What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Illinois?

 Posted on December 05, 2019 in Traffic Violation

Obtaining a driver’s license is a rite of passage. However, there is an additional requirement before a motorist can get behind the wheel. The state of Illinois requires all vehicles to be insured before they are driven on public roadways. Insurance is an important tool that helps protect drivers from having to pay a lot of money for damages if they are involved in a car accident. Some people are turned off by the idea of paying for car insurance, because it can be expensive. However, not having mandatory coverage in Illinois can result in a traffic violation and more costly penalties.

What Is Mandatory Insurance in Illinois?

Insurance policies can be customized for each driver’s needs, but the state of Illinois does require a minimum amount of vehicle liability to be included with each policy:

• $25,000 to cover injury or death to one person after an auto accident

• $50,000 to cover injury or death to more than one person after a car crash

• $20,000 to cover property damage to the victim of a car collision

Policies can also protect a motorist’s vehicle if it has been stolen or damaged in any way. While some auto insurance policies can be expensive, if drivers remain safe on the road, the prices tend to stay low. With every collision or traffic violation, insurance prices can increase.

How Does Illinois Check for Insurance Policies?

Illinois regularly checks drivers for current insurance policies by means of a random questionnaire. All Illinois licensed vehicles are pooled together, and then several are selected at random for review. The owners of the vehicles chosen will be mailed a questionnaire that must be completed with the current insurance information and mailed back to the Secretary of State. The information will be corroborated by the insurance company, and then the driver is in the clear. If the questionnaire is not returned, or if the information is not correct, the driver may have their license plates suspended.

The more common regulation of car insurance happens during traffic stops. After pulling over a vehicle, an officer will ask the driver for his or her license, registration, and proof of insurance. If the driver cannot provide the information, the officer can issue a citation that may include:

• Suspension of license plates

• $500 fine for driving without insurance

• $1,000 fine for driving a vehicle with suspended license plates after a prior insurance violation

First-time offenders are free to reinstate their license plates after paying a mandatory $100 fine and providing proof of current car insurance. Repeat offenders will have their license plates suspended for four months before they can pay their $100 fine and provide proof of insurance. During the suspension period, no one is permitted to drive the uninsured vehicle; however, the driver may operate another vehicle as long as it is insured.

Contact a Joliet, IL Traffic Violations Attorney

Whether you are a new or seasoned driver, you may accidentally drive without proof of insurance on you or in your car. In the event you or a loved one is pulled over for a traffic stop and cannot provide the necessary paperwork, this can lead to fines and loss of driving privileges. The lawyers of the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C. can help make sure you do not face any unnecessary punishments, allowing you to maintain a clean driving record. To schedule a free consultation with a Will County traffic ticket defense lawyer, call our office today at 815-666-1285.

Source:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/vehicles/mandatory_insurance.html