House Bill 1643 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-12-126, which pertains to proof of financial responsibility for drivers. The bill establishes that individuals required to provide proof of financial responsibility must maintain this proof for a minimum of one year or for the duration of any revocation or suspension, whichever is longer. It also clarifies that if a person opts to use an insurance policy as proof, the effective date on the financial responsibility certificate will be the date financial responsibility was established. Additionally, if a person files proof of another qualifying policy during the required period, their license and registration will not be subject to suspension or revocation.

The bill further stipulates that the Department of Safety will release the requirement for proof of financial responsibility after the mandated period, provided the individual has not been convicted of any additional offenses that would warrant suspension or revocation of their license. If the requirement is lifted and the person's vehicle registration was suspended due to failure to provide proof, the commissioner of safety will request reinstatement of the registration upon payment of the appropriate fees. However, this provision does not apply if there is an unsatisfied judgment related to a motor vehicle accident. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-12-126(a), 55-12-126, 55-12-126(b)(2), 55-12-126(d)