Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill into law that will stop local police agencies from impounding cars at sobriety checkpoints because the drivers are unlicensed. On average, DUI checkpoints impound seven vehicles for every drunken driver arrest.

The bill, written by Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, stops police officers from impounding a vehicle if the registered owner can be found or if the owner gives release consent to a licensed driver given the contacted driver is sober and the lone offense is being an unlicensed driver.

To get a release for an impounded vehicle, petitioners must have 2 licensed drivers present, have current registration and valid insurance on the vehicle and pay a $100 administrative fee. The valid insurance may be difficult hurdle if the legal owner does not have coverage. Usually people cancel their coverage for a variety of reasons, a DUI arrest, child support,, speeding tickets, etc.

Impounding a car can mean the end of your relationship with the vehicle if the fees equal greater cost than its worth. Drivers that don’t have to be worried their car will be impounded from no license can still get hit with surcharges when they finally decide to get car insurance.

Unlicensed drivers cannot have car insurance and often flee the scene of an accident, leaving victims to fend for themselves. Over 20% of drivers involved in fatal accidents are unlicensed, and a driver with a suspended license is 400% more likely as a licensed driver to be involved in a fatal accident.

Filed under: CA Auto Insurance Laws • California Uninsured • DUI

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