Kenner, LA – The Kenner Police Department has announced a strict enforcement policy aimed at drivers operating vehicles without state-required liability insurance. Starting immediately, officers will tow and impound vehicles found to be uninsured, and they may also seize license plates from Louisiana-registered cars.
Key Points of the New Policy
- Towing and Impounding: Vehicles operated without statutorily imposed liability insurance will be towed and impounded.
- Seizure of License Plates: For Louisiana-registered vehicles, license plates may be seized and turned over to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Release Conditions: To retrieve their vehicle, drivers must provide valid proof of insurance and may be required to pay towing and storage fees.
- Out-of-State Vehicles: The crackdown applies to out-of-state vehicles as well.
- Long-Term Enforcement: This is not a one-time initiative but a long-term stance on uninsured drivers, according to Chief Keith Conley, who stated that driving without insurance is a risk the community should not have to bear.
Why the Crackdown?
The Kenner Police Department’s move aims to prevent uninsured drivers from leaving accident victims stuck with the bill. The city’s enforcement approach will be consistent across Kenner, with limited exceptions.
How State Law and the OMV Process Work
Under Louisiana law, all registered vehicles must carry minimum liability insurance. The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) can electronically verify the validity of an insurance policy. If a vehicle’s insurance lapses, the OMV can suspend the vehicle’s registration.
Drivers will have a short window to prove that their insurance is active once a gap is detected. Title 32 of Louisiana’s traffic code outlines when officers can remove plates and impound vehicles due to insurance or registration violations.
What This Means for Drivers
For those driving in Kenner, the consequences of being caught without insurance are clear:
- Your vehicle may be towed and impounded.
- Your license plates may be seized.
- To get your vehicle back, you will need to show valid insurance and pay towing and storage fees.
Penalties for driving without insurance can include fines, registration suspension, or even the suspension of driving privileges. The local costs for towing, impound, and reinstatement can quickly add up, making it a costly mistake.
How to Avoid Problems
The Kenner Police Department urges residents to:
- Get insured and keep proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times to avoid the risk of having your car towed and impounded.
What to Do If Your Plates Are Seized
The department notes that there are limited exceptions to the new enforcement measures. If you believe you qualify for an exception or if your plates have been seized, contact the Office of Motor Vehicles or the Kenner Police Department for guidance on next steps.
State statutes provide administrative routes to restore a suspended registration and reclaim plates once proof of coverage is provided.
Contact Information
For more details, you can contact the Kenner Police Department or visit their website. Additionally, information about reinstating your registration or resolving your situation can be found through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
