Do You Need Insurance to Travel, Tags, or Registration?
- Iqra Saeed
- Sep 27
- 13 min read
“You’ve been told you need insurance, registration, and tags to drive — but what if that only applies to drivers, not travelers?” For most people, insurance, registration, and tags are seen as mandatory when it comes to using a vehicle on the road. However, many fail to distinguish between the right to travel and the privilege to drive. The truth is, the rules that govern drivers — who are engaged in commerce — may not apply to travelers. If you're not using your vehicle for commercial purposes, you may not be bound by the same legal requirements designed for businesses.
You have a natural, constitutional right to travel freely on public roadways. Whether you must register, tag, or insure your car depends on your legal status and how you use your vehicle. Understanding these distinctions can help clarify when and why certain regulations apply to you.
Right to Travel vs Driving a Motor Vehicle
Understanding the difference between the right to travel and the act of driving a motor vehicle is crucial when discussing legal obligations like insurance, registration, and tags. These two concepts are often conflated, but they are fundamentally different in the eyes of the law.
Key Distinction: Travel vs. Driving
Travel: A Natural Right: The right to travel is a natural, constitutional right that allows individuals to move freely from one place to another without government interference. This right applies to all individuals, regardless of the mode of travel, and is not limited to any specific form of transportation.
Technically, you don’t need insurance to travel. However, we strongly recommend having insurance. It’s essential to be able to cover damages and, in the unfortunate event of an accident, ensure that others are not left financially burdened. If someone gets hurt and misses work, you may be responsible for their medical expenses and lost income. So, while insurance is not legally required, it's a crucial step in protecting your fellow travelers—your brothers and sisters.
Driving: A Licensed Commercial Activity: Driving, on the other hand, is defined as a commercial activity. It typically refers to operating a vehicle in exchange for compensation or in a business context. Because driving is associated with commerce, it requires a license and must comply with regulations set by the state. This is where the confusion often arises — driving is not the same as traveling. If you're using your vehicle for commercial purposes, you are required to adhere to the laws that govern commercial activities, including registration, insurance, and tags.
Legal Language: Definitions and Key Terms
“Motor Vehicle” = Commercial Use: In legal terms, a motor vehicle refers to any vehicle that is used in commerce. This includes vehicles used for transporting goods or people for money or business purposes. When you hear the term motor vehicle, it often refers specifically to commercial use, not personal use.
“Driver” = Someone Engaged in Commerce: The term driver refers to someone who is actively engaged in commercial activities on public roadways. A driver typically needs a license because they are operating their vehicle as part of a business or for monetary gain. On the other hand, someone simply using their vehicle for personal travel is not a “driver” in the legal sense and does not need to be licensed.
Supreme Court References
Several Supreme Court rulings have clarified the distinction between traveling as a right and driving as a regulated activity. These cases emphasize that the government cannot turn the right to travel into a commercial privilege:
Thompson v. Smith (1930):In this landmark case, the Supreme Court declared that the right of a citizen to travel on public highways is a common right. This ruling affirms that traveling is a constitutional right and cannot be restricted by the state simply because an individual is using a motor vehicle. "The right of a citizen to travel upon the public highways... is a common right." — Thompson v. Smith (1930)
Chicago Motor Coach v. Chicago (1929):This case further reinforced the idea that no state can convert a secured liberty into a privilege and impose licensing requirements for it. It emphasized that traveling is a right, not a privilege that requires a license or fee.“No state can convert a secured liberty into a privilege and issue a license and a fee for it.” — Chicago Motor Coach v. Chicago (1929)
Do You Need Insurance to Travel, Tags, or Registration—Legal Point of View
The question of whether you need insurance, tags, or registration to travel is often misunderstood due to the confusion between personal travel and commercial driving. From a legal perspective, the requirement to register, insure, and tag your vehicle applies primarily to those engaged in commerce, not individuals simply exercising their right to travel.
The Right to Travel vs. Driving as a Commercial Activity
From a legal point of view, the right to travel is protected by the Constitution, allowing individuals to move freely across public roadways without needing permission from the government. However, driving for commercial purposes is a different legal matter. If you are operating a vehicle for business purposes (such as transporting goods for a fee, driving for a ride-share company like Uber, or using your vehicle in commerce), you are considered a driver and are required to follow commercial vehicle regulations.
