Motor vehicle accident reporting requirements and financial responsibility for certain motor vehicle accidents. (FE)

Failure to report an accident may result in a forfeiture of not less than $200 nor more than $500 or, for a second or subsequent offense within a year, a forfeiture of not less than $300 nor more than $500. In addition, the operator's motor vehicle operating privilege and any vehicle registrations may be suspended unless there was excusable cause for failing to report the accident or no person or property other than the operator's was injured or damaged in the accident.

Also under current law, as to the operator or owner of a motor vehicle that is involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more, the secretary of transportation is required to determine the amount of security necessary to satisfy any judgment for damages resulting from the accident that may be recovered against the owner or operator and notify the owner or operator of the amount that must be deposited with the secretary. A deposit is not required if the person can provide proof of financial responsibility in the form of an applicable motor vehicle liability insurance policy or bond in effect at the time of the accident providing not less than the following amounts for any single accident: $25,000 for one person, $50,000 for more than one person, and $10,000 for property damage.

With certain exceptions, failure to provide proof of financial responsibility or a deposit of security after an accident results in suspension of the operator's motor vehicle operating privilege or of the registration of any vehicles registered by the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident. The secretary of transportation may also order that any motor vehicle owned by the operator or owner of the motor vehicle that is involved in the accident be impounded. Any suspension or motor vehicle impoundment continues until the person provides a deposit of security or otherwise clears his or her liability or a year elapses without an action being commenced as a result of the accident.

This bill increases the minimum property damage for both of these purposes from $1,000 to $1,500.