If you plan on driving a car in North Carolina, you need an active auto insurance policy. If you do not have the minimum amount of liability coverage required by law, you could end up facing steep penalties if you are pulled over and ticketed.
Driving without insurance in Winston-Salem is a serious issue, but our team at McMinn, Fradin, Gray & Logan may be able to help. With the support of a dedicated traffic defense attorney, you could fight these charges or potentially work out a plea that keeps your record clean. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
North Carolina law requires all registered vehicles to carry continuous liability insurance from a company licensed to do business in the state. Minimum required coverage includes:
Drivers must also carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage as part of their policy.
Insurance companies regularly report coverage information to the DMV. If a policy lapses or expires without replacement coverage, the DMV may send a notice requesting proof of insurance. Ignoring this notice is never a good idea, and could result in being charged for driving without insurance, making working with a Winston-Salem attorney essential.
You can face a host of consequences if you are convicted in Winston-Salem of driving without car insurance. In addition to the potential for fines, you could also have a mark on your criminal record.
The penalties associated with this offense vary depending on your history. If you have previously been convicted of driving without insurance, the penalties become steeper.
A first offense for a lapse in insurance coverage usually results in civil penalties, fees, interest, and a requirement that you provide proof of new insurance coverage. You must also typically pay the penalties and show proof of valid insurance before the registration can be restored.
A second lapse in coverage carries more severe penalties. The DMV may impose:
While driving without insurance is a common mistake, most people rectify the issue after their first ticket. Having a prior conviction on your record will only lead to harsher penalties if you are convicted a second time.
A third offense can create major problems for a driver’s finances and driving privileges. In addition to steeper penalties and longer suspensions, you may find it difficult to obtain affordable car insurance due to your record.
Of course, a lack of insurance coverage also carries significant risks if you are in an accident. Without a policy protecting you, the cost of the other driver’s medical bills or vehicle repairs could become your personal responsibility.
Many uninsured driving cases involve more than a driver intentionally ignoring the law. Sometimes there are mistakes on the insurance company’s end, while in other cases, the police might make an error in writing the ticket in the first place.
Your Winston-Salem attorney can investigate what caused the lapse and determine whether the DMV or prosecution has sufficient evidence to support your driving without insurance case. It may be possible for your legal counsel to negotiate with the prosecution to have the charges dropped, especially if you can show you now have adequate coverage. Should the case ever go to trial, your lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
Driving without insurance in Winston-Salem is a serious issue that you cannot ignore. If you have been ticketed, you must seek out legal counsel right away. Contact our team at McMinn, Fradin, Gray & Logan today for a confidential consultation to discuss your options.
