All WV motorists are required to carry proof of insurance, in the form of a certificate of insurance (WV-1), in their vehicle at all times. West Virginia law has several harsh penalties in place for drivers who fail to present proof of insurance.

Administrative penalties affect your driver's license and vehicle registration and usually include suspension of both and reinstatement fees after the suspension period is over. Criminal penalties are taken care of in magistrate court and can include fines and jail time. Dismissal of the ticket in the WV court system does not release the motorist from their obligation to provide insurance to the WV Division of Motor Vehicles upon request.

The fine or penalties for driving without insurance or having no proof of insurance may not be reduced if you obtain car insurance before facing the court but it would be wise to get it even it didn't since it will be required of you to obtain and send proof in immediately anyway.