Reader’s Question:

What are the penalties for insurance lapse in the New York state?

Polly

Buffalo, NY

Anytime that your car is registered but not insured in NYS it can cause a lapse in your auto insurance coverage and suspension of your driver’ license. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles should notify you once they are aware of a lapse in your car insurance by a letter. This letter will give you instructions on how you need to show proof that you have insurance or sold the car. If you cannot prove this, you will need to surrender your vehicle’s license plates to the NYS DMV and get a receipt when you do so.

You may not be required to surrender your vehicle’s license plates for a lapse of 90 days or shorter if you pay a civil penalty fine. There is a sure way in which to calculate what the fine will be so I suggest you contact the DMV. If the the auto insurance lapse exceeds 90 days your driver license will be suspended. they will suspend your registration and driver license indefinitely if you do not surrender your plates to the DMV . To have your driver license reinstated you must pay a fee of $25 when the suspension ends.