SB 880

This bill increases the thresholds for reporting a motor vehicle accident causing

damage to the property of another and for purposes of certain requirements related

to deposits of security for past accidents from $1,000 to $1,500 of damage.

Under current law, the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting

in total damage of $1,000 or more to a publicly owned vehicle or to private property

owned by one person must report the accident as soon as possible to the state patrol

or to the law enforcement agency of the jurisdiction where the accident occurred.

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.