CHP Finds 43% Lack Car Policy Proof

More than 40% of the drivers stopped by the California Highway Patrol this week failed to show proof of auto insurance as required by a new state law, the CHP said Friday.

Under the law that took effect Monday, drivers stopped for a moving traffic violation can be asked for proof of insurance. Failure to present the proof could result in a fine, plus a possible driver’s license suspension.

CHP spokesman Kent Milton said 43.5% of the 5,435 drivers stopped by patrol officers Monday through Thursday could not supply the required evidence of car insurance.

The 43.5% figure was a “lot more than we expected,” he said.

“A lot of people are not aware of the law,” Milton added.

He said 41.5% were able to show the required evidence. The remaining 15% were people exempt from the law, including out-of-state drivers and drivers of commercial vehicles owned by someone else.