Yes, it is illegal to drive without first obtaining the required amounts of liability insurance in Arizona. All motorists are legally obligated to carry insurance before driving on public roads. Unlawfully driving without insurance could lead to legal and administrative penalties, including fines and driver’s license suspension in Arizona.
What Are Arizona’s Insurance Requirements as of 2026?
Every motor vehicle driver in Arizona is required by law (ARS § 28-4009) to have proof of insurance or financial responsibility. It is against the law to operate any motorized vehicle on a public road in the State of Arizona without adequate automobile insurance.
The required types and minimum amounts of insurance in Arizona as of 2026 are:
- $25,000 per person in bodily injury coverage
- $50,000 per accident (two or more persons) in bodily injury coverage
- $15,000 in property damage coverage
Since Arizona abides by a fault-based car insurance rule, liability insurance is required. This type of coverage pays for the losses of individuals besides the policyholder – including passengers riding in the car and occupants of another vehicle – after an at-fault automobile accident. Additional insurance must be purchased if the policyholder wants first-party coverage for his or her own losses after an at-fault accident.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Arizona?
As a motor vehicle driver, you are required to show proof of automobile insurance to a police officer when asked to do so. This is generally a requirement during all traffic stops and after automobile accidents. If you cannot show proof of insurance, you will face penalties.
Unlawfully driving without meeting the state’s insurance requirements can lead to the following punishments:
- A minimum fine of $500
- Suspension of your vehicle registration (typically for three months)
- Suspension of your driver’s license until you can show proof of insurance
- Registration reinstatement fee ($50)
- Possible SR22 certificate (more expensive type of insurance)
There are harsher penalties for repeat offenders:
- Minimum fine of $750 for a second offense
- Up to $1,000 for third and subsequent offenses (within 36 months)
- Six months to one year of vehicle registration suspension
If you have your license suspended until you can show proof of insurance, but proceed to drive anyway, you could face additional penalties for illegally driving without a valid license. Finally, keep in mind that if you cause a car accident while uninsured, you will be personally responsible for paying for the victim’s losses.
Can You Counter a Driving Without Insurance Charge in Arizona?
Driving without automobile insurance is illegal in Arizona, but you may still have defense options if you are facing these allegations. With assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney, you may be able to avoid many related penalties.
Potential defenses include:
- The vehicle was non-operable
- The vehicle was not being driven on a public road
- You were under the reasonable belief that you had insurance
- The lack of insurance coverage was due to an insurance company error
- The insurance company failed to inform you of a lapsed or cancelled policy
- You were not the owner of the vehicle and believed the owner was insured
The defense options that may be available if you are being charged with unlawfully driving without insurance depend on your situation. Discuss your options with our Arizona traffic violation attorney at Corso Law Group for more information. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
