Crackdown Could be Ahead for Montgomery Drivers

Tools

By Tamika Bickham

Story Created: Jun 27, 2012 at 9:29 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 27, 2012 at 11:57 PM CDT

Drivers beware a new crackdown could be driving in your direction. An ordinance is in the works that could have your car towed if you are a certain type of traffic violator.

If passed, this new ordinance is going to take things a step further. If you don't have your drivers license or insurance card before you get behind the wheel of a car, instead of getting a citation, your car would be towed.

To legally get behind the wheel of a car, you need insurance and a valid drivers license. If you think all drivers are obeying those laws, you're wrong.

"You have a suspended license?" CBS 8 asked.

"Yes, but I also have insurance. Yes, I am one of those people," said Fredrick Williams, who is driving with a suspended license.

He's not alone. In the first half of 2012, Montgomery Police cited over 13,000 drivers for driving without insurance or without a license. This is why City Councilman Glen Pruitt wants to enact harsher punishments for violators.

"What we are going to do is try to put some teeth behind it. So, if you get caught driving without insurance or driving on a suspended license, what I'm going to try to recommend to the council is that we tow your vehicle," said Pruitt.

As the law stands now, Montgomery Police can only issue a citation if your license is suspended for any reason other than DUI or if you are driving without insurance.

You can be ticketed and towed, but only if you are caught driving on a suspended license because of DUI or because your license had been revoked.

The problem is, Pruitt says, many of those drivers are getting into accidents.

"Us folks that are obeying the law are having to pay higher premiums because their insurance is going up because people don't have insurance or are on a suspended license," said Pruitt.

According to Montgomery Police, one in four cars involved in an accident in the city does not have insurance, but the idea of towing the violators is dividing some motorists down the double lines.

"It's the law, but to pull their car, I think a ticket should be sufficient," said Eddie Jarrett, who doesn't support towing cars.

"The law says you are supposed to have insurance. There needs to be some measure of accountability," said Roger Howard, who does support the working ordinance.

The ordinance is still in the early stages. Pruitt says they are hoping to have a draft of it in the next couple of months.

If it passes, Montgomery would be the first city in the state to begin a towing program like this.
 
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's onFull Schedule

Featured Content

Hot Video From AP

AP Video