SR-22 (insurance): Difference between revisions
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A DMV may require an SR-22 from a driver in order to reinstate his or her driving privileges following an uninsured [[car accident]] or conviction of another traffic-related offense, such as a [[Driving under the influence|DUI]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.state.ak.us/dmv/akol/sr22.htm|title=SR-22 Insurance Information|publisher=State of Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles|accessdate=2008-07-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/drivers_license/SR-22_uninsured_crashes/overview_sr22.html|title=Overview of the S & FR Laws|publisher=Illinois [[Secretary of State]]|accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref> |
A DMV may require an SR-22 from a driver in order to reinstate his or her driving privileges following an uninsured [[car accident]] or conviction of another traffic-related offense, such as a [[Driving under the influence|DUI]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.state.ak.us/dmv/akol/sr22.htm|title=SR-22 Insurance Information|publisher=State of Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles|accessdate=2008-07-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/drivers_license/SR-22_uninsured_crashes/overview_sr22.html|title=Overview of the S & FR Laws|publisher=Illinois [[Secretary of State]]|accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref> |
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In at least one state, Washington State, the Department of Licensing (DOL) has determined it is a "privilege" to drive, rather than a "right," so they do not require a DUI conviction before requiring an SR-22 proving "high risk" coverage. Merely being arrested for "suspicion" of DUI or being in physical possession of a vehicle parked anywhere in the state including private property within two hours of being "suspected" as under the influence, is grounds for both the "high risk" coverage SR-22 proof as well as a minimum 90 day license suspension, even on a first offense. The state DOL does provide opportunity for a hearing prior to license suspension, but this does not change the "high risk" coverage SR-22 requirement, which is still mandatory regardless of whether the arrest is later "overturned" (ie; charges dropped) or the driver is found not guilty. The hearing is to ensure key steps were taken by the arresting officer, including things like informing of rights and the hearing only applies to the license suspension. If the driver elects to use and pay for an ignition interlock device, for one full year on a first offense, they can keep their license but the "high risk" coverage SR-22 requirement remains in place for a period of three years, even on a first offense and regardless of the arrest being overturned or the driver being found not guilty. |
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The average Washington State driver with the average car ends up paying an additional $7500 above previous car insurance costs, over this three year minimum period of SR-22, just on a first offense arrest, regardless of later being found innocent. Last year in Washington State more than 41,000 drivers were arrested under these laws and nationwide the Trial Lawyers dedicated to DUI defense and prosecution, earned $25 Billion in legal fees for DUI arrests, while the average state fees and fines in Washington State for DUI not counting ignition interlock device costs paid for by the driver, were just under $1,000 per arrest. |
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has been lobbying to require all automakers to include ignition interlock devices in all new vehicles. This would require all drivers to first blow into the device before the vehicle will start but only if blood-alcohol level is below .02, which is the level in many states above which any driver of 21 years of age or younger, is considered DUI. |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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* [[Automobile safety]] |
* [[Automobile safety]] |
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* [[National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act]] |
* [[National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act]] |
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* Washington State Department of Licensing SR-22: http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/iil.html |
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== References == |
== References == |
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Revision as of 05:14, 28 January 2010
In the United States, an SR-22 is a vehicle liability insurance document used by some state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices. It provides proof that a driver has the minimum required liability insurance coverage for that particular state.
A DMV may require an SR-22 from a driver in order to reinstate his or her driving privileges following an uninsured car accident or conviction of another traffic-related offense, such as a DUI.[1][2]
See also
References
- ^ "SR-22 Insurance Information". State of Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
- ^ "Overview of the S & FR Laws". Illinois Secretary of State. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
External links
- "What is the SR-22?". Illinois Secretary of State. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
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