If a driver gets pulled over without proof of insurance, a proposed bill will allow them to waive the penalties or fines if they can prove they had insurance at the time.
Right now, drivers who get pulled over without insurance face a $400 fine the first time and a $1,000 fine for every instance after that.
SB97 from Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley City, still imposes a minimum $400 fine for driving without insurance and raises the criminal penalty for an infraction to a class C misdemeanor.
But, any and all penalties are dismissed if the driver can prove they had insurance at the time of the traffic stop.
Additionally, if the motorist purchases insurance after the traffic stop, and demonstrates that to the court, then a judge can waive up to $300 of the $400 fine.
“I’d rather have someone spend $300 on buying insurance than a fine for not having it,” said Thatcher.
