subject: A Few Driving Offenses That Require an SR22 [print this page] A Few Driving Offenses That Require an SR22
You have probably heard of the term SR22 and need to get SR22 insurance at some point. Whether you are a good driver or have been told that you need to file an SR22, you may be wondering when you need it the most. The majority of drivers who are aware of SR22 will say that it mostly applies to someone who has been arrested for DUI, or driving under the influence. Getting a DUI is not the only reason for the requirement of filing for an SR22 form with your local department of motor vehicles and can depend on several factors.
Driving Offenses that Require an SR22
There are a few different ways that you can end up needing to file an SR22 form and obtaining SR22 insurance. The reasons typically have to do with driving related offenses. These include the following:
Drinking and driving. One major factor if you need an SR22 insurance is if you have been stopped or frequently arrested for a DUI or may live in a state that refers to driving while intoxicated or DWI. Both are similar and are points against your license or a suspension in driving.
Caught without insurance. If you are stopped or pulled over for any reason by the police and cannot produce any proof of insurance, you may get a ticket and also noted on your driving record. In other words, if you don't have auto insurance coverage, you may need to file an SR22 in order to drive on the roads again.
Multiple unsettled tickets. Another factor is if you have managed to have way too many traffic tickets that occur in a certain amount of time; you'll be required to have SR22 filed at the DMV. Not paying for multiple tickets can indicate that you are an at risk driver and can require you as well to file SR22 forms in order to drive on the roads.
Compromised driving record. Most cases, you will need to file an SR22 after being arrested or detained by the police and especially if you have been driving on a revoked or suspended driver's license. A compromised driving record is noted by the DMV and will have you filing for the SR22.
You Don't Need to File Forever
Also keep in mind that the length of time needed to carry the SR22 filing is dependent on what the offense is and the circumstances that concern that offense. For example, if a suspension of you license occurs because of a DUI, the driver must then be required to keep theSR22 insurance form filed on record with the DMV for up to 3 years after the license is reinstated. Of course, a smaller offense to your record might only require that you file the SR22 for up to a year. Each year that your driving record is cleaned up and proved that you are a fit driver can get you closer to paying less for auto insurance. When you're done paying for SR22 insurance and filing the form, you can purchase standard quotes without having to indicate you are a high risk driver.
