Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in North Carolina

Compared with other state laws governing driving without insurance, North Carolina’s penalties are relatively minor. At worst, if you’re convicted of driving without insurance for the third time within three years — a Class 3 misdemeanor — you’ll have to pay a $150 fee. Not responding to the state’s notice within 10 days will lead to a license plate revocation. Plus, you’ll pay a $50 fine to restore your license plate once you prove you have the state’s minimum coverage.

The state will know whether you’re covered, because insurance companies are required to submit certificates of insurance (Form FS-1) to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles either electronically or via fax. Additionally, you’ll need to carry proof of auto insurance with you, either in the form of a physical ID card or a digital one accessible through your insurer’s website or mobile app.¹

To dispute your misdemeanor fine after you’ve been found guilty in district court of driving without insurance, you can appeal to the Superior Court for a jury trial within 10 days of your conviction by using a motion for appropriate relief.² The court will appoint you an attorney if you don’t hire a private lawyer, but you’ll have to file the motion yourself. If you are still found guilty or the case is thrown out of the Superior Court, you can appeal to the Court of Appeals.

Here are some potential reasons you can file a motion for appropriate relief, according to North Carolina Statutes § 15A-1415:

• You did not violate criminal law.
• The conviction violated the U.S. or North Carolina Constitution.
• The law has changed, and retroactive application of the new law is required.

Getting insurance after a lapse means comparing quotes from multiple providers and finding a company that will accept you as a lapsed customer and offer you rates you can afford. Call AutoInsurance.com to shop the market with just one quick conversation.

Unlike many states, North Carolina doesn’t require SR-22s, forms that prove you have the minimum amount of insurance the state requires after a license or registration reinstatement. That’s a good thing, as filing SR-22s can be costly.

To avoid the entire legal process, always carry at least the minimum car insurance North Carolina requires.

• Bodily injury liability coverage: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident
• Property damage liability coverage: $25,000 per accident
• Uninsured/underinsured bodily injury liability coverage: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident
• Uninsured/underinsured property damage liability coverage: $25,000 per accident³

Car insurance is more expensive for high-risk drivers in every state — and you’ll be considered a high-risk driver if you have a lapse in insurance. High-risk drivers also include everyone from people with bad driving records to those with very little driving experience in the U.S., like people living in the U.S. without legal permission, or teen drivers.

If you’re having trouble finding cheap auto insurance in North Carolina as a high-risk driver, companies will place you in a high-risk reinsurance facility, guaranteeing coverage.

Driving without insurance? You won’t be able to register your car, as registering a vehicle in North Carolina requires proof of insurance. Here’s a list of the documents you’ll need when you register your vehicle at your local DMV.

• Vehicle title 
• MVR-1 Title Application: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/downloads/Documents/MVR-1.pdf
• MVR-180 Odometer Disclosure (if your vehicle is less than 10 years old): https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/downloads/Documents/MVR-180.pdf
• North Carolina driver’s license or valid out-of-state driver’s license: If you have an out-of-state license, you will need a temporary North Carolina driver’s license via https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/Pages/issue.aspx.
• Proof of liability insurance coverage from a North Carolina insurer

Driving without car insurance in North Carolina isn’t worth it. Not only will you face a potential license suspension and fees, but if you are involved in an accident you caused, you’ll be responsible out of pocket for all of the property damages and medical bills of everyone involved.

And due to the state’s contributory negligence laws, if you’re at fault at all in an accident, even just 1 percent, you won’t be able to receive compensation in a civil suit. Paying for insurance now could save you thousands down the line.