ZStomp
11-18-2005, 02:10 AM
JUST FYI
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA111705.uninsuredvehicles.en.6d8b57fd.html
NEW: Beginning Jan. 1, police can tow vehicles of uninsured motorists
Web Posted: 11/17/2005 04:58 PM CST
Maria Moreno
Express-News Staff Writer
San Antonio Police Chief Albert Ortiz held a news conference today to remind the public that, beginning Jan. 1, motorists who do not have proof of insurance will have their vehicles impounded.
City Council recently passed the ordinance that calls for the towing and impounding of all uninsured vehicles. Some have criticized the ordinance for punishing the poor.
Ortiz said his department suggested the change because of the abundance of uninsured vehicles on San Antonio's streets. Over the past three years, officers have written an average of 59,000 tickets a year to d rivers who didn't have proof of insurance. Ortiz said uninsured drivers who cause accidents place an undue burden on other motorists.
Ortiz said that although his officers will be instructed to impound, the officer would be able to use discretion if an exigent circumstance exists. Ortiz gave elderly drivers as a possible exception, or if police officers are extremely busy.
"It's not a heartless ordinance," he said. "And certainly the Police Department is not heartless."
Texas Towing will tow impounded cars to the department's vehicle storage unit on Growdon Road and motorists won't be able to retrieve their cars until they show proof of insurance or they have the car towed to another location.
To get their cars back, motorists will have to fork over $65 in towing costs, a $20 impound fee and a $15 per day storage fee, Ortiz said.
If a driver has insurance, but doesn't have proof on hand, Ortiz said the officer could have the insurance verified by calling the insurance company, or he could give the motorist time to have someone bring the proof. If the car is towed and the proof of insurance is produced later, Ortiz said police would waive the impound and storage fees. However, the towing fee is non-refundable.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA111705.uninsuredvehicles.en.6d8b57fd.html
NEW: Beginning Jan. 1, police can tow vehicles of uninsured motorists
Web Posted: 11/17/2005 04:58 PM CST
Maria Moreno
Express-News Staff Writer
San Antonio Police Chief Albert Ortiz held a news conference today to remind the public that, beginning Jan. 1, motorists who do not have proof of insurance will have their vehicles impounded.
City Council recently passed the ordinance that calls for the towing and impounding of all uninsured vehicles. Some have criticized the ordinance for punishing the poor.
Ortiz said his department suggested the change because of the abundance of uninsured vehicles on San Antonio's streets. Over the past three years, officers have written an average of 59,000 tickets a year to d rivers who didn't have proof of insurance. Ortiz said uninsured drivers who cause accidents place an undue burden on other motorists.
Ortiz said that although his officers will be instructed to impound, the officer would be able to use discretion if an exigent circumstance exists. Ortiz gave elderly drivers as a possible exception, or if police officers are extremely busy.
"It's not a heartless ordinance," he said. "And certainly the Police Department is not heartless."
Texas Towing will tow impounded cars to the department's vehicle storage unit on Growdon Road and motorists won't be able to retrieve their cars until they show proof of insurance or they have the car towed to another location.
To get their cars back, motorists will have to fork over $65 in towing costs, a $20 impound fee and a $15 per day storage fee, Ortiz said.
If a driver has insurance, but doesn't have proof on hand, Ortiz said the officer could have the insurance verified by calling the insurance company, or he could give the motorist time to have someone bring the proof. If the car is towed and the proof of insurance is produced later, Ortiz said police would waive the impound and storage fees. However, the towing fee is non-refundable.