They wonder whether the number of insurance scofflaws could be decreased by increasing fines, lengthening suspension periods, and other measures.

Sen. Lane Beattie, R-West Bountiful, said all Utahns would see their insurance rates drop if the state could reduce the number of uninsured vehicles.

"We have to make the decision of whether we condone (driving without insurance) or not, because we all pay for it," said Sen. Joe Hull, D-Hooper.

The idea of increasing penalties surfaced as legislators met this week to discuss a report on the stat's system of tracking uninsured motorists.

The Legislative Auditor General report suggests the state might reduce the number of uninsured drivers by making it more painful not to have car insurance.

According to Insure-Rite Inc., the company that tracks Utah's insured motorists, about 9 percent, or 120,000 cars and trucks, have no insurance coverage.

Insure-Rite gathers data monthly from insurance companies and checks that against vehicle registration records. The system allows public-safety officers to check the database in ther cruisers by computer.

Drivers who have no insurance of no proof of insurance can be cited with a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Other possible punishments include loss of an operator's license, suspension of vehicle registration, and other penalties. Those usually are not imposed unless an accident has occurred or another crime has been committed.

Although Insure-Rite sends notes to drivers who appear to be violating the law, the notices are merely reminders and have no force of law. Punishment is likely only for those caught by police and punished in court.

The penalties could be more consistent. In Connecticut, for example, proof of coverage is required, and vehicle owners who don't furnish it have their registrations suspended until they can provide a certificate of financial responsibility for three years, plus a $100 registration fee.

In Maryland, insurance lapses cost $150 for the first 30 days, with $7-per-day charge for every day beyond 30 there is no insurance.

Lawmakers also discussed whether there is a need to continue contracting with Insure-Rite to identify uninsured drivers.

They questioned whether the company's work in reducing the number of uninsured motorists has been as effective as the company claims.

Insurance companies dispute that. They say they have not seen an increase in requests for new policies, nor a decrease in the number of accident claims by uninsured drivers.