Relating to documentation required to be carried in a motor vehicle, including vehicle registration cards and proof of financial liability coverage cards, and including effective date provisions

Under current law, persons are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle on a highway unless financial liability coverage is in effect for the motor vehicle and unless the driver has in the motor vehicle the proof of financial liability coverage card issued for the motor vehicle, or if the motor vehicle is registered in another state, other evidence that financial liability coverage is in effect for the motor vehicle. A proof of financial liability coverage card may be produced in paper or electronic format, including on a cellular telephone. A person cited for failing to provide proof of financial liability coverage who produces to the clerk of court, prior to the date of the person’s court appearance, proof that the coverage was in effect for the motor vehicle at the time the person was stopped and cited, or if the driver is not the owner of the motor vehicle, proof that coverage was in effect for the driver with respect to the motor vehicle being driven at the time the driver was stopped and cited in the same manner as if the motor vehicle were owned by the driver, is given a receipt indicating that proof was provided, and the citation issued is dismissed by the court. Upon dismissal, the court or clerk of court assesses the costs of the action against the defendant named on the citation. A person convicted for violating the financial liability coverage requirements in connection with a motor vehicle accident is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable by a scheduled fine of $645. A person otherwise convicted for violating the financial liability coverage requirements is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable by a scheduled fine of $325. However, this bill provides that a citation issued for failure to provide proof of financial liability coverage must first provide for a 72-hour period within which the person charged with the violation may provide proof of financial liability coverage in effect at the time the person was stopped and cited. If the person provides the proof, the citation must be expunged. Under the bill, a peace officer is prohibited from removing the motor vehicle’s plates and registration receipt and impounding the motor vehicle until the 72-hour period expires. Current law requires a vehicle’s registration card to be carried at all times in the vehicle and to be shown to any peace officer upon the officer’s request. The bill exempts a person from those requirements when the valid registration sticker issued to the vehicle owner is properly displayed on the rear registration plate. A person convicted for failing to carry, show, or display proof of a vehicle’s registration is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable by a scheduled fine of $30. The bill takes effect upon enactment.