Question by Mike G: Will the court run my proof of liability insurance through a database to verify or will they just look at it?
I was pulled over in the central-most state for a minor traffic citation, and my proof of liability insurance was expired. The truth is, even though I intend to always have insurance, this Insurance company never notified me that mine was expiring or asked me to renew it, and so I never thought of it, and so I don’t think I had any liability insurance at that time. The officer told me if I take valid proof of insurance to the court, the “no proof of liability insurance” citation can be waived. I know I can easily modify the year on my card and print it off, since it was originally given to me as a computer file. So, my question is, will the court just look at the proof I give them to see that it’s valid and current, or will it be run through a database to verify?
Thanks all for the 7 replies so far. I have some responses & follow-up questions.

As for me being shady…admittedly my idea of changing a couple digits on the document is shady. However, IF I didn’t get busted, the end result is just that I avoid getting stuck with a citation & fee. It’s not like someone else is being harmed by my actions, which I would definitely be against–because I’m not shady in that way.

Anyway, “keri.kerri” & “dog meat sandwich” mentioned that I should just have current insurance when I go to the court and then I’ll be fine. But I thought that what matters, like “insuranceman” (who seems to be an expert) said, is whether I had current insurance when the citation was given, regardless of whether or not I do now. Isn’t that how it works? I haven’t gotten the new insurance yet, though I definitely need to. However, WILL THAT HAVE ANY IMPACT AS FAR AS THIS PENDING CITATION IS CONCERNED?
Maybe the idea is that showing that I have current insurance now will make them much more likely to cut me some slack.

Also is it really just a minor fine for driving without liability insurance? I thought it might be a fairly hefty penalty. Though I’m sure nothing like the penalties for forgery and perjury. WHAT SORT OF PENALTY (potential fine amount and anything else) WOULD I BE LOOKING AT FOR DRIVING WITHOUT LIABILITY INSURANCE?

Best answer:

Answer by keri.kerri
If you just purchase insurance, that is what the court will be looking for – CURRENT valid proof of insurance. Don’t add forgery to your troubles. Get insurance.

Give your answer to this question below!