What Are the Penalties for Driving without Insurance in New York?
Last Updated on January 22, 2026
Driving without auto insurance in New York can trigger court penalties and DMV actions—even if the vehicle is “just parked” but still registered. New York law requires New York State-issued auto liability coverage to keep a registration active, and operating without the required financial security is addressed under NY Vehicle & Traffic Law § 319.
This guide breaks down the most common New York consequences: what happens if you’re pulled over without insurance, what an insurance lapse can cost, and why uninsured crashes can lead to the toughest penalties.
At a Glance
- Court Penalties: Driving without required insurance is typically a traffic infraction with fines from $150 to $1,500 and possible jail time up to 15 days.
- DMV Consequences: Insurance problems can trigger registration and license suspensions, and an uninsured crash can lead to at least a one-year revocation.
- Lapse Fees Add Up: Lapses up to 90 days may qualify for civil penalty pricing of $8–$12 per day, which can total $900 for a 90-day lapse.
- Best Prevention: Avoid gaps by renewing on time, keeping proof handy (paper or electronic), and surrendering plates before coverage ends if you won’t replace it immediately.
- New York Minimum Auto Liability Limits
- Proof of Insurance and Electronic Reporting
- Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in New York
- Penalties for Letting Insurance Lapse in NY
- Penalties for an Uninsured Accident in NY
- How to Reinstate After a Lapse or Suspension
- Summary of Common No-Insurance Scenarios in New York
- How to Avoid Driving Uninsured Penalties
- FAQs on Driving Without Insurance in New York
New York Minimum Auto Liability Limits
To register a vehicle in New York, you must carry New York State-issued automobile liability insurance. The NY DMV lists the minimum liability coverage for most vehicles as follows (often discussed as “bare-minimum coverage”).
| Coverage | NY Minimum Limit (Most Vehicles) | What It Helps Pay For |
|---|---|---|
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 per crash | Damage you cause to someone else’s property (vehicle, fence, building, etc.). See property damage coverage in NY. |
| Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000 bodily injury and $50,000 death per person | Injuries you cause to others. See bodily injury liability in NY. |
| Bodily Injury Liability (Multiple People) | $50,000 bodily injury and $100,000 death per crash | Injuries to two or more people in one accident (subject to policy terms). |
For a broader overview of New York insurance rules and requirements, see New York vehicle insurance laws and requirements. Note: insurers and agencies often shorthand the liability minimums as “25/50/10,” but the DMV also describes separate minimums for death benefits within bodily injury liability.
Proof of Insurance and Electronic Reporting
New York expects drivers to be able to produce proof of insurance when requested. Insurers can provide an insurance ID card in paper or electronic form, and state rules also rely on insurers reporting coverage to the DMV electronically. If you need help understanding what counts as valid proof, read our guide to the proof of insurance card.
Quick tip: Keep a current insurance ID card available in your car (paper) and on your phone (electronic). “I’m insured” is not the same as being able to verify coverage during a stop or after a crash.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in New York
If you drive (or let someone else drive) a vehicle without the required insurance, you can face court fines, possible jail time, impoundment, and DMV penalties. Under NY VTL § 319, operating without the required financial security is generally a traffic infraction punishable by a fine from $150 to $1,500, up to 15 days in jail, or both.
In addition, the DMV can take action against your registration and driving privileges. If you’re already dealing with a licensing issue, this guide to New York penalties for driving without a license explains how suspensions and revocations typically work.
Important: presenting proof of insurance that you know is not valid can be treated more seriously under NY law. If you’re stopped, be accurate and provide only valid, current documentation.
Penalties for Letting Insurance Lapse in NY
An insurance lapse means there is no liability insurance coverage on a New York-registered vehicle for a period of time. Lapses commonly happen when a policy cancels for nonpayment, a renewal is missed, or coverage ends before a replacement policy starts. For a deeper dive, see what happens if your auto insurance lapses.
In New York, you typically must keep liability coverage active for as long as your vehicle is registered—even if you’re not driving it. If you’re storing a vehicle and considering canceling insurance, read do you need insurance in NY if you aren’t driving? first. (Motorcycles have separate rules.)
