If you have been charged with a DUI, then you'll likely need to know about SR22 Insurance. Here's what you need to know.
Nearly 23% of US drivers report having driven under the influence of alcohol at least once. Yet, only 10% of all US arrests happen due to DUI or DWI (driving while intoxicated) charges.
Did you recently get a DUI or DWI? Then your state may require you to carry SR22 insurance to earn your driving privileges back.
What is SR22? And which states require it for a driver with a DUI claim? We are answering these two questions and more in this complete guide, so keep reading for all the facts.
What is SR22 Insurance?
SR22 insurance is a form some states require high-risk drivers to carry. The definition of a high-risk driver depends on the state. But one of the most common definitions of a high-risk driver is a driver who has a DUI or DWI.
The "SR" in SR22 may stand for Safety Responsibility, State Requirement, or State Report. Some states refer to SR22 insurance under different names.
You may see SR22 insurance called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, an SR22 bond, or an SR22 form. California refers to it as SR1P, while Virginia and Florida call it FR44.
Despite what it is commonly called, SR22 is not insurance. Instead, it is a form that certifies you have the mandated auto insurance for your driving status.
If you must obtain SR22, you must carry it with you at all times. If you do not carry it with you or if you fail to obtain it, you may lose your driving privileges altogether.
SR22 Insurance Laws by State
The majority of US states require SR22 or a similar form for certain drivers. So, it is easier to say which states do not have these laws. The states that do not require SR22 insurance are:
Iowa
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Minnesota
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
West Virginia
If your state is not listed, that means you may have to get SR22 insurance after a DWI or DUI arrest.
Alabama
People with reckless driving charges, DUIs, or driving without insurance charges need SR22 in Alabama. Typically, the state requires you to uphold SR22 for at least three years.
Alaska
SR22 is a requirement for "high-risk" drivers in Alaska. The state leaves the term "high-risk" up to interpretation, though.
Arizona
Arizona requires SR22 for people with DUIs. You may also have to obtain it for reckless driving, driving without insurance, and multiple traffic ticket charges.
Arkansas
Arkansas requires SR22 for drivers with one or more "serious offenses" on their driving record. One offense comes with a two-year SR22 requirement. Four or more offenses may mean you must hold SR22 insurance for life.
California
In California, you must get SR22 insurance for DUIs, some reckless driving charges, and driving without insurance. As a reminder, SR22 is also known as SR1P in California.
Colorado
SR22 is a requirement for people who have their licenses revoked in Colorado. The driver can get their license back once they obtain an SR22 form.
Connecticut
Connecticut requires the following high-risk drivers to obtain SR22:
People who drive without a license
People with DUI/DWI convictions
People with reckless driving convictions
People who refuse to take a breathalyzer
People who receive multiple traffic violations
In Connecticut, you must also obtain SR22 if you are responsible for an accident that causes injury or death to the other party.
Delaware
In Delaware, you may have to get SR22 if you drive without insurance or receive a DUI. The state also lists a number of other "serious offenses" requiring a Certificate of Financial Responsibility.
Florida
Florida requires SR22 for risky drivers. However, this form falls under a different name: an FR44 form.
Georgia
If you lose your license for a driving offense in Georgia, you must obtain SR22. If you fail to obtain SR22, you can not get your license reinstated.
Hawaii
High-risk drivers in Hawaii need SR22. The state defines high-risk drivers as those with "serious" traffic offenses, including DUIs.
Idaho
Idaho requires people with suspended or revoked licenses to obtain SR22 insurance. The state typically suspends or revokes licenses over DUIs as well as reckless driving, driving without insurance, committing a felony in a car, etc.
Illinois
SR22 is a requirement in Illinois. Courts order drivers with serious offenses (e.g., a DUI charge) to obtain and hold this form.
Indiana
People who get their license suspended must obtain SR22 insurance in Indiana. First- and second-time offenders must hold it for three years. Third-or-more-time offenders must hold it for at least five years.
Kansas
Kansas is home to some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. So, it should be no wonder the state requires SR22 for DUI offenders.
