Nevada laws require an SR-22 if an individual’s driver’s license is revoked or suspended due to certain traffic violations, which include driving without insurance, driving under the influence, or reckless driving.
The SR-22 is a “financial responsibility certificate” that verifies to the Department of Motor Vehicles that the driver carries the minimum liability insurance required by Nevada state law.
After a DUI conviction, state law requires an SR-22 to be held for three years after the suspension of the driver’s license.
All states have some form of SR-22 requirement. If you have an SR-22, the auto insurance policy rates for the driver will likely increase significantly. However, an experienced criminal defense attorney in Nevada may help avoid this requirement. Moreover, a seasoned attorney can also help an individual get traffic violation charges dismissed altogether and cause the individual not to face any legal penalties.
Below, we discuss SR-22 requirements in Nevada in-depth.
What is an SR-22?
An SR-22 insurance document is issued in Nevada by a vehicle insurance provider. The document serves as proof of a high-risk driver’s liability.
The SR-22 demonstrates that a high-risk driver currently has a minimum coverage of liability insurance, legally required (by Nevada law) to maintain driving privileges in the state.
The minimum liability coverage required is:
- $25,000 for any physical injury or fatality of an individual,
- $50,000 for any physical injury or fatality of two or more individuals and
- $20,000 in case of damage to property.
If an individual’s driver’s license is suspended by the DMV, they are required to file an SR-22 with the DMV before they can request license reinstatement.,
This is regardless of whether they own a vehicle or not. If they do not own a vehicle, SR 22 forms are still available.
Does the Driver Need SR-22 for License Reinstatement After a DUI in Nevada?
An SR-22 is required for license reinstatement in Nevada after the DUI suspension period ends.
The duration of the driver’s license suspension depends on the number of DUI convictions in the last seven years.
- In case of a 1st-time DUI offense, the driver’s license suspension duration is 185 days,
- A 2nd-time DUI offense carries a license suspension for one year, and
- A third-time DUI offense results in a three-year driver’s license suspension.
If a driver does not obtain an SR-22 after a DUI conviction, the driver’s license will remain suspended for an indefinite period.
Instances Other Than DUI Offense When SR-22 Is Required
Nevada law requires an SR-22 certificate in some instances besides a DUI conviction. If someone causes an accident without insurance or is caught driving with an expired insurance policy (for over 90 days), then they must obtain an SR-22 certificate.
How Can an Individual Get an SR-22 Certificate?
To get an SR-22 certificate, you are required to contact your vehicle insurer. An SR-22 requires a fee. Once requested, the insurer will update the DMV, telling them about your SR-22.
Insurance companies consider drivers with SR-22 as “high risk.” They often charge higher insurance premiums for such drivers.
How Long are SR-22’s Required in Nevada?
The length of an SR-22 depends on why an individual’s driver’s license was originally suspended.
For DUI cases, the SR-22 must be retained for three years from the date of license reinstatement.
The DMV doesn’t notify the driver when the SR-22 period is over. Always remember to contact the DMV if you are unsure on your status. What Happens if Insurance is Canceled or Lapses?
If insurance is canceled or lapses before the SR-22 period ends, the insurance company will issue another form, an SR-26, to the DMV.
An SR-26 indicates discontinuation of vehicle insurance coverage.
The DMV will then notify the driver that their vehicle’s registration will be suspended within 10 days unless they secure another insurance and SR-22.
Cancellation or lapse of insurance coverage will restart the SR-22 requirement. So, in case the insurance gets canceled in year 2 during the 3-year SR-22 period, the driver will need another SR-22 for the next three years.
Can an SR-22 Requirement Be Fulfilled With a Motorcycle Insurance Policy?
In case a driver has a DUI conviction with a motorcycle, in that case, the SR-22 requirement will be fulfilled through motorcycle insurance.
Does SR-22 Requirement Apply to Out-of-State Drivers?
Individuals with out-of-state licenses (other than Nevada state licenses) will typically have to follow the same SR-22 regulation as in their home state.
What Happens If the Driver is Not Longer Residing in Nevada?
If an individual decides to move out of Nevada, he/she will still be required to fulfill the SR-22 requirement for the designated period.
What Are the Alternatives to SR-22 Requirement?
The best way to try to avoid the SR-22 requirement is to contact a DUI criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after being charged or arrested.
The attorney can then request a DMV hearing to fight an individual’s driver’s license suspension. If the attorney wins the DMV hearing, you will no longer be required to get an SR-22.
How Much Does SR-22 Requirement Cost?
SR-22 typically costs over $100 a month. The cost is in addition to a one-time filing fee of around $25, which depends on the insurance firm.
Vehicle insurers who usually charge the lowest SR-22 rates include the following:
- USAA
- State Farm
- Geico
- Allstate
- Travelers
There is a cost of having SR-22, but this isn’t what actually causes the rest of your insurance premiums to rise. Instead, it is the underlying cause (typically traffic/criminal violation) that can cause your insurance premiums to increase. These violations include:
- Driving under the influence,
- Driving without valid insurance and
- Reckless driving.
Depending on your insurance firm, a traffic violation can significantly increase your insurance premium rates. If you need assistance with SR-22 requirements, contact The Bourassa Law Group, which serves clients throughout Nevada, including Henderson, North Las Vegas, Carson City, Reno, and more.