Should I have driven it home anyway?

Being woefully unaware of New York state law regarding auto insurance, I accidentally let my coverage lapse. I had to surrender my plates today. I can pay a fine and get my plates back, but the catch is that I can’t do it until 24 hours have elapsed. I had my car towed home from the DMV parking lot, because there were no plates on it. What would have happened if I had decided to risk it and drive home anyway?