In contrast, when you are traveling privately, for personal use, and not engaging in commerce, the law does not typically require insurance, tags, or registration. The government presumes you are using your vehicle for commercial activity unless you assert your right to travel and correct your legal status.
Why the Government Requires Tags, Insurance, and Registration
“Do you need insurance to travel?" While traveling for personal purposes may not require insurance, tags, or registration, these legal requirements apply when you're engaged in commercial use of public roads. The regulations surrounding insurance, tags, and registration are designed to manage commercial activities, not personal travel.
Purpose: Control Commercial Use of Public Roads
One of the primary reasons the government requires tags, insurance, and registration is to regulate commercial use of public roads. Public highways are primarily meant to serve the general public; however, when used for business purposes, such as transporting goods or people for profit, the government needs to maintain oversight.
By requiring vehicle registration and insurance, the government ensures that commercial vehicles meet safety standards and that businesses operating on public roads adhere to regulations. Tags also help identify vehicles, allowing authorities to track compliance and enforce laws surrounding the use of public infrastructure.
Revenue Generation: Tags and Registration Fees Are Taxes on Movement
Another significant reason for requiring tags and registration is to generate revenue for the government. These fees act as a tax on movement, especially for vehicles that are used in commerce. Registration fees often go directly into the government’s coffers to fund road maintenance, infrastructure projects, and various regulatory bodies.
While these fees are billed as necessary for maintaining roads, they are, in reality, a form of taxation tied to the use of public resources for business. The revenue from registration fees and tags is used to manage and regulate the use of roads for commercial purposes, ensuring that businesses that benefit from public infrastructure contribute to its upkeep.
Liability Management: Insurance Required for Corporate Entities to Cover Potential Harm in Commerce
When it comes to insurance, the primary goal is liability management. In the commercial world, businesses that operate vehicles need to ensure that their operations are insured in case of an accident, damage, or injury. This is especially important in commerce, where large fleets of vehicles or goods are regularly transported.
The government requires commercial vehicles to carry insurance because it ensures that businesses can cover potential harm caused to others on the road. If an accident happens involving a commercial vehicle, the insurance serves as a safeguard to compensate victims and cover damages. This level of liability protection is important because corporate entities must be accountable for the actions of their vehicles when operating in the public domain.
When You Do Not Need Tags, Registration, or Insurance
There are specific situations in which you may not be required to comply with the government’s regulations on tags, registration, and insurance. If you’re traveling privately or have taken steps to correct your legal status, the standard requirements typically designed for drivers (those engaged in commerce) may not apply to you. Here’s a breakdown of when you don’t need these regulatory requirements:
If You Are:
Traveling Privately in Your Own Car
If you are simply traveling privately in your own car for personal purposes, insurance, tags, and registration may not be required. Personal travel is a constitutional right, and when you're not engaging in commerce or driving for business, these commercial regulations generally do not apply. By traveling privately, you are exercising your right to move freely without government restrictions or commercial obligations.
Not Using Your Vehicle for Uber, Delivery, Business, Etc.
If you’re not using your vehicle for commercial purposes — like driving for Uber, making deliveries, or running a business — then tags, registration, and insurance typically do not apply. When your vehicle is being used for personal travel only, you are not considered a commercial driver, and therefore, these commercial regulations don’t need to be followed. You’re free to travel on public roadways without being subjected to rules designed for business use.
Have Corrected Your Status (i.e., Not Acting as a U.S. Citizen)
When you correct your legal status — for example, by asserting your rights as an American National rather than a U.S. citizen — you may not be required to comply with the same regulatory requirements. As a sovereign individual, you are no longer acting as a driver under the jurisdiction of statutory law, but instead are exercising your right to travel freely on public roads. This legal correction removes you from the commercial system, which is where these regulatory requirements are primarily enforced.
If You Have:
Declared Your Right to Travel via Affidavit
Once you have declared your right to travel through an affidavit, you are asserting your status as a sovereign individual rather than a driver subject to commercial regulations. The affidavit serves as a formal document where you publicly declare your intent to exercise your constitutional right to travel on public roads, not engage in commerce, and reject the presumption of commercial jurisdiction. This declaration strengthens your position and supports the claim that insurance, registration, and tags are not required for personal travel.
