New Motor Vehicle Insurance Requirement Effective 06/01/2010

SAUK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
SHERIFF RANDY M. STAMMEN
CHIEF DEPUTY CHIP MEISTER
1300 Lange Court
Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913

Business (800) 377-1195 (608) 356-4895 Detective Division (608) 355-3213 Jail/Huber (608) 355-3210 Fax: (608) 355-3572
www.co.sauk.wi.us

May 20, 2010

Special News Release

On June 1, 2010, a new motor vehicle insurance requirement goes into effect. The Sauk County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind vehicle owners that as a result of this new law the owners of motor vehicles in Wisconsin are now required to show proof of insurance at traffic stops and accidents when requested by a law enforcement officer.
The change in the law also adjusted the minimum liability limits to the following levels:

$15,000.00 for property damage

$50,000.00 for the injury or death of one person

$100,000.00 for the injury of death of more than one person

Chief Deputy “Chip” Meister said, “Everyone who owns a vehicle needs to contact their insurance agent or company to make sure that they obtain the proper documentation to show proof of insurance if a deputy asks for it.” The Sheriff’s Office wants to educate the public on this new law through this news release and our contacts. Deputies are being told to ask to see the proof of insurance during their traffic contacts in an attempt to gain compliance and inform the public of this new law.

Citizens also need to know that with the change in the vehicle insurance requirements comes a new enforcement section for the law enforcement. The failure to carry liability insurance as required may result in a traffic citation under §344.62(1), with a fine of up to $500.00. Failure to carry proof of insurance may result in a traffic citation under § 344.62(2), with a fine up to $10.00.

If you have any questions about this new law, more information can be found by going to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website at www.dot.wisconsin.gov or contact the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department.

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Chief Deputy “Chip” Meister
Sauk County Sheriff’s Department