Minnesota Task Force Working to Identify Uninsured Drivers

State legislators are working on ways to better identify Minnesotans who drive without auto insurance.

Sen. Susan Kent says the state has a law mandating insurance, yet doesn’t have a meaningful verification system. Kent heads the uninsured motorist task force that is expected to come up with recommendations by Feb. 1.

Minnesota Public Radio reports the insurance industry estimates 10 to 20 percent of Minnesotans drive without insurance. And, those uninsured motorists drive up premium costs for insured drivers.

Motorists don’t have to show proof of insurance when renewing a vehicle’s registration. Currently, uninsured drivers could lose their drivers’ licenses and be fined about $300.

The task force met Tuesday in St. Paul. Members include law enforcement personnel, insurance industry representatives and others.