REP. THOMASON PUSHING BILL TO TIGHTEN MANDATORY AUTO INSURANCE LAW

JEFFERSON CITY - State Rep. Larry Thomason says he is concerned that too many people are driving vehicles without insurance, even though Missouri law requires mandatory liability insurance on vehicles.

So, the Kennett Democrat is once again planning to push a bill next year that he believes "will put some teeth" in the state law by increasing penalties and requiring police officers to seek proof of insurance on all stops.

"There are just too many people out here who do not carry auto insurance," said Thomason. "If they are not responsible enough to carry insurance, they ought not be driving.

"If you cannot afford auto insurance you cannot afford to drive. Driving is not a right, it is a luxury. Nowhere in the constitution does it say you have a right to free insurance."

Thomason handled similar bills the last two sessions only to see them die as part of larger bills.

"Each year I have sponsored it, the bills have become more comprehensive, and this year I think we have the best bill we have introduced on this subject," said Thomason. "Taken by itself, without being part of another bill, I think it's got a good chance."

Thomason said he is concerned by reports that as many as one third of motorists in Southeast Missouri don't have insurance, even though it is required by state law.

"People in the insurance industry say that one reason rates are so high in the southeast part of the state is there are so many uninsured motorists," said Thomason. "Why should we be paying higher insurance to cover people who don't buy it."

Under Thomason's bill, anyone stopped for an infraction by police officers would be required to provide proof of insurance. Seeking that proof should become part of the officer's regular routine after stopping a car, the representative believes.

Currently, Thomason said that unless there is an accident there is no reason for police officers to check for insurance.

"But under my bill, anytime an officer stops a car for any reason, part of the routine should be checking for insurance," said Thomason. If the person has no coverage, he believes the officer should pull the license plates and leave the car parked.

Under the current law, whenever people renew auto license plates, they must affirm with their signature that they have coverage with insurance or a bond. But Thomason said many people who don't have insurance lie when they renew their license by signing the form indicating they have it.

Under his bill, documents would have to be produced at the time a license is renewed providing proof of insurance.

But that alone will not solve the problem because some people will buy insurance long enough to renew their license. That's why having routine enforcement by police officers is so important.

Said Thomason: "Penalties for allowing an uninsured vehicle on the road need to be severe. It's time people who are responsible get a break. Penalties for driving without insurance should be revocation of the driver's license and monetary fines. The whole purpose of this bill is to get uninsured motorists off the road."