Feb. 06--OKLAHOMA CITY -- Drivers who don't have liability insurance on their cars could have their license plates confiscated under a bill pending before the Legislature.

Rep. Mike Christian, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. David Holt, R-Oklahoma City, are the authors of House Bill 1792 and Senate Bill 701, respectively, which are aimed at cracking down on uninsured motorists.

Under the proposals, a person who has a license tag confiscated for failure to have insurance would receive a replacement sticker. The person would be fined daily until insurance is purchased and verified.

HB 1792 would also set up a $125 administrative fee and create a temporary state insurance plan for people who have had their license plates confiscated.

AAA Oklahoma spokesman Chuck Mai said, "Taking the tag makes sense to me."

HB 1792 would increase the $250 fine for driving without insurance to $750, but the amount is under negotiation, Christian said. He supports a significantly higher fee, but Holt does not.

Sen. Roger Ballenger, D-Okmulgee, said he is concerned that raising the fee will do little because people driving without insurance in many cases can't afford it.

"I don't think increasing the severity of the punishment is necessarily the right way to go," he said.

Insurance Commissioner John Doak said uninsured motorists are one of the most serious issue facing the state.

One out of four vehicles on the road has no insurance, and many people find it is less expensive to pay the fine than to pay for insurance, he said.

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