Do I Need to Have Proof Of Auto Insurance in Seattle Washington
Reader’s Question:
What will be the fine for driving with insurance but without your proof of insurance card in your car? I live in Seattle, Washington.
Rose
Seattle, WA
If you fail to provide proof of motor vehicle insurance in Seattle Washington, its is a traffic infraction and is subject to penalties as set by the supreme court under RCW 46.63.110. According to RCW 46.63.110 an individual found to have committed a traffic infraction shall be assessed a monetary penalty. No penalty may exceed $250 for each offense but there are other associated fees that may be added to the penalty amount.
So If you drive without proof of insurance in Seattle Washington, it is punishable by a minimum of $250 fine. There are other assessments and fees that can be added to this fine so it typically costs about $450.
So it looks like that with proper documentation that you were insured at the time of your citation for operating a vehicle without insurance then the court should dismiss the ticket and you will only need to pay administrative costs of $25. You may also contact the WA court listed on your ticket to find out what insurance documentation you will need to bring and to make sure that the fee amount has not changed.
Washington SR22 Insurance
Reader’s Question:
I live in Washington. How long do I have to carry sr22 auto insurance?
Gio
Thank you for asking Gio.
If a driver is required to get an SR-22 then he or she must maintain it for 3 years in the state of Washington. the amount of time you are required to carry sr-22 depends on the conviction or offense.
Theres a lot of reason why a person is mandated by the state to carry the financial responsibility certificate. Some of the reasons are: driver’s license suspension reinstatement due to a DUI, driving without insurance or a subsequent offense of leaving a child unattended in a running vehicle, etc
When you are eligible to reinstate your driver license, you need to file future proof of financial responsibility first for 3 years from the date you are eligible to restore your license.
Below is a Revised Code of Washington 46.29.600 titled Duration of proof
– When proof may be canceled or returned states the following
(1) The department shall upon request consent to the immediate cancellation of any bond or certificate of insurance, or the department shall direct and the state treasurer shall return to the person entitled thereto any money or securities deposited pursuant to this chapter as proof of financial responsibility, or the department shall waive the requirement of filing proof, in any of the following events:
(a) At any time after three years from the date such proof was required when, during the three-year period preceding the request, the department has not received record of a conviction, forfeiture of bail, or finding that a traffic infraction has been committed which would require or permit the suspension or revocation of the license of the person by or for whom such proof was furnished; or
(b) In the event of the death of the person on whose behalf such proof was filed or the permanent incapacity of such person to operate a motor vehicle; or
(c) In the event the person who has given proof surrenders his license to the department;
Your call the Washington State Department of Licensing to get more information.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
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