A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and enact the necessary legislation to require a person to demonstrate proof of financial responsibility prior to obtaining a Tennessee driver license or registering a motor vehicle.

WHEREAS, T.C.A. §55-12-139 provides that every vehicle driven upon public roads in Tennessee must be in compliance with the financial responsibility law, which requires proof of insurance or self-insured status; and

WHEREAS, although motor vehicles are required to be in compliance with the state financial responsibility law, there is no requirement for adults to demonstrate proof of financial responsibility at the time of obtaining a driver license or registering a motor vehicle unless they have been convicted of violating the financial responsibility laws; and

WHEREAS, the National Association of Independent Insurers (NAII) and the Insurance Research Council (IRC) have both reported that approximately 14% of the motorists in the United States drive without insurance; and

WHEREAS, research further indicates that approximately one of every eight serious auto accidents is caused by an uninsured driver; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the responsible, insured drivers in Tennessee that all drivers be required to show proof of insurance at the time of obtaining a driver license or automobile registration.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and enact the necessary legislation to require a person to demonstrate proof of financial responsibility prior to obtaining a Tennessee driver license or registering a motor vehicle.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the General Assembly.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ludye Wallace