MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In an effort to keep you and your family safe, the state of Tennessee said they would start cracking down on uninsured drivers.
New laws went into effect Wednesday that punish those putting your family at risk to foot the bill for wrecks.
Thousands of dollars in medical bills, missed time off work and ongoing pain.
Debra and Lylton Powell were the victims of a bad car crash on the streets of Memphis.
“I hurt my neck,” said Debra Powell.
To add insult to injury, the driver that totaled their car didn’t have insurance so the Powell’s insurance had to pay for all the damage.
Their premium more than doubled.
Tennessee lawmakers estimated one in four Tennessee drivers are on the streets and highways without insurance.
They feared what happened to the Powell’s could happen to you.
That’s why the fine for a driver busted without insurance is now triple what it used to be, $300.
But that’s not the only change; drivers must now show proof of insurance when they renew their vehicle registration.
Part of the new law also said law enforcement can tow a car driven by someone that’s uninsured starting next January.
State Representative Antonio Parkinson said the changes will impact even more people in Memphis where he believes the rate of uninsured drivers is higher than the state average.
“Because of our high level of poverty, there are a lot of people driving without insurance,” said Parkinson.
