Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | October 6, 2025 | Car Accidents
Driving without auto insurance in North Carolina is a serious offense that can cost you more than just a fine. It is considered a criminal misdemeanor, and even a first-time offense can lead to license suspension, fees, and higher insurance rates.
Here is what you should know about how much a no-insurance ticket costs in North Carolina and what steps you can take if you have been cited.
Does North Carolina Require Auto Insurance Coverage?
Every driver in North Carolina must maintain continuous liability insurance on any registered vehicle. The state’s financial responsibility law requires all motor vehicles registered in the state to be insured by a company licensed to do business in North Carolina.
If your insurance lapses or is canceled, your insurer must notify the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV then sends a notice requiring proof of coverage. You will face penalties and possible license suspension if you fail to respond or cannot show valid insurance.
What Does North Carolina Law Say About Driving Without Insurance?
It is a Class 3 misdemeanor to operate or allow someone else to operate a motor vehicle without having liability insurance, according to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-313(a). This means driving without insurance is not just a traffic ticket.
It is a criminal charge that can lead to fines, license suspension, and even possible jail time for repeat offenders. A first-time offender may rarely face jail, but other penalties can add up quickly.
How Much Is the Fine for a No-Insurance Ticket in North Carolina?
You will likely be required to pay a civil penalty to the DMV if you are caught without valid insurance. The amount depends on whether it is your first, second, or third offense within three years.
Here are the fines you may face:
- First offense: $50 civil penalty
- Second offense: $100 civil penalty
- Third or subsequent offense: $150 civil penalty
In addition to a civil penalty, you will be charged a $50 license reinstatement fee. That means even a first-time lapse typically costs around $100 in penalties alone before counting court costs.
License and Registration Suspension Under North Carolina Law
The DMV can suspend your driver’s license and your vehicle registration for 30 days if you cannot show proof of insurance. To reinstate your license and registration, you must:
- Provide proof of current liability coverage
- Pay the required civil penalty and reinstatement fee
- Maintain continuous coverage for at least the next year.
Driving during a suspension can result in additional charges, which may include further fines and potential jail time. Multiple violations or driving uninsured after an accident can result in harsher consequences.
How Might a No-Insurance Ticket May Affect My Record and Insurance Premiums?
A conviction for operating a vehicle without insurance stays on your driving record and criminal record. The North Carolina DMV can assign driver’s license points, and your insurance carrier may assess insurance points under the North Carolina Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP).
Even one lapse can cause your premiums to spike. Some insurers may also require an SR-22 certificate, or proof of financial responsibility, before reinstating coverage.
What Happens if I’m in a Wreck Without Insurance in North Carolina?
You can face criminal and financial consequences if you are involved in a car accident in North Carolina without valid insurance. Driving without liability coverage is a Class 3 misdemeanor, and the DMV may suspend your registration and driver’s license until you provide proof of insurance.
Just as serious, you may be personally responsible for any injuries or property damage caused by the crash. The other driver or their insurer can sue you directly for uninsured accidents to recover money for vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and other losses.
Those costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars in severe accidents, creating lasting financial hardship. Maintaining continuous coverage is the best way to avoid these risks, but if you have been in an accident, speak with a Greensboro car accident lawyer.
Protect Your License and Your Record
Driving uninsured in North Carolina may seem like a minor mistake, but it is treated as a criminal offense that can cause lasting financial and legal problems. Maintaining active coverage and responding promptly to any DMV notice can help you avoid costly penalties and protect your driving record.
If you have already been charged with driving without insurance, a lawyer can help you navigate the process and minimize the potential consequences. Call Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
For more information, contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 876-3020
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 728-1770
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 778-9700
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 486-5824
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 397-8620
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
(910) 387-9186
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 516-9066
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 455-5599
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529
(800) 525-7111
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 397-8624
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 889-4064
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 516-9042