Driving without auto insurance in California
Photo by Nathan Dumlao

New Laws Crack Down on Uninsured Motorists

Here is an extended version explaining the DMV in more detail while keeping the text readable for a 10th grade level:

New Laws Crack Down on Uninsured Motorists

The California government has started a three-phase plan focused on uninsured motorists. This plan targets law-abiding citizens who pay for insurance and don’t make false claims. The plan will be strictly enforced to make uninsured drivers face consequences.

Difficult Times In California For Auto Insurance

DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) Will Be Notified if Insurance Lapses

Starting January 1st, insurance agencies must electronically submit proof of financial responsibility to the DMV. The DMV keeps track of who has valid car insurance. If your insurance coverage lapses or is cancelled, the DMV will be notified right away. They will send you a notice along with your vehicle registration renewal paperwork. This notice will request proof of current insurance before they can renew your registration.

Police Can Check Insurance Status

If you get pulled over by police on or after July 1st, claiming you left your insurance card at home will no longer work. Police officers have access to the same DMV insurance database as the DMV workers. They can check your insurance status on the spot.

DMV Will Suspend Registrations of Uninsured Drivers

On October 6th, the DMV will begin suspending the registrations of any uninsured motorists in their system. There’s no way around it – you must have valid insurance to legally drive your car.

While some drivers choose not to have insurance, others simply can’t afford it. The California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program is now offered in more counties to help lower income drivers get covered.

In Los Angeles alone, 1 in 4 drivers are uninsured. When the new laws take effect, these drivers must get insured immediately or stop driving.

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