Louisiana
Louisiana requires people with DUIs to get SR22. This form may also be required for people who drive and/or get into accidents without insurance and people who do not pay for damages after a car accident.
Maine
DUIs in Maine will earn you an SR22 requirement. Other charges that require proof of SR22 are driving without insurance, driving without a license, and racking up multiple traffic tickets.
Maryland
SR22 is a requirement for "serious driving offenders" in Maryland. However, the state leaves this definition up to interpretation.
Michigan
Michigan requires "high-risk" drivers to obtain SR22. This state is known for one of the highest-priced SR22 insurance in the nation.
Mississippi
Mississippi requires some drivers to carry SR22. These drivers may have a DUI, reckless driving charge, or a suspended license.
Missouri
People who drive without insurance, get charged with reckless driving or receive a DUI must hold SR22 insurance. Missouri law mandates that requirement.
Montana
Montana requires high-risk drivers to obtain SR22 for at least three years. The definition of "high-risk" depends on the jurisdiction.
Nebraska
High-risk drivers who have their licenses suspended or revoked must get SR22 in Nebraska. High-risk drivers are those with DUIs, driving without license charges, driving without insurance charges, and other court convictions.
Nevada
Nevada laws only state that SR22 insurance is required after a "serious offense." The definition of a serious offense will depend on the court, but most courts include DUIs under this definition.
New Hampshire
People who have lost their licenses due to reckless driving, driving without insurance, or a DUI must hold SR22 forms. If you do not hold one after having your license revoked, you will not get your license back in New Hampshire.
New Jersey
New Jersey uses a driver's point system. If you obtain six or more points, you must hold SR22.
People with DUIs, people who have charges for driving without insurance, and people who have refused a breathalyzer also must have SR22.
North Dakota
High-risk drivers must obtain SR22 in North Dakota. The definition of high-risk will vary by judge and court.
Ohio
In Ohio, SR22 is a requirement for all high-risk drivers. High-risk drivers include those with DUIs, DWIs, suspended or revoked licenses, and more.
Oregon
Drivers must get SR22 after a significant driving offense in Oregon. The state's definition of "significant" varies, but DUIs almost always fall under this definition.
Rhode Island
People with DUIs must get SR22 in Rhode Island. However, it is also common for people with other significant traffic offenses (e.g., reckless driving) to receive an SR22 mandate.
South Carolina
South Carolina requires drivers with revoked licenses to receive SR22 before getting their driving privileges back. If you do not obtain SR22, you can not legally drive in the state.
South Dakota
Drivers with "serious traffic violations" in South Dakota must get SR22. The state typically requires drivers to carry the form for at least three years or more, depending on the offense.
Tennessee
DUIs, reckless driving charges, and driving without insurance charges can earn drivers SR22 requirements in Tennessee. Other major traffic violations may also apply.
Texas
Texas also has laws requiring SR22 insurance for high-risk drivers. However, the state leaves this definition up to legal interpretation.
Utah
Utah requires SR22 forms for people with DUIs and DWIs. You must obtain this form to get your license reinstated.
Vermont
DUIs are the lowest-level offenses that require SR22 in Vermont. Hit and runs and grand theft auto charges are more significant violations that also mandate SR22.
Virginia
Like Florida, Virginia requires people with DUIs to obtain FR44. FR44 is the state's version of SR22.
Washington
SR22 is a requirement in Washington. You must carry this form if you have a DUI on your record.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires SR22 for three to five years for first- and second-time DUI offenders. Subsequent offenses will require drivers to carry SR22 for double the amount of time as their previous offense.
Wyoming
Last but not least, Wyoming requires SR22 forms for people with "serious traffic offenses" like DUIs. Like other states, Wyoming leaves this definition to a judge's interpretation.
Do You Need SR22?
Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas are only a few of the states that require SR22 insurance after a DUI. You must carry an SR22 form certifying the proper policy to get your driving privileges reinstated.
Are you searching for cheap SR22 insurance in your state? We aren't called SR22 Savings for no reason. Browse our affordable SR22 insurance options now to get the cheapest insurance on the market!
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