Driving without insurance is illegal in California and carries serious consequences. The penalties for driving without insurance vary depending on the situation, such as whether you were in a car accident or were pulled over for a traffic violation. The state may charge you a fine ranging from $100 to well over $1,000, impound your vehicle, or even suspend your driving privileges for up to four years if youre a repeat offender. The court may also decide to impound your vehicle, even if its not your first offense. Additionally, you may face penalty assessments, which can bring total fines to $1,020 and $1,800. If you are convicted of this offense a second or subsequent time within three years, you could be fined a minimum of $200 and a maximum of $500. The cost of your auto insurance could also dramatically increase even after you pay the fine.

In summary, the penalties for driving without insurance in California include:

• A fine ranging from $100 to well over $1,000
• Impoundment of your vehicle
• Suspension of your driving privileges for up to four years if youre a repeat offender
• Penalty assessments, which can bring total fines to $1,020 and $1,800
• Dramatic increase in the cost of your auto insurance even after you pay the fine.