Verified Va. Code §46.2-707 · Checked July 2026 · 2 sources
What a no-insurance ticket costs in Virginia
Citation data · First offense Va. Code §46.2-707
Up to $500 fine + $600 fee
Operating an uninsured vehicle in Virginia is a Class 3 misdemeanor, a fine of up to $500 (Va. Code §18.2-11), and the administrative tail costs more: on conviction the DMV suspends your license, registrations, and plates until you pay a $600 noncompliance fee and file proof of financial responsibility (Va. Code §46.2-707). Since July 1, 2024, the old option of legally driving uninsured by paying an uninsured-motorist fee is gone.
Verified July 2026
By Mario Bailey
What to do now
- 1
Get coverage now
Since July 1, 2024, the old option of legally driving uninsured by paying an uninsured-motorist fee is gone; vehicles registered in Virginia must carry minimum liability insurance.
- 2
Budget past the fine
The Class 3 misdemeanor fine is up to $500 (Va. Code §18.2-11), and the administrative tail usually costs more: a $600 noncompliance fee plus proof of financial responsibility before the DMV reissues your license and plates.
- 3
Plan for the SR-22 filing
You must furnish proof of financial responsibility going forward; the statute allows relief from the requirement once three years have elapsed from the date of the suspension.
Insurance impact: On conviction the DMV suspends your license, registrations, and plates until you pay a $600 noncompliance fee and file proof of financial responsibility (SR-22), with relief from the filing available after three years.
Is driving without insurance a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Yes, a Class 3 misdemeanor with a maximum $500 fine. The $600 noncompliance fee, suspension, and multi-year proof-of-financial-responsibility filing usually cost more than the fine itself.
What happens beyond the fine
On conviction the DMV Commissioner suspends the driver’s license and all registration certificates and plates, and does not reissue them until the $600 noncompliance fee is paid and proof of financial responsibility is furnished (Va. Code §46.2-707).
You must furnish proof of financial responsibility going forward (the SR-22 filing); the statute allows relief from the requirement once three years have elapsed from the date of the suspension.
Frequently asked questions
How much does driving without insurance cost in Virginia?
A Class 3 misdemeanor fine of up to $500, plus a $600 DMV noncompliance fee, suspension of license and plates until you comply, and an SR-22-style proof filing with relief available after three years (Va. Code §46.2-707, §18.2-11).
Can you still pay Virginia’s uninsured motorist fee instead of buying insurance?
No. That option ended July 1, 2024, all vehicles registered in Virginia must now carry minimum liability insurance, and operating uninsured is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
Sources
This summary was checked against the following sources on the date shown above. Fines and fees change, verify before relying on specifics.
- Va. Code §46.2-707, official text (Virginia Law Portal)
- Va. Code §18.2-11, Class 3 misdemeanor punishment (Virginia Law Portal)
Other tickets in Virginia
Expired Registration in Virginia
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General legal information, not legal advice. Statutes and penalty schedules summarized from the sources above as of July 2026.