If you are involved in a car accident, you’ll definitely need to provide proof of insurance and show a valid driver’s license.
As anyone who has ever been pulled over for a traffic violation knows, the phrase “Can I see your license, registration, and insurance card?” is not something they want to hear again. In order to drive in the state of Missouri, you have to have a state-issued driver’s license, the car that you are driving must be registered by either Missouri or the state where you reside, and finally, you have to carry the mandatory minimum insurance. If you fail to have any of those things when you get behind the wheel, you will likely get a ticket.
Verifying that You Have a Driver’s License
The first thing that the police officer will want to verify is that you have a driver’s license to drive that is issued by the state where you live. Your license tells them who you are, where you live and that you have been granted permission to drive an automobile. Although every state has a different license, you have to have one that is state-issued in order to drive, or you can face some substantial consequences. Failure to provide proof of your license can also lead to a ticket. So before you drive anywhere, it is imperative that you have your license with you, just in case you are in an accident or pulled over – or it can cost you.
Is Your Car Licensed and Registered?
Your car also must be registered in the state where you reside, no matter where you live. Although it might not be your car – for instance, if you borrowed it or you are driving your parents’ car – the car itself must be registered, and drivers are required to provide proof of registration if they are pulled over. The registration is something that you should keep in your glove compartment at all times. If you lose your registration card, then you have to go to the DMV to have another one issued. If you fail to provide the registration card to the police if you are stopped, then that can also end with being issued a citation, and an additional fine if the car is not registered. If it is, you will have to bring the registration to court to provide proof.
Mandatory Minimum Auto Insurance
Finally, every state requires that you have the mandatory minimum auto insurance to drive. In Missouri, you are required to at least carry “liability insurance.” Liability insurance is insurance that will cover both the at-fault driver’s injuries and the other driver’s injuries and damages if there is an accident. If you are not carrying insurance, then you can face stiff penalties and fines. Uninsured motorists can face harsh punishment, especially if they are in an accident. So if you are pulled over, law enforcement will require you to show proof of insurance.
When to Contact a Lawyer
If you have been in an accident with an uninsured motorist, contact The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. today. We focus our law practice exclusively on handling accident injury cases. With 25 years of experience, no case is too complex for attorney Christopher Hoffmann. Our goal is to secure maximum financial compensation for your physical and emotional recovery.
Call us at (314) 361-4242 or fill out our online contact form.