What Is the Penalty in Missouri for Driving With No Car Insurance?

If you are pulled over, police will ask for proof of insurance.

It is illegal to drive a car, truck or motorcycle in Missouri without automobile liability insurance. Drivers must be able to show proof of insurance to police officers who ask to see it. A driver who cannot produce proof of insurance will be ticketed. Conviction of failing to show proof of insurance can result in one of three different punishments.

Outcomes If Convicted

The court will decide your punishment.

If you are convicted of failing to show proof of insurance, you may be issued an order of supervision, have points assessed on your license or have your license suspended.

If an order of supervision is entered, then you must simply prove to the Driver License Bureau that you are now maintaining automobile liability insurance. If the Bureau at any time sees that your insurance has lapsed, it will suspend your license.

If the court decides to assess points on your license, you will typically receive four points. If you accumulate eight or more points within an 18 month period, you will lose your driving privilege in Missouri.

If the court decides to suspend your driver's license, you will lose the privilege of driving for a certain length of time.

Suspension Lengths and Reinstatement Requirements

If this is your first suspension, then your license can be reinstated as soon as you pay a $20 reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance. This may seem light, but the suspension stays on your record and will affect future insurance rates.

If this the your second suspension in two years, then you can have your license reinstated after 90 days if you pay a $200 reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance.

For your third and any subsequent suspensions, your license can be reinstated after one year if you pay $400 and provide proof of insurance.

Proof of insurance must be maintained and filed with the Department of Revenue for three years. If you fail to maintain proof of insurance at any time, you will have your license suspended for the rest of the three-year period unless you refile proof and pay $20.

Accident While Uninsured

Without insurance, car accidents can be expensive.

If you have an accident while you are uninsured, you will automatically have your license suspended.

If this is your first suspension, your license can be reinstated as soon as you pay a $20 reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance.

If this the your second suspension in two years, you can have your license reinstated after 90 days if you pay a $200 reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance.

For your third and any subsequent suspensions, your license can be reinstated after one year if you pay $400 and provide proof of insurance.

The sentences may be the same as if you were simply pulled over without insurance, but you are also on the hook for the full amount of damages you caused.

Failure to Pay for Damages

If you are found to be at fault for the accident, and you cannot or do not pay for the damages, your license will be suspended for a 10-year period. If at any time during this period you pay for the damages, pay the court a $20 reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance, you can get your license back. Missouri requires the court to approve and supervise installment plans intended to pay for the accident.

Request for Hearing

If you feel that you have been treated unfairly or that there are further complications or details to your case that have not been addressed, you are permitted to request a hearing. The suspension of your license will be put on hold until a final order is issued, which must be within 90 days from the receipt of the request. Detail your request and mail it to:

Administrative Hearing Section

301 West High Street, Room 470

P.O. Box 3500

Jefferson City, MO 65105-3500

References

• Missouri Department of Revenue: Insurance Information
• Missouri Department of Revenue: Frequently Asked Questions--Mandatory Insurance
• Missouri Revised Statutes: Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law