By Trooper Terry C. Smith
We have all, at one time or another, complained about the
high cost of insurance. We have tried several different things
to make sure drivers are insured but we still have a large
number of uninsured drivers. So, in 1994, the Legislature
passed House Bill 33. This was designed to provide law enforcement
and State agencies with the last "leg" of the electronic verification
pyramid which is insurance verification.
Up to now, the State provided electronic databases access
for driver's license information and vehicle registration
information only. Now, the current insurance status of all
drivers can also be provided. One check can verify the status
of driver's license, registration, and mandatory automobile
insurance.
As you are aware, all motorists must carry, at the very
minimum, no-fault insurance in the State of Utah. Unfortunately
many people in the state buy insurance for their vehicle
and as soon as it is inspected and registered they cancel
the policy. Now we will be able to check through the computer
system to make sure their policy is still in effect. If
it's not, you can receive a citation which carries a $150.00
fine. Hopefully, this will encourage people to keep their
auto insurance in force.
Who knows, maybe those of us who have always paid may
even see a decrease in our premiums!
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