SR-22 (insurance)

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.

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. 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 SR-22 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 not the SR-22 requirement which is still required 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 interlock device, for one full year on a first offense, they can keep their license but the 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.

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 interlock device costs paid for by the driver, were just under $1,000 per arrest.

See also

• Drunk driving (United States)
• Automobile safety
• National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act
• Washington State Department of Licensing SR-22: http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/iil.html

External links

• "What is the SR-22?". Illinois Secretary of State. Retrieved 2008-07-08.