Original Article Uninsured drivers, beware of new law Napolitano signs measure Elvia Diaz The Arizona Republic Apr. 20, 2005 12:00 AM Gov. Janet Napolitano has signed a bill aimed at cracking down on uninsured and unlicensed drivers in Arizona. The measure requires the immediate impounding of the vehicle of any driver found at the scene of a traffic accident without auto insurance and a driver's license. It will become law 90 days after the legislative session ends. "Arizonans are fed up with uninsured drivers," said Rep. Robert Meza, a Phoenix Democrat and one of the bill's sponsors. "This will force some folks to take their driving privileges seriously." Had Meza's bill been the law last March, a woman who destroyed his car and sent him to the hospital wouldn't have walked away without facing hefty fines. Signed into law Monday, Senate Bill 1420 will make a 30-day impoundment mandatory and impose a $500 mandatory fine for a lack of insurance, up from $200. Motorists will be slapped with a $700 fine for the second offense within three years. Until now, it has been up to police officers to impound a vehicle when a driver lacks insurance. Officers generally cite drivers without seizing the vehicle, Meza and others advocates of the legislation said. The measure grew out of complaints from residents across Arizona who ended up in the hospital or lost relatives in automobile accidents with uninsured drivers. While carrying insurance and a driver's license won't necessarily prevent accidents, proponents believe it will help ensure that individuals take responsibility when an accident happens. "This is about making Arizona roads safer," said Sen. Jim Waring, R-Phoenix and co-sponsor the bill. "People who get hit by someone who doesn't have a license and insurance will see a dramatically different outcome." Proof of insurance is required under Arizona law, but the Arizona Automobile Association estimates that about 40 percent of Arizona's drivers may lack insurance. In 2004, there were 5.2 million vehicle registrations in the state. Reach the reporter at elvia.diaz@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-8948.