Getting a driver license: Mandatory insurance Things to know
If you drive your car without the required insurance, you could receive a fine of $550 or more. If you drive a vehicle that is required to be registered in Washington State, you must have one of the following: Auto insurance Self insurance Certificate of deposit Liability bond
Exceptions
You don’t need to have insurance when you operate a vehicle registered as any of the following: Motorcycle. (RCW 46.04.330) Motor-driven cycle. (RCW 46.04.332) Moped. (RCW 46.04.304) Horseless carriage over 40 years old (RCW 46.18.255) State or publicly-owned vehicle. (RCW 46.16.020) Common or contract carrier with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
Vehicles registered in another state
When you drive a vehicle in Washington that is required to be registered in another state, you must have the type of insurance required by that state. You must be able to provide proof of this insurance to law enforcement if requested.
Related laws and rules
Vehicle registration RCW 46.16: Vehicle licenses (defines what vehicles are required to be registered in Washington) Mandatory insurance RCW 46.29.090: Requirements as to policy or bond RCW 46.29.630: Self-insurers RCW 46.29.550: Money or securities as proof RCW 46.30.040: Providing false evidence of financial responsibility—Penalty RCW 46.30.030: Insurance identification card RCW 46.30.020: Liability insurance or other financial responsibility required — Violations — Exceptions WAC 308-106-020: Insurance identification card—Content WAC 308-106-030: Insurance identification card—Self-insurance—Certificate of deposit—Bond All WAC and RCW links go to leg.wa.gov
Related information
Financial responsibility (SR-22) Auto insurance Office of the Insurance Commissioner
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