Duncanville looks at toughened tow policy on uninsured motorists

by Bethany Berry of of Duncanville TODAY

Drivers in Duncanville could see changes in the city's towing policy for uninsured motorists.

At the March 3 council meeting, Councilman Ken Weaver, along with Police Chief Robert Brown, suggested the city consider changes to the current policy.

The existing policy, which became effective Jan. 1, allows for the towing of vehicles when they are involved in traffic accidents or on the second and subsequent violation of a failure to maintain financial responsibility.

The proposed changes would allow for the impounding of vehicles during a traffic stop on the first offense of a violation of failure to maintain financial responsibility.

The proposed changes would be in line with policies of cities like Carrollton and Dallas.

“Revisions made in those cities caught my eye,” Weaver said. “I haven't heard anything negative about it or heard of any huge problems in keeping the policy up.”

But not all vehicles will be towed on the first offense. The time of day, the presence of children and weather conditions are only a few exceptions when impounding vehicles. “We will tow with discretion,” Brown said.

Texas law says drivers must show proof of insurance, which means an insurance card must be present. So what about drivers who have no actual proof?

Brown says the department has a number of ways to verify insurance. One of which includes calling the driver's insurance company, which can only be done during the company's business hours.

The second involves a statewide computer system called Texas Sure, under the Texas Financial Responsibility Verification Program.

Using the system, which the police department currently has installed in its vehicles, officers have the ability to run the license plates of registered cars to verify insurance.

Chief Brown believes Texas Sure is an accurate, reliable system that will help crack down on the number of uninsured motorists in the city.

Councilwoman Johnette Jameson believes this will affect citizens and drivers in a great way.

“The citizens of Duncanville want people to be insured,” Jameson said. “Insurance is something that is expected of those who own vehicles and is required by law. This is a good step in the right direction.”

But not everyone felt the same.

Councilman Paul Ford said he understands the problem, but believes the city should be more flexible. “We cannot tow people's cars when this may be their only means of transportation to work,” he said. “No car, no job.”

Ford was also concerned about those traveling from out of state and suggested there be a gas tax implemented.

“That sounds like nationalized healthcare for cars,” District 2 Councilman Scott Cannon said.

Weaver is positive about the future of the proposal. “Hearing what was said during the briefing session, I believe it will pass,” Weaver said.

Brown said he expects there to be revisions.

“We hope this will be finalized soon,” Brown said via a telephone interview. “The options presented to the council may or may not be in the proposal, but we are hopeful this will decrease the number of people who choose to drive without insurance.”