RUMFORD – In the past two months, Rumford police have seen an increase in summonses and arrests for drivers who operate after their vehicle registrations have been suspended.
Detective Lt. Stacy Carter attributes it to a new law that went into effect on Jan. 1 that is designed to protect the public from uninsured motorists.
“What’s happening is that when someone changes their insurance company or is late making an insurance payment, the insurance company electronically notifies the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles,” Carter said Thursday.
The bureau then sends notices to the affected drivers, requiring them to show proof of insurance.
“If they fail to do this within two to three weeks, then their registration is suspended, and that’s what we’re finding. A lot of people aren’t aware of it,” Carter said.
Carter said that since Jan. 1, the state bureau has sent out more than 200,000 notices. He said he thinks people are getting the notices, but disregarding them.
If the bureau suspends a registration, then a person must pay a $35 reinstatement fee.
“What I think is happening, is people are getting their insurance back, but because they haven’t paid the fee, their registration is still suspended,” Carter said.
Additionally, anyone who trades, sells or transfers a vehicle; stores one for three consecutive months or more; or junks a vehicle must notify the bureau. He or she must also fill out and return a special form to any bureau office.
“It’s a pretty important thing. So, if you’re late on a payment or you change insurance companies, you need to comply before your registration is suspended. If it is, then you need to pay that reinstatement fee,” he said.
Otherwise, police will enforce the law.
For more information and forms, visit http://bmv.informe.org/bmv_ivf/.
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