Tools State Nationals Use to Travel Privately
For State Nationals, the goal is to ensure their right to travel is recognized and respected while avoiding the regulatory requirements typically imposed on commercial drivers. By utilizing specific tools, State Nationals can protect their sovereign status and assert their right to move freely without being subject to commercial vehicle laws. Here are some key tools that State Nationals use to travel privately:
AOR (Affidavit of Record)
An Affidavit of Record (AOR) is a key document that helps establish that the vehicle is used solely for non-commercial purposes. By filing this affidavit, you declare that your vehicle is for personal travel and not for engaging in commerce. This affidavit removes your vehicle from the scope of commercial vehicle laws, essentially confirming that the vehicle is not subject to statutory requirements like registration, insurance, or commercial tags.
This legal declaration is important for asserting that you are not acting as a driver in a commercial context, but instead exercising your right to travel.
For those looking to further protect their personal rights, filing an AOR strengthens your legal stance by asserting that your vehicle and its usage align with your personal travel rights. You can find more details on AOR packages at State Nationals Rock.
Right to Travel Placard
A Right to Travel Placard is a custom plate or tag that asserts your private status and right to travel. This placard acts as a visual reminder that you are using the vehicle for personal, private use, not for commercial activities. It signals that you are not subject to the typical commercial vehicle regulations, and helps reinforce your sovereign status when traveling. While not universally recognized, displaying this placard can help clarify your position to authorities, should you be questioned.
The placard can be a simple, non-government issued tag or plate that reflects your assertion of private travel and sovereignty.
Affidavit of Status & Jurisdiction
The Affidavit of Status & Jurisdiction is a formal document that proves your lawful standing as a State National. This affidavit is crucial for clarifying your legal position and asserting that you are not subject to federal or state regulations that apply to U.S. citizens or commercial drivers. By filing and recording this affidavit with the appropriate public offices, you make it clear that you are traveling under common law and constitutional rights, not commercial law.
This affidavit serves as evidence if you're ever questioned or stopped, ensuring that your status and jurisdiction are legally recognized.
Travel Rights and Legal Protection
While a Notice of Liability is not included, we recommend completing the State Nationals Rights (SNR) Memberships. This membership ensures that you have the necessary tools and resources for legal protection should you encounter any issues with law enforcement.
If you find yourself in a difficult situation, consider enrolling in the Due Process Defender program and the Travel Class, which provide additional support and legal guidance. There are separate options available for citizens and State Nationals.
Additionally, the Travel Book is an essential resource for understanding your rights and protections while traveling. It serves as a guide to help you assert your freedom to travel and navigate any potential legal challenges.
Risks & How to Handle Interactions with Police
When asserting your right to travel and operating privately, there are potential risks associated with interactions with law enforcement. While State Nationals are not required to comply with the same commercial regulations as drivers, some officers may not be familiar with these distinctions, leading to possible tickets, towing, or even arrest in some situations. It’s important to know how to respond in these encounters to protect your rights and avoid escalating the situation.
Possible Outcomes
While State Nationals have the right to travel freely, law enforcement may not always recognize this, especially if they are unaware of the legal distinctions between traveling and driving. Here are some possible outcomes you could face during an interaction with police:
Ticket: Officers may issue a ticket for failing to comply with registration, insurance, or tagging requirements, even though you are using your vehicle for personal travel. The officer might believe you are operating as a commercial driver, which is why the ticket may be issued.
Towing: In some cases, the officer might tow your vehicle if they believe you’re operating without the necessary registration or insurance. This typically happens when there is a misunderstanding regarding the legal distinction between commercial driving and personal travel.
Arrest: If the officer is unaware of the law or chooses to enforce commercial regulations, you could face arrest. This could happen if the officer believes you’re violating traffic laws that apply to commercial drivers, rather than travelers. However, an arrest is usually avoidable with proper communication and knowledge of your rights.
