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Committee advances bill requiring proof of insurance before vehicle registration
Summary
Senate Bill 1667 would require proof of financial responsibility before vehicle registration, increase penalties for repeat uninsured drivers, introduce automated insurance verification, and cap some non-economic damages. The committee passed the bill unanimously and sent it to Finance, Ways & Means.
Senator Powers urged the Transportation and Safety Committee to approve Senate Bill 1667, arguing that Tennessee drivers who operate without insurance shift the financial burden to responsible motorists and small businesses. "If you drive on Tennessee roads, you should be financially responsible for the damage you cause," Senator Powers said as he described the bill’s four core provisions: proof of financial responsibility at registration, stiffer penalties for repeat uninsured drivers, monetized insurance verification, and caps on some non-economic damages while preserving economic damages and higher limits for catastrophic injuries.
Supporters said the measure balances accountability and fairness. Powers said the bill will ensure registration confirms compliance rather than merely serving as a transaction. After brief procedural questions and no further debate, the committee adopted the amendment (015092) and voted. The clerk recorded nine ayes and no opposition; the chair announced the bill "passes and goes to finance ways and means."
