When your license is suspended due to DUI violation, the DMV issues an order of suspension of your license and you will be categorized as a high risk driver. To re-instate the license, SR22 is required by the DMV to prove your future financial responsibility. Your insurance company issues the SR22 to be filed with the DMV as proof of your having the minimum liability auto insurance. Upon acceptance of the SR22, the DMV will remove the suspension. No other proof of insurance such as your insurance ID card will be accepted.
SR22 is normally associated with and is required for issues related to your driving. These are:
- To re-instate your driving license following a DUI violation
- Repeated traffic violations and getting multiple tickets in short periods of time
- License suspended or revoked
- When getting involved in an uninsured accident
- Failure to provide proof of liability insurance to the DMV
- When applying for hardship or a probationary permit
ISR22 filing is intended to monitor the insurance of problem drivers who have blemishes in their driving record. The insurance company will notify the DMV of any lapse in the insurance coverage or about any cancellation.
SR22s are specific to the state where they are issued. For example a California SR22 will be valid only in California. So if you move to a different state you will need a different SR22 to show proof for financial responsibility in that state. The Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law is intended to ensure that drivers and vehicle owners are financially made responsible for the damage or injury they cause in an accident regardless of fault and it also aims to keep financially irresponsible drivers away from the highways. When future proof is not required anymore SR22 is cancelled by issue of an SR26 form.