Miss. Senate Tightens ‘Proof of Insurance’ Requirements

A bill which will require Mississippi motorists to show proof of insurance when they have a vehicle inspected, are stopped at a roadblock or buy a new automobile license plate was passed yesterday by the Senate.

The House version of the bill required the Department of Public Safety to maintain a database of insured motorists, but the Senate removed that requirement from its version of the bill.

Passage of this requirement leaves Tennessee as the only southern states without a law that requires proof of insurance according to Dean Kirby, R-Pearl, State Insurance Committee Chairman.

Current Mississippi law only requires motorists stopped for speeding or some other infraction to show proof of insurance. For failing to have insurance they face a $1,000 fine. However, if they purchase insurance before their court date, the fine is $100. Under House and Senate versions of the bill, the fine would increase to $500.

Car owners who purchase a new car tag, or renew it over the Internet or through the mail would not have to show proof of insurance, Kirby said.