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SF1179 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Fines increase for failure to provide vehicle insurance

Related bill: HF3106

AI Generated Summary

The bill S.F. No. 1179 aims to update the penalties for driving a vehicle without insurance in Minnesota. It specifies that:

  1. If someone is caught driving without insurance, they will be charged with a misdemeanor. If they commit the same violation within ten years of having two prior similar offenses, it counts as a gross misdemeanor.
  2. If a driver causes an accident resulting in death or serious injury while uninsured, they face severe penalties including potential jail time and higher fines.
  3. Fines for driving without insurance are increased:
    • $200 to $300 for the first offense.
    • $550 if it happens within ten years after a previous offense.
    • $850 for violations within ten years of two or more previous offenses. Community service may substitute the fines for first-time offenders if they cannot afford to pay.
  4. Drivers have the opportunity to present proof of insurance by the date of their first court appearance to avoid conviction, either directly or by mail.
  5. If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, they must provide the court with the vehicle owner’s details. The vehicle owner then has to provide proof of insurance or face a misdemeanor charge.
  6. Any consecutive legal punishments for related offenses must follow specific legal guidelines.
  7. Convicted individuals may face a driver's license revocation for up to 12 months. If the operator owns the vehicle, its registration can also be revoked for the same duration.
  8. Before reinstatement of a license or vehicle registration, proof of insurance must be provided to the Department of Public Safety.

Overall, the bill enhances penalties and enforces stricter compliance with vehicle insurance laws to ensure all drivers carry mandatory insurance.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 09, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 09, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 09, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toTransportation
February 09, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes a provision for community service in lieu of fine for indigent defendants."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies penalties for failure to provide vehicle insurance under section 169.797.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts fine amounts for repeat violations based on time frame of previous violations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.797",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Definition of 'substantial bodily harm' as used in increased penalties.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Requirement for vehicle insurance security filing as condition for driver’s license reinstatement.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "65B.48",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Statute allowing consecutive sentences for offenses arising out of a single course of conduct.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.035",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Statute requiring notification of address changes to the Department of Public Safety.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.11",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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