Bill No. 2215 amends Section 7-606 of the Oklahoma Statutes regarding the failure to maintain insurance or security for motor vehicles. The bill removes provisions that previously allowed law enforcement officers to seize license plates and vehicles when a driver is found to be in violation of the Compulsory Insurance Law. Instead, it stipulates that if a law enforcement officer verifies valid insurance through an online system, no citation will be issued. Additionally, if a driver presents a valid security verification form, the officer is prohibited from seizing the vehicle or license plate.
The bill also outlines the penalties for non-compliance, which include fines and potential imprisonment, while allowing for the possibility of sentence suspension or deferral by the court. Importantly, it provides a mechanism for individuals to have charges dismissed if they can prove they had valid insurance at the time of the alleged offense. The bill declares an emergency, indicating that it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.