HB 1953 Summary

• Allows law enforcement officers to impound motor vehicles at their discretion when the driver cannot provide proof of insurance and one or more conditions occur: a serious traffic violation is cited, the driver is a repeat violator, or the vehicle has registration/license plate violations.

• Requires an inventory of vehicle contents when impounded and makes the owner responsible for impoundment costs under existing towing and storage laws.

• If the vehicle is not impounded, the officer must remove and impound the license plate and issue a temporary sticker valid for 10 days; the department suspends registration effective 10 days after the plate is taken.

• Establishes a $25 fine for failure to present proof of insurance when coverage was actually in effect, with 80% of fines going to the Arkansas Citizens First Responder Safety Enhancement Fund and 20% to the court.

• Requires owners to present proof of renewed insurance coverage to the department and pay a $20 reinstatement fee to restore suspended registration and receive a new license plate.