Mich. Senators Rethink Fines for No Proof Insurance

The Michigan Senate voted 32-5 to do away with a $300 fine that has been assessed against drivers with no proof of insurance, according to the Lansing State Journal.

The law authorizing the fine, which took effect Oct. 1, 2003, was intended generate revenue while targeting drivers who exhibited a pattern of misbehavior, such as driving without a license and not having insurance or proof of insurance.

But in the past few weeks, about 32,000 drivers were sent letters saying they were in violation of the law, the Driver Responsibility Act, and owed $300 in fines. A large number of people have complained that they had insurance at the time.

The bill still must go to the House and be signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat who has said she supports it.