News

Oregon DMV Announces Major Changes to SR-22 and Uninsured Accident Rules Beginning January 2026

Oregon DMV is implementing major changes on January 1, 2026. SR-22 requirements for driving uninsured will drop from three years to one year, mandatory suspensions for uninsured accidents will end, and new insurer documentation rules will apply for proving coverage.

oregon.gov

SALEM, Ore. December 9, 2025 – The Oregon Department of Transportation Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) has notified insurance companies about major updates to state laws involving uninsured drivers, SR-22 requirements, and accident related suspensions. The changes come from Senate Bill 840, passed by the 2025 Oregon Legislature and signed by Governor Tina Kotek.

The new rules take effect January 1, 2026 and will affect both motorists and insurers.

Shorter SR-22 Requirement for Driving Uninsured

Current law requires drivers convicted of driving uninsured (ORS 806.010) to file an SR-22 for three years.

Beginning January 1, 2026:

The SR-22 filing term is reduced to one year for convictions on or after that date.

Mandatory Suspensions for Uninsured Accidents Will End

Oregon law currently requires DMV to impose a one year driver license suspension on anyone involved in an accident while uninsured.

For accidents on or after January 1, 2026:

DMV will no longer issue an automatic suspension for being in an uninsured accident.

However:

Drivers will still be required to file an SR-22 for three years if they were involved in an uninsured accident.

DMV will suspend a driver who fails to file the required SR-22.

New Requirement for Overturning an Uninsured Accident Determination

Under current rules, if an insurer reports that a driver was not covered during an accident, the driver can still try to prove coverage through other documents.

Starting January 1, 2026:

DMV will only accept a signed statement on official insurance company letterhead, signed by an authorized employee, confirming that the driver was insured at the time of the accident.

No other form of proof will be accepted after an insurer denies coverage.

What Insurers Need to Know

Insurers should prepare for the following:

Inform customers about the shorter SR-22 requirement and the end of mandatory uninsured accident suspensions.
Be ready to issue signed letters confirming coverage when requested by a customer.
Update internal systems and workflows to reflect the new rules.