Failure to Produce Insurance Card in Kentucky: A Detailed Guide

Failure to produce an insurance card when pulled over is a common traffic violation in Kentucky that many drivers are unaware of. This violation can lead to fines, court costs, and even jail time if not handled properly. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on the failure to produce insurance card law in Kentucky, penalties for violation, steps to take if cited, and tips to avoid violations.

Overview of Insurance Requirements in Kentucky

In Kentucky, all motor vehicle owners are required by law to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. This includes:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability

Alternatively, a single limit policy of $60,000 is acceptable. Kentucky is a “no-fault” insurance state, so policies must also include basic reparation benefits (BRB) unless the vehicle is a motorcycle.

The Failure to Produce Insurance Card Violation

Under KRS 186.590, motorists must be able to provide proof of the required insurance coverage at all times when operating a vehicle. Proof is typically shown through a valid insurance card, but can also include electronic insurance information from a smartphone app or website.

If a driver is unable to show proof of insurance when pulled over or upon request by law enforcement, they can be cited for failure to produce an insurance card. This is a traffic violation under KRS 186.590 and KRS 304.39-117.

Penalties for Failure to Produce Insurance Card

The penalties for a failure to produce insurance card violation include:

• Fine of $250
• Court costs of $143
• No license suspension
• No points assessed
• Up to 90 days in jail (unlikely for first offense)

This offense is a Class B misdemeanor under KRS 534.040. While the maximum jail sentence is 90 days, incarceration is very rare for a first offense of simply failing to show an insurance card. Fines and court fees are the most common penalty.

Steps to Take If Cited for No Insurance Card

If you are cited for failure to produce proof of insurance, here are important steps to take:

• Remain calm and cooperative – Arguing with the officer or refusing to sign the citation will only make matters worse.

• Gather your proof of insurance – Make sure to obtain evidence of your valid insurance coverage at the time you were pulled over. This can be an insurance card, policy declaration page, letter from your insurer, proof of premium payment, etc.

• Appear in court – You will be given a court date to appear before a judge. The citation acts as a summons. Be sure to show up on time!

• Present your proof of insurance – Bring your documentation to court and explain the situation politely to the judge. If you show you did have valid insurance, the citation should be dismissed.

• Request limited driver’s license – If your license is suspended over an insurance issue, you can request a limited driving permit for work/school.

• Consult with a traffic lawyer – For serious issues or license suspensions, a local attorney can help get charges reduced or dismissed.

Tips to Avoid Failure to Produce Insurance Card Citations

To avoid violations and penalties for failure to show insurance, motorists should follow these best practices:

• Keep your insurance card in your vehicle – The card should be current and kept in your glove box or console when driving. Some vehicles have insurance card slots built into the visors.

• Store proof of insurance electronically – Keep images or PDF files of your card and policy declaration page on your smartphone that can be accessed if pulled over.

• Review card expiration dates – Insurance cards have an expiration date, so check that your current card is still valid. Renew it before expiration.

• Update card when switching vehicles – If you change vehicles, obtain an updated card from your insurer listing the new vehicle.

• Notify insurer of any changes – Keep your insurer updated on address changes, added drivers, etc. to ensure continuous coverage.

• Resolve lapses immediately – If your policy lapses, work quickly to reinstate it and get new proof of active insurance.

• Know when new card comes – After renewing your policy or switching insurers, give yourself time to receive the new insurance card by mail.

• Avoid distractions when driving – Safe driving reduces your chances of being pulled over in the first place.

Consequences of Driving Without Insurance in Kentucky

While failure to produce an insurance card is a relatively minor violation, the offense of driving without insurance coverage is much more serious. Under KRS 304.39-080, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle without maintaining the state’s required minimum liability insurance.

Penalties for a first offense of driving uninsured include:

• Fine of $500 to $1000
• 9-month license suspension
• 4 points added to driver’s license
• Up to 90 days in jail

In addition, the vehicle registration will be revoked until new insurance is obtained. Second and subsequent offenses come with stiffer penalties, including fines up to $2500, license suspension of 6 months to 2 years, and up to 180 days in jail.

Clearly, driving without insurance puts motorists at risk for severe legal and financial consequences. Maintaining continuous coverage and keeping proof in your vehicle is critical.

Alternatives If Unable to Afford Minimum Liability Insurance

For low-income drivers who cannot afford standard auto insurance, Kentucky does offer alternatives to stay legal:

• Basic Liability Policy – A reduced coverage option through Kentucky Access Insurance provides minimum liability limits.

• Medicaid Recipients – Medicaid members can have minimum liability premiums paid via the KATS program.

• Assigned Risk Plan – Drivers denied coverage may obtain a policy through the state’s assigned risk mechanism.

• Annual Policy – Liability premiums can be broken into 12 monthly installments if unable to pay in full.

• Non-Owners Insurance – Covers drivers operating vehicles they don’t own. Lower cost option.

Uninsured drivers face serious consequences, so be sure to explore all options if standard policies are unaffordable. Programs are available to help!

Conclusion

Being cited for failure to provide an insurance card can happen easily if drivers are unprepared when pulled over. While not the most serious offense, penalties like fines and jail time can still apply. Maintaining insurance coverage on your vehicle is mandatory in Kentucky, and proof must be carried at all times. By understanding the relevant laws, taking proactive steps, and exploring affordable insurance options, drivers can avoid issues with both failure to produce insurance card violations and the more serious offense of driving uninsured.

Key Takeaways

• All motorists in Kentucky must carry liability insurance and be able to show proof if stopped by law enforcement.

• The penalty for failure to produce an insurance card is generally a fine around $250 plus court costs.

• If cited, gather evidence of valid insurance at the time and contest the violation in court.

• Keep a current insurance card in your vehicle and store electronic proof to avoid violations.

• Driving uninsured leads to fines up to $1000, license suspension, jail time, and revocation of vehicle registration.

• Low-income families should look into reduced cost insurance options like basic liability policies.