You no longer need to hand-deliver an original SR22 certificate to an Oregon DMV branch. We can fax the original to them, and they will usually post it to your record within a business day. You have options to pay a reinstatement fee if your license was suspended.
Read more: We Can Now Fax Your SR22 Certificate to the Oregon DMV
Most likely, your car was impounded because you had no insurance or were driving with a suspended license. Depending on where you live in Oregon—prices vary by zip code—you can expect to pay between $100 and $250 a month, depending on your driving record. Of course, you are in a rush to get the proof of insurance, so you must work with an agent who can provide you with documents instantly. Why the rush? Every day that ticks by, the tow company charges you storage fees of up to $50 a day. Ask your agent to include SR22. You may not need it now, but you will after the Oregon DMV gets wind of your driving without insurance ticket.
A police officer could have your car towed, leaving you stranded, if you drive without insurance. If you are a female or a parent with small children, the cop may wait with you until another insured transportation vehicle arrives to take you home. You might get lucky, and he orders you to drive directly home, without being impounded. The officer will request that you bring proof that you purchased insurance to the court. Often, the cop will promise you the dismissal of your uninsured driving ticket. The decision to dismiss the ticket lies within the judge's power, not the police officer's, so you may walk out of the courtroom still having to pay a hefty fine.
When the DMV discovers that you were convicted of driving without insurance, you will receive, at your last known address, a letter stating that you have 30 days to comply with the SR22 requirement. Failure to do so will suspend your license for three years. After that period, you can pay the reinstatement fee to get your license back. You can obtain insurance, submit an SR22 certificate, and avoid suspension. Waiting until after your license gets suspended, you would have to turn in the form and pay the fee.
Read more: 3 Things That Will Get Your Oregon Driver's License Suspended