Failure to Carry Proof of Insurance (ORS 806.012) or Driving Uninsured (ORS 809.010) violations
The preferred proof is a Letter of Experience from the insurance underwriter on their letterhead. If that is not available, a letter on the insurance agent letterhead stating that they would have covered you had you been in an accident at the date and time, and in the vehicle you were driving when you were stopped is generally accepted as proof. An insurance card that shows your name, the vehicle, and dates of coverage may be accepted.
The Letter of Experience or letter from your insurance agent must include the following information as shown on your citation: Defendant information, Vehicle information, Coverage on the date and at the time of the citation. It should also have your full name and docket number included in the letter, and if appropriate may state that you have had continuous coverage and include the dates.
Failure to Carry Proof of Insurance is dismissible with proper proof up to the time of arraignment per Oregon Statute. There is no grace period. Please submit your proof in person, by letter, or by fax prior to the date and time of the arraignment.
Driving Uninsured charges with proper proof can be dismissed up to the date of the arraignment, and a two week grace period beyond the arraignment date. If no plea is entered by the end of the two week grace period, a Guilty by Default finding will be placed on your case, and your license will be suspended. If a Not Guilty plea is entered in the proper timeline, you will receive a two week grace period to produce acceptable proof. At the end of the grace period, if proper proof has not been submitted, a trial will be set on your behalf. Failure to appear at the scheduled trial will result in a Guilty by Default judgment, increased fines, and a license suspension.
If you receive a conviction on a Driving Uninsured charge, you are required to file an SR-22 form with the DMV for three years. Please review this with the DMV and your insurance agent if you have any questions.
A Driving Uninsured charge can be reopened with proper proof for up to a period of one year from judgment, with the proper reopen fee. Please contact the court for fees and forms in order to reopen a Driving Uninsured case.
Required information for the Letter of Experience - this must match the information on the citation:
Defendant information
Vehicle information
Coverage on the date and at the time of the citation
For more information, please read the Oregon Revised Statute, Chapter 806-Financial Responsibilty.