Did you get a speeding ticket and have to show your proof of insurance? Chances are you have the insurance information on your smartphone, but you did not have the physical card or policy to show the police officer. California allows drivers to use their smartphones to provide electronic proof of insurance without carrying around paper documents. But, if you do not have insurance, you should consult a traffic ticket attorney.
Your Proof of Insurance
With the passing of Assembly Bill 1708, California becomes the 7th state to allow motorists to show proof of insurance via their phone or other electronic device. This is an important convenience because sometimes when you get pulled over, you do not have the documents you should, or you cannot find those documents readily. Now, all you need is your phone. Insurance companies allow the insured to access a digital copy of their card from a mobile app. Otherwise, you may need to go to the actual website to download the information.
CA Vehicle Code (CVC) 16028, Financial Responsibility stipulates a driver must provide proof of insurance or financial responsibility that is in effect when an accident investigator or peace officer requests it. And further, “The evidence of financial responsibility may be provided using a mobile electronic device.”However, the police officer is not allowed to view anything else on the phone and is not responsible for any lost data or accidental damage.
Proof of financial responsibility may be in the form of legal documents that show a “certificate of deposit,” usually $35,000-$60,000, a surety bond, or at the minimum, liability insurance.
The Speeding Ticket
When you get a speeding ticket, you can get into more trouble than just that ticket. If you get pulled over, the officer will ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance. If you cannot find or do not have insurance, you are subject to another ticket. So, you must stay within posted speed limits and make sure you have your insurance documents either in the car or on your phone.
Law enforcement in CA uses Radar, Lidar, and pacing to determine your speed on CA roadways. It is important to note that a police officer cannot pull you over just to check to see if you have insurance. Staying within the speed limit will eliminate the headaches and financial difficulties that come along with a speeding ticket and another ticket for no proof of insurance.
However, when your best efforts go awry, consult with a traffic ticket lawyer that regularly practices in Kings County, CA. Hanford Traffic Court is a tough place to defend a traffic ticket, and most lawyers do not like to practice there. You should speak with Bigger & Harman, APC, who have a solid reputation in Hanford, CA.
Kings County Traffic Ticket Attorneys
When you receive a speeding ticket out on I-5, and the police officer asks for your proof of insurance, if you cannot produce it because you do not have insurance, you need to consult with a traffic ticket attorney. Although getting insurance before your court date will look better for you, it will not relieve you of the ticket. As CVC 16028 states, it must be in effect at the time of the incident. However, there are many technicalities that could lead to a dismissal or reduced charge, the only way to know for sure is to consult with a traffic ticket attorney.
It is crucial to consult with an attorney when you get a ticket for no proof of insurance. Sure, you understand the ticket for speeding, but the one for no insurance is undoubtedly more severe. So, consulting an attorney on both tickets is imperative. If you do not have representation, you could go to court, get rushed through your defense, inadvertently admit guilt or not explain yourself adequately, and be found guilty.
Ticket resolution is where we can help you. We can explain the process to you, tell you what to expect, and help you resolve the matter in a way that is most beneficial to you.
Speeding tickets and a ticket for no insurance can become grave matters, especially when the no insurance ticket results from a collision with another vehicle. A conviction then could lead to a civil suit, which could lead to substantial financial penalties.
You do not need to carry an insurance card in your car if you can access it on your phone. However, these matters demand the expertise of a lawyer. So, to get your situation taken care of, consult with Bigger & Harman, APC today.
Call Bigger & Harman, (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español 661.349.9755.
We regularly represent clients in Kings County Traffic Courts and submit requests for dismissal or reduced charges, including no-point resolutions to traffic tickets.
Send an email to attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
CVC 16028, Financial Responsibility