HB 5032 Summary

• Changes violation of operating uninsured motor vehicle from civil infraction to misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment or fine up to $500 for first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses.

• Requires insurance companies to notify Secretary of State when automobile insurance policy expires, is terminated, or is canceled; Secretary of State must enter this information into law enforcement information network.

• Authorizes police officers to immediately confiscate and destroy registration plates and impound uninsured vehicles upon discovery; owner liable for removal and storage costs.

• Requires courts to notify Secretary of State of vehicle registration numbers when owner/operator found guilty of operating uninsured vehicle; Secretary of State cannot renew, transfer, or replace registration plates until owner complies with insurance requirements.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment and is contingent on passage of HB 5031.