Okla. Sen. Authors Bill to Identify Uninsured Drivers

Oklahoma State Senator James A. Williamson has authored legislation to help identify uninsured motorists. Under his proposal, vehicle owners would be required to display a decal on the driver’s side of the windshield verifying insurance coverage and the dates the policy covers.

“We’ve been told by the Department of Public Safety, an estimated 25 to 35 percent of motorists out there are uninsured,” said Williamson, R-Tulsa. “As a result, many law-abiding Oklahomans may be left holding the bag when they’re involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. It also impacts the premiums insured motorists pay.”

Williamson said that individuals with collision insurance for accidents with uninsured motorist often wind up taking a financial hit to the tune of hundreds of dollars because of the required deductible. Those who carry only liability insurance could be out thousands of dollars.

“By requiring drivers to display this decal verifying they have insurance, we’re giving law enforcement a new tool to catch uninsured motorist before they victimize another driver,” Williamson said.

Under Williamson’s proposal, failure to display the insurance verification decal would carry a fine of $50 plus court costs.

“But more importantly, it would help law enforcement identify uninsured motorists before an accident occurs,” Williamson said. “Hopefully this will help increase the enforcement of the uninsured motorist law and reduce the number of people who are hit by uninsured motorist.”

Source: Oklahoma State Senate