Well, its about dang time.
I am sure there are plenty of folks who have been victims of uninsured drivers who feel the same way I do.
The figure and percentages are from 2003.
AUSTIN — Law enforcement officers can instantly verify whether a motorist has required liability insurance through a new state database.
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers are using the system and offering it to local agencies.
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers are using the system and offering it to local agencies.
The statewide rollout follows a field test program by the DPS in the Austin area.
“If you don't have liability insurance for your vehicle, your chances of getting a ticket just went up dramatically,” DPS Lt. Louis Sanchez said.
“If you don't have liability insurance for your vehicle, your chances of getting a ticket just went up dramatically,” DPS Lt. Louis Sanchez said.
The program was created by lawmakers in 2005 and is supposed to reduce the number of drivers lacking insurance, estimated to be about one in five.
The database was made available to tax assessor-collectors in June and may be implemented at vehicle inspection stations.
The database was made available to tax assessor-collectors in June and may be implemented at vehicle inspection stations.
It is designed to work with the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, which officers now use to check whether a driver is wanted on criminal charges.
Officers can use a license plate or VIN number to check drivers' insurance status.
Drivers should still carry their paper insurance cards in their vehicles, though.
Officers can use a license plate or VIN number to check drivers' insurance status.
Drivers should still carry their paper insurance cards in their vehicles, though.
Driving without liability insurance carries a maximum fine of $350. Repeat offenders are subject to a two-year driver's license suspension.
Officials from the San Antonio police department and Bexar County sheriff's office did not return calls Thursday.
Officials from the San Antonio police department and Bexar County sheriff's office did not return calls Thursday.
