In Massachusetts it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle that does not have a certain required amount of insurance. See Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 34J. To convict someone the district attorney must show beyond a reasonable doubt that you either 1) operated a motor vehicle or permitted someone else to drive your automobile, 2) that such operation was on a public way as defined by Massachusetts law and 3) that the vehicle was not covered by the minimum amount of insurance required by law at that time. If you are convicted of this offense there is a fine of $500 to $5,000 and there is a possible 1 year jail sentence.

An interesting aspect of this law is that people from other states who drive through Massachusetts are not subject to this law if the law of their state does not require insurance provide that that state has a reciprocal law. There are however three situations where this provision of the law does not apply to out of state residents. One, if the person drives in Massachusetts for more than 30 days per year. Two, where the person owns a home in Massachusetts. Three, where the person owns a business in Massachusetts.

Charges like this are typically resolved short of trial. It is best that if you have been charged with this crime and you did not have a liability policy in place at the time you obtain the compulsory insurance as soon as possible. This will likely benefit you relative to the disposition of your case.