What is the UVED Program?
UVED stands for Uninsured Vehicle Enforcement Diversion Program. In November of 2017 the legislature gave final approval of the program. Various senate bills, such as SB359 have been codified thus creating Title 47. The UVED program allows us to capture non-compliant vehicles to the Oklahoma Compulsory Insurance Law while also giving owners the opportunity to become compliant without having a moving violation on their permanent driving record.
What is the Oklahoma Insurance Verification System (OKIVS)
A direct benefit of this UVED program will be the refinement of the State’s electronic insurance verification tool – OKIVS. The OKIVS was introduced to be a valuable real-time resource for law enforcement personnel and the public to have online access to insurance coverage. Over the years the reliability of the System as a valid resource has been diminished. The System, now under the control of the Oklahoma Insurance Department, will be provided with the resources and oversight required to realize its value.
What are my options if I received a “Notice” but I actually have insurance?
Due to the way that insurance policies are reported on by insurance carriers and brokers, the possibility exists that vehicle owners with personal policies in good standing may receive a “Notice to Respond”. These rare occurrences can easily be rectified by contacting your insurance company and giving them your policy number and the reference number located on your Notice to Respond letter and they will make the necessary adjustments.
Why is the District Attorneys Council managing the UVED program?
Two primary reasons. First, Law Enforcement Organizations are stretched thin across the State. The District Attorneys Council (DAC) has extensive statewide resources to offer in support of this important diversionary effort. Additionally, a robust Information Technology Division will ensure required operational compliance and performance.
Second, the District Attorneys Council’s mandate is broad. This is after all a “diversion program” which requires extensive administration, management and reporting. The DAC has proven experience with the establishment and oversight of statewide programs such as the Child Support Services Program, the Traffic Safety Resource Officers Program and the Crime Victim Compensation Program.
What about privacy?
The laws are clear regarding data retention for this Uninsured Vehicle Enforcement Diversion program:
Data collected or retained through the use of an automated license plate reader system pursuant to the program shall be retained by a law enforcement agency when the data is being used as evidence of a violation of the Compulsory Insurance Law; provided, when the data is no longer needed as evidence of a violation, the data shall be deleted or destroyed.
Plate information is only retained if the vehicle is out of compliance with the Compulsory Insurance Law, and then only for the length of the Diversion Program. The license plates of insured vehicles are not retained, nor are they shared for any other purpose. ANONYMITY!
Advantages of the Diversion Program to the driving public…
If an uninsured vehicle were to be pulled over in a traffic stop, the fine would be $250, with possible additional penalties of license suspension and 30 days in jail. The Diversion Program (UVED) allows the vehicle owner to agree to avoid a criminal case by paying a reduced fine, and committing to the terms of the Program. Vehicle owners completing the Program will not have the event added to their permanent driving record.
What are the real costs of uninsured driving in Oklahoma?
In 2016, when Oklahoma was ranked number one in the nation for uninsured vehicles, it was estimated that the state lost $9M in revenue from taxes on insurance premiums. This number pales in comparison to the astronomical costs associated with unpaid medical bills and property damage, costs which are passed on to insured vehicle owners through premium hikes
Automobile Insurance in Oklahoma
Car insurance is required by law in Oklahoma, at a minimum compulsory level. Liability insurance is mandatory, while collision and comprehensive coverage is optional. Insurance companies doing business in Oklahoma are allowed to refuse business to any driver they view as high risk. A state-administered plan ensures that all drivers have the opportunity to purchase at least the minimum level of insurance required by law.