SR-22 Insurance and Your Passengers

The hectic nature of everyday life doesn’t leave a lot of room for inconveniences. You have a family to take care of and bills to pay. But, mistakes that break the law can have a negative effect on everyday life.

Sometimes, your driving habits could break the law in a severe way. Speeding, DWI charges, multiple tickets and frequent accidents are all relatively common occurrences on American roads. You might be among the offenders.

If you face penalties because of a driving charge, you may have to go out of your way to make other accommodations. You might receive a license suspension, counseling, probation, jail time or other penalties. You may have to get an SR-22 certificate.

Having an SR-22 requirement may have different effects on your driving privileges. But, foremost, the SR-22 requirement means you need to drive in a safer manner. It also means that you should not make any driving mistakes that could put your passengers in danger.

If the authorities deem you a high risk driver and require you to get an SR-22 certificate, be aware that penalties may not only affect you but also your family.

If you have children who rely on you to drive them, the SR-22 rule comes with an added layer of responsibility. You have to ensure the safety of the children while following the SR-22 requirements.

When you receive an SR-22, ask yourself common questions like what are the requirements of the certificate? What does my state require for SR-22 holders? How will any extra penalties affect my family?

What qualifies for an SR-22?

You generally get an SR-22 requirement if you have a long history of driving violations. SR-22 charges can come from frequent accidents, multiple speeding tickets, and DUI charges. The driving infractions that lead to SR-22 requirements vary from state to state.

SR-22s are not insurance themselves, but proof of insurance. Because you are a high-risk driver, the state will require you to carry insurance at all times. As part of your penalties for breaking the law, you have to file an SR-22 form with your state DMV. This form proves you have auto insurance.

Most states require drivers to carry these certificates for around two years. Your auto insurance agent can usually help you file the documentation for a small fee.

You have to maintain auto insurance for the duration of the SR-22 period. If you lose auto insurance during this period, your insurance company has to tell the state DMV. The DMV may revoke your license or levy other penalties on you for this offense. Furthermore, if you re-offend while you carry an SR-22, the period usually starts over.

Driving family while carrying an SR-22

Many people wonder how an SR-22 insurance requirement will affect their driving privileges. Getting an SR-22 doesn’t usually mean you can’t drive your family while you have the certificate. SR-22 requirements don’t usually place passenger restrictions on your driving.

An SR-22 may not affect driving privileges in and of itself. It is usually the nature of the original charge that impacts your driving privileges.

You may have to carry license probation during the SR-22 period or longer. Also, your driving privileges are likely very provisional during an SR-22 period. These penalties add a higher level of risk when you are transporting passengers. If you have a driving charge, the law may restrict who you can carry until you have completed your penalty.

You have to take extra precautions when driving children while you have an SR-22. This isn’t exactly because of the SR-22, but because the DMV already recognizes you as a high-risk driver. The state knows your record and will likely take action if you commit further driving offenses. It is up to you to face your penalties and not re-offend.

As a responsible driver, your biggest commitment should be the safety of passengers, most importantly children. Take steps to ensure their safety. These are often simple adjustments:

• Know if you can carry children or other passengers in the first place. Depending on the nature of your charges, you may not be able to carry passengers.
• Make sure you and the children are always wearing seat belts. You could face a child endangerment charge or other charge if a child is not secure in the car.
• Do not allow children under a certain age and weight to sit in the front seat.
• Use car seats for children who still qualify for them.
• Don’t use a mobile device while you have children in the car. Your cell phone call can wait.
• If you can’t drive children, don’t risk it. Make arrangements for them to ride with another driver.
• Drive safely. Avoid speeding and follow traffic signs.
• If a child is in distress in the car, pull over and seek help.

Doing these things can keep your children safe. They can also help you maintain a reliable SR-22 requirement.