Can Someone without Insurance Drive Your Car in Maryland?
Few people see driving without auto insurance as a crime. However, Maryland requires all drivers to carry minimum insurance. Knowingly operating a vehicle without insurance is a severe offense that may result in hefty fines, jail time, or license suspension.
Your best chance of having charges dropped or reduced is to hire a Maryland traffic lawyer. At the Law Office of Hillel Traub, we regularly represent drivers who face these charges and help them obtain a favorable judgment.
HOW MUCH CAR INSURANCE DO DRIVERS NEED IN MARYLAND?
Residents must obtain mandatory coverage to meet Maryland’s legal auto insurance requirements. Remember, these are just the minimum amounts, and you can choose additional coverage to meet your needs.
- Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: $30,000 per person; $60,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability Coverage: $15,000
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage: $30,000 per person; $60,000 per accident
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: $15,000
Bodily insurance and property damage liability coverages will provide financial relief to parties injured in an accident or if you damaged their vehicle. Uninsured motorist insurance protects you when the at-fault driver fails to carry any coverage. It should cover some or all of your accident-related expenses when the other driver cannot provide compensation.
PENALTIES FOR DRIVING WITHOUT ADEQUATE AUTO INSURANCE
If a court convicts you of driving without auto insurance in Maryland, you may face several penalties from the state’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The penalties may include:
- Loss of license plates and vehicle registration privileges
- Uninsured motorist fee of at least $150
- Restoration fee up to $25
- Prohibited from registering future vehicles or renewing current registration until you clear insurance violations
Additionally, driving uninsured is a misdemeanor crime in Maryland. You may face up to five points on your license, fines up to $1,000, or serve up to one year in jail. Punishment may increase for any subsequent offenses.
WHAT IF MY BORROWED CAR IS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER HAS NO INSURANCE?
Remember, vehicle insurance in Maryland follows the car and not the person. Even if your friend does not have their auto insurance, yours will cover damages in the event of an accident. However, that does not mean you should allow someone outside of your household to drive your car. If they are in a crash, your premiums will likely increase.
Additionally, if a court finds that you were negligent for allowing the other person to drive your vehicle, you might be liable and face charges plus 12 points on your driving record with the Maryland Vehicle Administration. For example, if you allow someone without a license to drive the car and cause an accident, the accident victim may hold you and the driver liable for their injuries.
HIRE A MARYLAND TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEY TODAY
If you are facing a traffic violation in Maryland, contact The Law Office of Hillel Traub today. Attorney Traub will bring a unique perspective and valuable insight to your case. He may also be able to assist with criminal charges. Call (410) 580-1100 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.