Proof of insurance checkpoints were conducted in Heflin, Dubberly, Sibley, and Dixie Inn on Thursday, Sept. 27. The checkpoints were conducted by the police officers working under an Inter-Governmental Mutual Aid Agreement between the departments. The officers worked together to perform the checkpoints.
“Many drivers at these checkpoints were able to show proof electronically,” Dixie Inn Police Chief James Edwards wrote in a report to the Press-Herald.
According to Louisiana state law, all vehicles registered in the state must be insured. Louisiana law also requires that vehicles must have proof of insurance in the vehicle and provide it when requested by law enforcement.
“This proof of insurance can be shown either with an insurance card or electronically. This means that if available, you can download an insurance app onto your phone or simply take a photo of the valid card with your phone and show it when asked,” Edwards explained.
During the checkpoints, over 400 vehicles were checked. Of those vehicles, 20 drivers were cited for no proof of insurance, three for no insurance, two for expired safety inspection stickers, one for driving under suspension, three for open alcohol containers, one for possession of marijuana, one driver was arrested for an outstanding warrant. One driver was also arrested for possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer.
Edwards alerted drivers, “Additional insurance compliance checkpoints in Heflin, Dubberly, Sibley, and Dixie Inn will be conducted in the future and all drivers are encouraged to keep valid proof of insurance in their vehicles at all time.”