AUTO Insurance Law IN Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law requires all Pennsylvania motor vehicle owners to maintain vehicle liability insurance (financial
responsibility) on a currently registered vehicle. Vehicle liability insurance covers the property damage or injuries
you may cause others in an accident.
A lapse in insurance coverage results in the suspension of your vehicle registration privilege for three months,
unless the lapse of insurance was for a period of less than 31 days and the owner or registrant proves to
PennDOT that the vehicle was not operated during this short lapse in coverage. The registration plate,
card and drivers’ license (if applicable) must be surrendered to PennDOT in order to serve the suspension. A
restoration fee and proof of insurance must be submitted prior to having your registration returned and/or driving
privilege restored.
In lieu of serving a registration suspension, you have the option under Vehicle Code 1786 (d)(1.1) to make a
payment of a civil penalty. The optional civil penalty payment is $500. Additionally, you are required to pay a
restoration fee to PennDOT in accordance with Section 1960 of the Vehicle Code. You may opt for the civil
penalty in lieu of suspension no more than once in a 12-month period. Payment of the civil penalty, along with
your restoration fee and proof of current insurance, will allow you to maintain registration on your vehicle without
the requirement to serve a three month registration suspension. To use this option, visit PennDOT’s website at
www.dmv.pa.gov and click the insurance link under vehicle services. You will then find a link to pay your civil
penalty on the right side of the page, or complete Form MV-222, “Application for Payment of Civil Penalty in Lieu
of Registration Suspension,” and submit your certified check or money order payable to the PA Department of
Transportation in the amount of $500 and your restoration fee along with current proof of insurance. For a
complete listing of motor vehicle fees, refer to Form MV-70S, "Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of
Fees."
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