Checkpoints flag 14 uninsured cars

During random checkpoints the past two days, police officers from the Department of Public Safety issued citations to 14 motorists whose cars were found to be uninsured.

At the same time, DPS said it is ready to set up sobriety checkpoints in preparations for the Christmas holidays in the next few days.

Of the 116 motorists who were screened yesterday in a period of one-and-a-half hour starting at 9am in front of the Minatchom Atdao just across the Gilbert C. Ada Gym, eight were cited for non-compliance with the Mandatory Liability Insurance Act, or Public Law 11-55 .

Earlier on Friday, six were also given citations out of a total of 93 motorists that were screened.
As of press time at about 4:30pm yesterday, a similar checkpoint was set up on Middle Road near the XO Supermart.

Juana Leon Guerrero, director of the Division of Motor Vehicles, explained that the checkpoints were unannounced because it is the law.

Those who were cited have either not been complying with the law at all or have expired insurance, or they have already complied but they didn’t have the insurance policy in their car.

Guerrero said that based on the law, these violators will be fined in an amount ranging from $100 to $500.

Police placed stickers on the windshield of the cars of those who were given citations: green for those who have insurance but the policy was not in the car and red for those with no insurance at all.

One in every 10 vehicles was stopped at the checkpoint.

Lt. Paul T. Ogumoro said they have seen some motorists go in the opposite direction to avoid the checkpoint.

Still, he said, there is a good percentage of vehicle owners who are complying with the law.

“This is successful. This is to remind the community that the law is in place. This is to remind them that they have to visit their insurance agency,” Ogumoro said.

He said vehicles owners must always be aware of consequences if any accident happens.

“But we also remind them to drive carefully. This is just one of the many checkpoints we will be setting up for the next few days in time for the Christmas holidays,” Ogumoro said.

The “packaged” sobriety checks will include non-wearing of seatbelt, driving under the influence, not complying with insurance liability, no driver’s license, expired registration, etc.

Ogumoro stressed that this is also a way of deterring accidents and making the road safe.

“We also want to educate motorists that safe driving can save many lives,” he said.