A Statement of Financial Responsibility (SR22) serves as a crucial certification required under specific circumstances in Arizona. This certificate, issued by an Arizona-licensed insurance company or through a deposited sum of $40,000 with the Arizona Office of Treasurer, plays a significant role in situations such as license revocation or suspension due to a court-convicted DUI violation, implied consent DUI refusal, or infringement of Arizona’s vehicle insurance laws.
When these situations arise, providing proof of future financial responsibility in the form of an SR22 to the MVD (Motor Vehicle Division) becomes mandatory. However, this requirement has a significant impact on automobile insurance costs. Not all insurance companies offer SR22 coverage, and those that do often categorize SR22 holders into a “high-risk” pool, resulting in substantially higher premiums compared to regular auto insurance.
While SR22s are mandatory for all DUI criminal convictions, they are not required for an automatic 15-day MVD implied consent violation. It’s advisable to seek guidance from a DUI attorney regarding accepting an automatic MVD suspension while a DUI criminal case is pending, given this exception.
Maintaining proof of SR22 insurance is essential for three years from the reinstatement eligibility date. Failure to provide ongoing proof will lead to the suspension of your license and registration until the necessary evidence is reinstated.
Here’s a summary chart indicating driver’s license suspensions that necessitate an SR22 upon reinstatement following a license suspension. The SR22 obligation extends for three years after the reinstatement eligibility date:
| Conviction Statute | Violation | Length of Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| DUI Related Offenses | ||
| 28-1321 | Implied Consent, Refusal of DUI test | one year |
| 28-1381 | Regular 1st Time DUI | 90 days |
| 28-1382 | Extreme DUI | 90 days |
| 28-1383 | Aggravated/Felony DUI | one year |
| 28-1385 | ||
| Financial Responsibility Laws | ||
| 28-4135 | No Mandatory Vehicle Insurance | 3 months and plates suspended |
| 2nd violation no mandatory insurance | 6 months and plates suspended | |
| 3rd violation | one year and plates suspended | |
| ARS 28-4144 | Being involved in an accident without automobile insurance | one year license and plate suspension |
Understanding these implications can help navigate the complexities of SR22 requirements and associated consequences effectively.