6/10/05-Gov. Janet Napolitano has signed a bill to crack down on Arizona drivers who have neither licenses nor insurance and are involved in wrecks.
The measure requires the immediate impounding of the vehicle of any motorist found at the scene of a traffic accident without auto insurance and also lacking a driver’s license. It takes effect in August.
The new law, previously SB1420, makes a 30-day impoundment mandatory and imposes a $500 fine for a lack of insurance, up from $250. Motorists would have to pay a $750 fine for the second offense within three years.
Until now, state law allowed police officers to decide whether to impound a vehicle when a driver lacks insurance.

2/25/05-The Senate on Feb. 24 tentatively approved a bill to crack down on illegal motorists who cause crashes in the state.
SB1420, sponsored by sponsored by Sen. Jim Waring, R-Phoenix, would require the immediate impounding of the vehicle of any motorist found at the scene of a traffic accident without auto insurance and a driver’s license.
The legislation faces one more vote in the Senate before it goes to the House.
It would make a 30-day impoundment mandatory and impose a $500 mandatory fine for a lack of insurance, up from $250. Motorists would have to pay a $750 fine for the second offense within three years.
Currently, state law allows police officers to decide whether to impound a vehicle when a driver lacks insurance.
For Senate bill status, call (602) 926-4231.