R.I. Governor Vetoes 24-Hour Insurance Proof Bill as ‘Unnecessary’

Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri has vetoed a bill that would have given Rhode Island drivers 24 hours to produce proof of insurance after they are stopped by a police officer or involved in an accident.

The legislation was among the bills Carcieri vetoed Monday after the General Assembly passed hundreds of measures during a marathon 14-hour session that ended in a frenzy early Saturday morning.

Carcieri wrote in his veto message that the insurance bill creates an unnecessary and burdensome increase in administrative paperwork for law-enforcement agencies.

He noted that state law requires drivers to keep proof of insurance with them while driving. They can also contest a citation in court if they have insurance, but did not have it with them at the time of a traffic stop or accident, Carcieri said.

House spokesman Larry Berman said the leadership of the Assembly is waiting to see all the legislation that the governor vetoes before deciding which to override.