Certain laws are federal, as in every U.S. state must abide by them, while others are left up to the state’s discretion. Whether or not to require auto insurance is decided on a state-by-state basis. If you are a driver in Georgia, it is imperative that you understand whether driving without insurance is considered a crime, as well as the potential penalties associated with a conviction. If you have questions or concerns about auto insurance, reach out to a skilled Cobb County criminal lawyer to schedule your free consultation today.
Is Driving Without Insurance a Crime in GA?
Yes, driving a motor vehicle without having auto insurance is a crime in Georgia. The Official Code of Georgia Annoted 33-34-4 states that “No owner of a motor vehicle required to be registered in this state or any other person, other than a self-insurer as defined in this chapter, shall operate or authorize any other person to operate the motor vehicle unless the owner has motor vehicle liability insurance equivalent to that required as evidence of security for bodily injury and property damage liability under Chapter 9 of Title 40, the ‘Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act.’”
Any time you or another individual is operating a motor vehicle that you own, the driver must have evidence of auto insurance present, whether it is in paper or electronic form.
What is the Mandatory Minimum Auto Insurance in GA?
Each state has its own unique laws regarding auto insurance and the required minimum amounts of coverage that drivers must have. Georgia state law requires all drivers to possess liability and property damage insurance in at least the following amounts.
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
As the policyholder, you can pay for higher amounts of coverage or opt into additional policies like physical damage insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, PIP (personal injury protection), and more. However, these are not necessary. Only the mandatory minimums for bodily injury and property damage liability are required.
If you are caught driving with a lapsed policy or without first procuring the necessary auto insurance, you can face significant legal consequences.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance?
Because possessing auto insurance is a state requirement, if you are caught without coverage, you can face a variety of legal penalties. Whether you have let your policy lapse without renewing or you never were insured in the first place, a first-offense criminal conviction for driving without insurance can result in the following.
- Misdemeanor charges
- Fines of $200 to $1,000
- Imprisonment for up to 12 months
The penalties for driving without insurance can be severe, so it is important that you stay on top of your auto policy. If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact a skilled attorney at Williamson Legal, P.C.
