Relating to the minimum amounts required for motor vehicle financial responsibility, and making penalties applicable

This bill increases the minimum amounts of coverage required under Code chapter 321A for motor vehicle financial responsibility for bodily injury or death of one person ($20,000 to $50,000), bodily injury or death of two or more persons ($40,000 to $100,000), and property damage ($15,000 to $50,000). The bill makes corresponding changes to provisions regarding associated policies, bonds, and judgments. The bill also increases the minimum amount of coverage required for property damage for evidence of financial responsibility under Code chapter 321F (leasing and renting of vehicles) ($10,000 to $50,000) and for drivers while not engaged in a prearranged ride under Code chapter 321N (transportation network companies) ($25,000 to $50,000). Under current law, the minimum amount of coverage required under those circumstances is already $50,000 and $100,000 for bodily injury or death of one person and two or more persons, respectively. A person who violates a provision of Code chapter 321A which does not otherwise provide a penalty commits a serious misdemeanor, punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $430 but not more than $2,560.20B prohibits a person, including a transportation network company driver, from driving a motor vehicle unless financial liability coverage is in effect for the vehicle and the person carries proof of such coverage. By operation of law, the associated coverage amounts are increased by the bill.20B commits a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $325 scheduled fine. If a violation is discovered in connection with a motor vehicle accident, the fine increases to $645. The person is also subject to possible removal of the vehicle’s registration plates and registration receipt, and impoundment of the vehicle. A person who violates a provision of Code chapter 321F is guilty of a simple misdemeanor. A simple misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than 30 days and a fine of at least $105 but not more than $855.