How to Respond
When dealing with law enforcement, it’s important to remain calm, respectful, and firm in asserting your rights. Here are a few tips on how to handle these situations:
Stay in Honor, Remain Calm, and Assert Rights Without Aggression: The key to handling any interaction with police is to stay honorable and calm. Aggression or hostility will only escalate the situation. Instead, assert your rights respectfully and clearly. Remind the officer that you are exercising your constitutional right to travel, and you’re not engaged in commercial activity. Keep the tone polite but firm to avoid unnecessary confrontation.
Offer Educational Material or Notice of Liability: If the officer is unaware of the distinction between traveling and driving, consider offering educational material that explains your rights. Alternatively, you can present a Notice of Liability, which notifies the officer that any actions taken against you (such as issuing a ticket or towing your vehicle) may result in liability for the officer or the state. This is a protective measure that can help ensure your rights are respected.
SNR Tip: Record All Encounters
It’s always a good idea to record your interactions with law enforcement, especially when asserting your right to travel. Having video or audio documentation can serve as evidence if you need to challenge any ticket, towing, or arrest later. Recording provides a clear, objective account of what transpired during the encounter and can protect you legally if the situation escalates.
Document and Follow Up with Affidavit and Notices: After any encounter with law enforcement, make sure to document the event thoroughly. Follow up by filing the appropriate affidavits and notices, including your Affidavit of Status & Jurisdiction and Notice of Liability. This ensures your position is legally clear, and it can provide further protection in case of future interactions. Additionally, if the situation involves any unlawful actions, the documents you file will serve as a record for possible legal recourse.
The SNR Method: Lawful Travel Without Fear
Traveling privately and lawfully without fear of government interference is not only possible but achievable by following the SNR method. By taking specific, legal steps, you can correct your status, remove yourself from the commercial system, and ensure that your right to travel is protected. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to travel freely and safely, while maintaining sovereign status.
Step-by-Step:
1. Complete AOR – Correct Your Status
The first step in the SNR method is to complete the Affidavit of Repudiation (AOR), which is the foundational document that corrects your legal status. By filing the AOR, you are formally rejecting U.S. citizenship and asserting your State National status. This step is crucial because it removes you from the federal system and affirms your right to travel freely without being subjected to commercial regulations designed for drivers.
2. Remove Plates, Tags, and Registration (Optional)
After completing the AOR and ensuring your legal status is properly corrected, some individuals choose to remove commercial plates, tags, and registration from their vehicles. While this is an option, it is not a requirement. If you decide to proceed with this, it ensures that your vehicle is no longer treated as a commercial vehicle but as one used for private travel.
3. Use Private Travel Documents and Placards
Once your vehicle is properly de-registered, it's important to use private travel documents and placards to assert your sovereign status. These can include a Right to Travel placard, which makes it clear that your vehicle is used for personal travel, not commercial purposes. By displaying these documents or placards, you proactively inform law enforcement and other authorities of your private status, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings or interference.
4. Learn How to Handle Roadside Interactions Lawfully
The final step in the SNR method is to learn how to handle roadside interactions lawfully. If you are stopped by law enforcement, it's important to remain calm, respectful, and firm in asserting your rights. Know your legal status and be prepared to present the appropriate documents. Remember, you are exercising your right to travel, and law enforcement should respect that right. If questioned, politely present educational material or documents that explain your legal standing, and avoid escalating the situation.
Final Word: Freedom Isn’t Given — It’s Reclaimed
You were born with the right to travel freely on public roads, a natural and constitutional right that cannot be taken away. However, for many, this freedom is obscured by the system, which presumes you're a commercial driver unless you lawfully assert otherwise. The legal framework treats you as a driver engaged in commerce, subject to tags, insurance, and registration requirements.
But the truth is, you don’t have to accept this presumption. By following the proper steps to correct your status and assert your right to travel, you can reclaim your freedom and remove yourself from the constraints of commercial law. Do you need insurance to travel? The answer is no, as long as you’re not engaged in commercial activity. Freedom isn’t given by the system — it is reclaimed when you take action and assert your sovereign rights to move without interference.
The choice is yours: reclaim your right to travel, stand in your sovereignty, and move freely without the imposition of commercial regulations. Your freedom is yours to reclaim — it’s time to take that first step.
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