The Police Department has initiated a policy in which cars driven by uninsured motorists will be towed away.

There are four basic requirements to drive in Texas. The requirements are:

1. Valid driver's license;

2. Current motor vehicle inspection sticker;

3. Current license plates;

4. Liability insurance. It is required that drivers carry the proof of that insurance with them.

A driver behind the wheel not complying with any of the above four requirements is disobeying the law.

This policy was modeled after researching several other similar policies in neighboring cities. The new "no insurance - no drive" is a tool to give uninsured drivers incentive to get insurance.

The problem of uninsured motorists is not a widespread problem, but habitual violators cause many problems. Previously, if a driver was stopped and could not show proof of insurance, the officer issued a citation and the driver drove away.  With this new tool, officers will not allow the person to continue driving.

It will not be an absolutely mandatory tow requirement every time a Watauga officer finds a driver without proof of insurance. It is an option each officer will have, and if exigent circumstances exist, the officer will not have the vehicle towed. Officers will make every effort to verify insurance, including contacting the named insurance company.

Payment of tow charges will be the responsibility of the driver, even if he or she can prove after the fact that he or she has insurance.  In that instance, the City will waive the citation, which was also issued, as it currently does now.

For more information, please contact the Communications Division at (817) 514-5897.