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Motor Vehicle Proof of Insurance Requirements Change
Ultimate Goal is to Make Driving Safer

(ANCHORAGE) - Starting Tuesday Alaskans must start carrying proof of motor vehicle liability insurance in their automobile or on their person while driving or risk being charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or a jail sentence of not more than 90 days, or both. The privilege to drive or registration of vehicles may also be suspended or revoked.

Although mandatory insurance became law more than a decade ago, proof of such insurance was not required unless one was involved in an accident. The new provision became law this year when Rep. Norman Rokeberg's much lauded Omnibus Drunk Driving (HB 4) legislation was amended in Senate Finance and passed the legislature.

Although the state penalty for driving without proof of insurances caps at $500 or up to 90 days in jail or both, local municipalities are given the option of implementing even tougher ordinances and higher fines. Anchorage has already exercised this option and its new ordinance goes into effect January 1, 2003.

"Given the number of Alaskans driving without insurance, I welcomed this amendment to my House Bill 4," said Rep. Rokeberg. "The ultimate goal of House Bill 4 is to make our streets safer. First by dealing with the growing problem of drunk drivers and second by making sure that those who use our roads are financially responsible for their actions."

Rokeberg calls the amendment a very cost effective provision, since the driver merely has to show proof of insurance. He said such proof includes a card provided by the insurance company, copy of the policy or an electronic certificate from the insurance provider.

Rokeberg also explains that if a driver is stopped and does not have proof of insurance, the ticket will be dismissed by the driver presenting to the court or police station proof that insurance was in effect when the ticket was issued.

"This is common sense approach to enforce our current automobile insurance laws and doesn't add additional burden to the public or to the cost of government." Rokeberg stated.

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