State Cracks Down on Uninsured Drivers

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The state is cracking down on uninsured drivers. Insurance checks will soon be computerized and your information will be at law enforcement's fingertips.

The goal is to have the computerized system up and running in a couple of months. State officials want uninsured drivers to take this as a warning because before long law officers will know right away if someone is driving without coverage.

"I don't think there is a reason why someone should be driving without insurance," said driver Preston Willoughby.

But thousands of Oklahomans do. That's the very reason digital insurance checks will be part of every routine law enforcement stop. The purpose is to get uninsured drivers off the road and prevent future headaches for those following the law.

"My mother got hit and it was a false insurance statement, looked real and everything and then when they went after the guy they never found him," said driver Sophia Myrick.

The state's first line of defense is at tag agencies when drivers renew their tags or register their vehicles. Agents have been using the automated system since October.

"It's great for us because we don't have to worry about if it is legitimate or not," said tag agent Debra Washington.

Washington said the only downside is that not every insurance company is in the database. State officials said it's only a hand full of small companies that are not onboard yet. Most drivers are happy to hear the state is doing something.

"Whatever it takes for people to have to get insurance," said Willoughby.

State officials say the other benefit is the money saved. If more people are covered, then insurance premiums go down.

Five Oklahoma police departments are piloting the program; Duncan, Bristow, Eufaula, Jones and Seminole will begin using the system in a few weeks.