinstatement fees starting at $600
- Mandatory SR-22 financial responsibility filing for three years
- Significantly higher insurance premiums once coverage is reinstated
- Civil liability for all damages if you cause a crash
These penalties often add up to several thousand dollars, making uninsured driving far more expensive than simply maintaining proper coverage
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What Happens if You Drive Without Insurance in Virginia?
Driving without insurance is no longer a loophole in Virginia law—it is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement or involved in an accident, the DMV can immediately suspend your license and registration until proof of coverage is provided. Beyond the administrative penalties, uninsured drivers also risk lawsuits for the full cost of medical bills, lost wages, and property damage if they cause an accident.
Courts may authorize wage garnishment, liens, or judgments against personal property if damages exceed available resources. Victims of uninsured drivers often rely on their own uninsured motorist coverage, but these claims can still leave financial gaps if the losses are severe.
Can You Be Arrested in Virginia for Driving Without Insurance?
By itself, driving without insurance in Virginia is not an arrestable offense. It results in civil penalties, suspension, and fees. However, uninsured drivers can face arrest if their conduct also involves reckless driving, insurance fraud, or a crash that causes serious injury or death. Attempting to present false proof of insurance can rise to a felony. This means that while the Virginia driving without insurance fine is civil, the surrounding circumstances can escalate to criminal charges.
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Long-Term Financial Consequences
The financial impact of driving uninsured doesn’t stop with fines and fees. If an uninsured driver causes a collision, victims can pursue damages for:
- Emergency medical care, surgeries, and ongoing treatment
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity if they cannot return to work
- Property damage to vehicles and personal belongings
- Pain and suffering damages recognized by Virginia courts
Because Virginia follows a contributory negligence standard, victims must prove the uninsured driver was entirely at fault. Once proven, uninsured drivers are personally responsible for 100% of the damages. In real cases handled by our firm, these judgments have reached six figures, forcing uninsured drivers into financial ruin. Victims are often left relying on their own uninsured motorist coverage, which may still leave them undercompensated.
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Why Legal Help Matters if You’re in an Uninsured Accident
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we represent those harmed by uninsured drivers. We do not defend drivers who avoided coverage. Instead, our attorneys fight for victims who face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain because of someone else’s negligence. We pursue every possible source of compensation, from uninsured motorist coverage to direct claims against the at-fault driver’s assets. Our experience with Virginia driving a vehicle without insurance cases ensures that we know how to overcome insurer resistance and present strong claims in court when needed.
If you or a loved one was hurt by an uninsured driver, contact Tronfeld West & Durrett today for a free consultation. With more than 50 years of experience handling uninsured motorist cases, our attorneys know how to build strong claims, pursue every available avenue of compensation, and ensure your rights are protected under Virginia law.
FAQs About The Uninsured Motorist Fee in Virginia
What is the uninsured motorist fee in Virginia?
A $500 annual payment to the DMV that allowed drivers to register cars without insurance. This option ended on June 30, 2024. As of July 1, 2024, all drivers must carry liability insurance.
Can you drive without insurance in Virginia?
No. It is illegal to drive without car insurance in Virginia. All registered vehicles must have coverage.
What are the possible penalties if you drive in Virginia without insurance?
License and registration suspension, reinstatement fee of at least $600, SR-22 filing for three years, and increased insurance premiums.
Can you lose your driver’s license for driving without insurance in Virginia?
Yes. The DMV suspends your license and registration until you provide proof of insurance and pay all reinstatement fees.
Can you be arrested in Virginia for driving without insurance?
Not for the violation alone, but you can be arrested if combined with reckless driving, insurance fraud, or a serious crash causing injury or death.
What is the fine for driving without insurance in Virginia?
Reinstatement costs of $600 or more, SR-22 filing for three years, and much higher insurance premiums.
What happens if you drive without insurance in Virginia and cause an accident?
You’re personally responsible for all damages. Victims can sue for medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Courts may garnish wages or place liens on property.
Is driving without insurance in Virginia a felony?
No. It’s a civil violation, but can escalate to criminal charges if combined with reckless conduct or fraud.
What is the penalty for driving a motorcycle without insurance in Virginia?
Same suspension and fee penalties apply, but liability exposure is higher due to the serious injuries common in motorcycle accidents.
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