Daily Civil Penalty Fees for a Lapse
| Length of Lapse | Daily Rate | Max for That Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1–30 days | $8 per day | $240 |
| 31–60 days | $10 per day | $300 |
| 61–90 days | $12 per day | $360 |
| Total for a 90-Day Lapse | — | $900 |
If your lapse is 90 days or less, you may be eligible to pay a DMV civil penalty instead of surrendering your plates—depending on your history and DMV eligibility rules. See the DMV’s instructions for paying an insurance lapse civil penalty. If the lapse is more than 90 days (or you’re not eligible for the civil penalty option), you generally must surrender plates and serve the registration suspension period.
Also note: when a registration suspension becomes longer than 90 days, the DMV can also suspend your driver license, and a license suspension termination fee may apply. Keeping your renewal dates organized matters—here’s a step-by-step refresher on how to renew an auto insurance policy.
Quick tip: If you plan to cancel NY insurance and won’t replace it immediately, surrender your plates first. A short gap between policies can trigger a lapse and a suspension order.
Penalties for an Uninsured Accident in NY
An uninsured crash is where New York penalties can escalate quickly. If the DMV receives information that you were involved in a traffic crash while driving a vehicle without liability coverage, the DMV can revoke your driver license and vehicle registration for at least one year. You may also need to pay a DMV $750 civil penalty to restore driving privileges after a revocation (in addition to any court fines).
Beyond DMV and court penalties, you can also be financially responsible for injuries and damage from the crash. If you’re facing this scenario, start with our explainer on an accident without insurance in New York and consider legal advice for your specific facts.
How to Reinstate After a Lapse or Suspension
Every case is different, but reinstatement usually involves some combination of restoring valid coverage, providing proof to DMV, and paying required fees or serving suspension time. The DMV explains how to provide proof of insurance coverage after a suspension order.
- Confirm your status: Review any DMV insurance letter or suspension order carefully and note deadlines.
- Restore NYS-issued coverage: Make sure the insurer is authorized in New York and that the policy name matches the registration exactly.
- Have your insurer report electronically: New York relies on electronic reporting; make sure coverage is properly filed.
- Provide proof and pay what’s required: Depending on eligibility, you may pay a civil penalty, pay termination fees, and/or surrender plates and wait out a suspension period.
- Do not drive until cleared: Driving during a suspension/revocation can create new violations and higher costs.
Summary of Common No-Insurance Scenarios in New York
| Situation | Possible Costs | Possible DMV and Law Enforcement Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Stopped While Driving Uninsured | Court fine $150–$1,500; possible surcharges; possible jail up to 15 days | Ticket/arrest possible; vehicle may be impounded; registration and license actions may follow depending on facts and DMV record |
| Uninsured Crash | Court fine up to $1,500; DMV civil penalty $750 may apply to restore after revocation; full out-of-pocket liability for damages/injuries can apply | DMV can revoke license and registration for at least 1 year; additional requirements to regain privileges may apply |
| Insurance Lapse (1–90 Days) | DMV civil penalty generally $8–$12/day (up to $900 for 90 days), if eligible | Registration suspension risk; you may have the option to pay the civil penalty instead of surrendering plates (eligibility rules apply) |
| Insurance Lapse (Over 90 Days) | Costs vary; civil penalty option generally not available | Plates/registration surrender and serving the suspension period are typically required; driver license suspension may also apply depending on suspension length |
| No Proof of Insurance Available During a Stop | Ticket risk and added delays | Failure to produce an insurance ID card can be used as evidence of no coverage; if you were insured, you may need to prove it promptly to avoid compounding issues |
How to Avoid Driving Uninsured Penalties
- Set renewal reminders: Put renewal dates on your calendar and confirm payment methods before due dates.
- Watch cancellations closely: If you receive a cancellation or nonrenewal notice, replace coverage or surrender plates before the end date.
- Keep your DMV address updated: Missing a DMV insurance letter because of an old address can make a simple fix more expensive.
- Compare coverage before you switch: If you’re changing carriers, make sure the new policy starts before the old one ends to avoid a gap.
If you’re shopping for a policy that meets New York requirements, use this guide to compare cheaper auto insurance companies in New York and focus on matching limits, effective dates, and deductibles so you can avoid coverage gaps.
Disclosure: This article is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Insurance and DMV rules can change, and outcomes depend on the facts of your case (including prior violations, lapse length, and court/DMV findings).