Uninsured drivers: Can Illinois authorities stop them from dirivng?
In 2007, Illinois passed a law taking away driving privileges from uninsured motorists. However, the threat of having your license suspended for three months, doesn't appear to have an affect.
Since the law took affect in 2007, over 115,000 Illinois drivers had their licenses suspended after being convicted of driving without insurance. In 2008, 68,000 people had their licenses suspended and so far this year, about 31,000 drivers have lost their driving privileges.
According to Representative Bill Black, R-Danville, the law was intended to try and stop people from driving with no insurance. While he was happy to see that people driving without insurance were punished, it bothers him that there are still drivers out there getting caught driving without insurance.
"It's just not working. There are thousand of people driving without insurance."
Secretary of State spokesman Henry Haupt, looks at the numbers differently. "We do think the law is working." According to Haupt, every time someone receive a conviction for driving without insurance, they receive a letter from the state telling them that their license is suspended for 3 months and why. It lets the driver know when the suspension is over. They must also pay a $100 fine to get their dirving privileges back.
Kevin Martin, the executive director of the Illinois Insurance Association says that up to 15% of Illinois drivers do not have insurance.
Illinois lawmakers were considering a plan that impounds an uninsured driver's car. However, some Illinois lawmakers question the fairness of such a law to someone who has insurance but may not have their insurance card with them if they are stopped.
If Governour Quinn approves a plan given to him by Illinois lawmakers, uninsured drivers could face up to one year in prison if they are convicted of driving without insurance.
