Failure to Provide Valid Proof of Insurance, CVC 16028
Everyone knows how important it is to have auto insurance
You can’t even register a car these days without showing proof of that insurance. Technically referred to as “providing evidence of financial responsibility”.
In the state of California, Vehicle Code 16028 outlines all the ins and outs of this law. A violation of it could cost you in excess of $1,000.
One would think that being able to provide proof of insurance would be a simple thing to do. Your insurance company sends you a little card in the mail and all you have to do is put it in the glove compartment of your vehicle.
It’s simple
For many people, it’s one of those little details of life that can slip through the cracks. An envelope gets tossed on a table or desk, slips between other papers, and is forgotten or accidentally thrown away, and it isn’t thought of again – until it’s time to renew license plates or a state vehicle inspection, or until you get into an accident or are pulled over by a police officer for some reason.
In California, a police officer cannot stop a vehicle just to determine whether or not this law is being followed, but any time a vehicle is stopped for any violation, or suspected violation, or is in an accident of any kind, the officer will ask to see proof of insurance and drivers who are unable to provide it will be cited.
Proof of insurance can be provided in a couple of different ways
- Insurance Card (hard copy)
- Digital Insurance Card (app)
- Verification with Insurance Agent (Verbal)
Many insurance companies also provide proof of insurance on their website Internet.
If the proof is offered electronically, the officer is, by law, not allowed to look at any other content on the electronic device, but will need to be able to record the insurance information on whatever citation is being issued to the driver.
Different Violation Types (Correctable vs Non-Correctable)
Depending upon the officer’s personal desecration a violation of no insurance can be cited two different ways. If you fail to provide proof of insurance but have coverage on the vehicle the officer can cite a correctable violation with only a $25 fee.
If you are cited with a correctable violation you will need to provide proof of insurance, covering the date listed on your notice to appear, before your court date and submit a $25 correctable violation fee.
Police officers can also cite the violation as non-correctable and issue a hefty fine. In these situations the officer has a reasonable suspicion to believe the vehicle is uninsured and does not currently have coverage. CVC 16028 is classified as a “straddler” which means it can be cited as either correctable or non-correctable depending on the officer’s decision.
Insurance Violations are Expensive
What happens if you can’t provide evidence of financial responsibility when an officer requests it? You will receive a ticket for the violation of CVC 16028.
If you have been cited for this violation, our team can likely assist. Reach out today for a free citation review to learn more about your options.