Impounding Vehicles Involved in Accidents With No Liability Insurance

ISSUE

Uninsured motorists are a significant problem in Texas.

DPD investigates 28,000 motor vehicle accidents each year involving 57,400 drivers.

30% of the drivers involved in these accidents do not have liability insurance – creating a substantial financial burden on other motorists.

Texas Transportation Code 601.053 states “the operator of the vehicle on request shall provide to a peace officer… or person involved in an accident with the operator evidence of financial responsibility”.

In 1998 US District Court case, Maricle v. Biggerstaff (3:97-CV-3029), upheld that impounding vehicles for “No Insurance” was constitutional.