HB0253 May, Brian H.

P R E F I L E D

HB 253 -- Uninsured Motorists

The bill requires that an owner's insurance be the primary coverage on a vehicle and that the nonowner operator's coverage be excess coverage.

Related to uninsured motorists, the bill:

(1) Requires vehicle owners to show financial responsibility when registering a vehicle;

(2) Requires the Department of Revenue to suspend, for at least 2 years, the license of certain persons who fail to provide security for damages arising out of an accident where their vehicle was uninsured. After the 2-year period, reinstatement is not allowed until the person has filed proof of financial responsibility with the Department of Revenue, restitution is made to all persons, and a reinstatement fee of $1,000 is paid;

(3) Requires the Department of Revenue to inform persons who received a traffic ticket and did not have proof of financial responsibility that they are required to provide proof within 30 days. If the person fails to show proof of financial responsibility, the director of the Department of Revenue is required to suspend registrations of the owner's vehicles, the owner's license, and the operator's licenses;

(4) Increases the penalty for operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license from a maximum of $500 and 6 months in jail to a maximum of $1,000 and a year in jail;

(5) Increases the penalty for knowingly allowing a person to operate one's vehicle with a suspended or revoked license from a maximum of $500 and 6 months in jail to a maximum of $1,000 and a year in jail;

(6) Prohibits the court from suspending imposition of sentence for either of the above crimes;

(7) Requires that persons convicted of either crime be imprisoned for at least 30 days, unless as a condition of parole or probation the person does at least 10 days and 100 hours of community service; and

(8) Allows policies covering historic vehicles to not include uninsured motorist coverage.