Can a state enforce its insr. rqmts out-of- state driver?

by dlucaszzz » Fri Mar 05, 2010 03:30 pm

I am a legal resident of Wisconsin, visiting Oregon. My auto coverage lapsed, and of course, that was when I got pulled over. I was issued a citation by an Oregon County for driving with no insurance. I am certain I was told on a few occasions in the past, in other states, that local enforcement could not cite me re: insurance as it is a state requirement of law, and I was Not a resident of the state. I am going to court regarding this in about a half-hour -- I hope to hear from someone beforehand....THANX!

Total Comments: 10

Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 03:49 pm Post Subject:

It doesn't matter where you get pulled over or by whom.

Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 03:52 pm Post Subject:

You are required to have insurance coverage no matter where you drive. Whoever told you different is mistaken. That would be like saying, that because you live in Wisconsin, you don't have to follow the speed limit in Oregon.

Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 04:37 pm Post Subject:

At one time this was mostly correct. These days most states reciprocate. MY friend received a speeding citation in WY and live in UT and has a UT drivers license. He never paid the WY ticket and UT suspended his UT license.

What you are overlooking is that WY requires a vehicle to have insurance when it's used on their streets, period. If you are _in_ WY you are required to obey their laws. You can be fined a cited. As mentioned above, WI will _probably_ honor this and may suspend your licenses until you comply.

Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 12:11 am Post Subject:

There's this thingie out there called the Interstate Drivers License Compact. This is an agreement between 45 states to share conviction and arrest records for certain driver infractions. To quote http://www.1800duilaws.com/dui-info/drivers-licence.asp:

The Interstate Driver's License Compact is an agreement between the 45 participating states to share information regarding certain types of convictions, including Drunk Driving (DUI and DWI) convictions.

Because of the Compact, if a resident of one state gets convicted of a drunk driving offense (DUI and DWI) in another state, the driver's home state will be advised. The type of action that the driver's home state will take will vary from state to state.



The only states that have not signed onto this agreement are Wisconsin, Tennessee, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Michigan, the rest of the states share this information. As you are a resident of Wisconsin, there's a distinct likelihood that since Wisconsin isn't part of the compact agreement at this time, the infraction will not show up on your Wisconsin MVR. You got lucky...maybe.

InsTeacher 8)

Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 12:20 am Post Subject:

Missouri is attempting to close a loophole in their state statutes requiring out of state drivers who drive in Missouri to carry insurance or face penalties. Currently an out of state uninsured motorist faces no criminal charges or penalties for driving without coverage and damaging a missouri vehicle owner's car.

All states, including Missouri, have minimum liability laws. The required amount of insurance varies from state to state, but all require at least some level of protection in case of an accident. However, due to a quirk in Missouri law, there is no penalty for an out-of-state driver not carrying liability insurance



http://newstribune.com/articles/2010/02/16/opinion/nt319op20motorists10.txt

Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 12:13 pm Post Subject:

Criminal charges are one thing, but you can still be cited in MO, if you are out of state and don't carry insurance.

Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 12:33 pm Post Subject:

I am going to court regarding this in about a half-hour -- I hope to hear from someone beforehand....THANX

Well, what did you find out OP? Or to be more acurate...How much was your fine?

Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 06:20 pm Post Subject: In-state rqmts / Out-of-state driver

Thanks everyone for the info! Oregon localities seems to be "refreshing" in their court procedures - I have the entire week to deal with citation(s), just so * show up before 9:00 am! Ultimately will have to pay some fine amount. Will go to "Seat Belt School," still working on trying to have fine waived for no insurance. As it happened, I renewed my policy (which had lapsed) on the same day that I was later pulled over and cited. The renewed policy was in force on the following day and cannot be changed. So on Monday will go before the judge. The "reduced" fine is $216! Would certainly rather pay that to the insurance company! Just hoping that I can avoid paying the fine - but after all, I was not technically insured on the day pulled over. That is only my own fault.

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2010 02:01 pm Post Subject:

yeah, it stinks...I'd be surprised if they waive it, but hey stranger things have happened...good luck and let us know.

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2010 06:04 pm Post Subject: driving without insurance

driving without insurance is a major offense here in nj.....they can and will....suspend....your licene for 6 months....if you get away with just a fine.....be happy....since you now have coverage.....you can blame a miscomunication.....with the insurance company.........blame the insurance company.....if you talk to the proscutor.....he may just reduce it to not have documents with you.....smile be charming......you may have dodged a bullet.....all the courts really want.... is your money....good luck.....

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