HF3106 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Fines for failure to provide vehicle insurance increased.
Related bill: SF1179
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
This bill aims to increase the penalties for drivers in Minnesota who fail to provide necessary vehicle insurance. It seeks to amend existing laws to enforce more stringent consequences for such violations, enhancing road safety and compliance with insurance requirements.
Main Provisions
Increased Fines: The bill proposes higher fines for those found driving without insurance:
- At least $550 for a second offense within ten years.
- At least $850 for a third or subsequent offense within ten years.
Misdemeanor and Gross Misdemeanor Classification:
- First offenses are classified as misdemeanors.
- Subsequent offenses within ten years are classified as gross misdemeanors.
Proof of Insurance Requirements:
- Drivers can avoid conviction if they present proof of insurance by their first court appearance.
- If the driver is not the vehicle owner, they must provide the owner's insurance details.
Vehicle Owner Responsibilities:
- Vehicle owners must provide proof of insurance within ten days if requested by law enforcement.
- Failure to comply results in misdemeanor charges.
License and Registration Revocation:
- Convicted drivers face license revocation for up to 12 months.
- Vehicle registration may also be revoked for owners, requiring proof of insurance for reinstatement.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill introduces stricter penalties with increased fines and potential for gross misdemeanor charges for repeat offenders.
- It includes a provision for possible community service instead of fines for first-time offenders who cannot afford them.
- It mandates the inclusion of these penalties in vehicle registration forms, ensuring that all vehicle owners are informed about the laws.
Relevant Terms
vehicle insurance, fines, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, proof of insurance, license revocation, community service, repeat offender, registration forms, conviction avoidance, vehicle owner responsibility.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 02, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Transportation Finance and Policy |
Citations
[ { "analysis": { "added": [ "Specifies higher fines for subsequent offenses within ten years." ], "removed": [ "" ], "summary": "This bill modifies penalties related to the violation of vehicle insurance requirements under section 169.797.", "modified": [ "Clarifies conditions under which a person is guilty of a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor." ] }, "citation": "169.797", "subdivision": "subdivision 4" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "" ], "removed": [ "" ], "summary": "Referenced in relation to offenses for not providing vehicle insurance.", "modified": [ "" ] }, "citation": "169.791", "subdivision": "" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "" ], "removed": [ "" ], "summary": "Defines terms related to bodily harm, used in context of insurance violations causing bodily harm.", "modified": [ "" ] }, "citation": "609.02", "subdivision": "subdivision 7a" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "" ], "removed": [ "" ], "summary": "Referenced for sentencing guidelines related to insurance violations.", "modified": [ "" ] }, "citation": "609.035", "subdivision": "subdivision 2" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "" ], "removed": [ "" ], "summary": "Referenced regarding the requirement to notify changes to address for vehicle insurance enforcement.", "modified": [ "" ] }, "citation": "171.11", "subdivision": "" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "" ], "removed": [ "" ], "summary": "Referenced for security requirements for vehicle insurance policies.", "modified": [ "" ] }, "citation": "65B.48", "subdivision": "" } ]