Stiffer Penalties Called For Driving Without Insurance

Controversy is brewing in a Michigan House committee over a polarizing series of bills that aim to crack down on people who drive without car insurance.

The legislation, would among other things, call for the Michigan Secretary of State’s office to revoke the registration of someone driving without insurance.

And insurance companies to let the SOS know when someone hasn’t renewed their car insurance.

The bill’s sponsor, State Representative Pete Lucido, R-Shelby Township, also wants cars impounded on the spot when someone is busted for driving without insurance. Right now police issue a ticket.

Republicans and Democrats alike on the House Insurance Committee came out against the proposal saying it unfairly targets poor people.

State Representative Tom Barrett, R-Potterville, suspects most people aren’t driving without insurance because they want to but rather because they can’t afford it.

The measure was not voted on during last week’s hearing.