Scofflaws are persons who violate laws that govern the use of motor vehicles, for example, in driving: without a valid current license for the driver; without a valid current license for the vehicle; and without insurance to compensate others who are

Question

injured or killed, or whose property is damages due to the driver's carelessness. Can you identify a possible legal response to such common transgressions?

Answer 1

Fines and even jail terms are often imposed for driving without a license. They are ineffective against some of the worst offenders, because such persons often immediately or eventually proceed to drive without one, or both, of the required licenses.
The same is usually true for persons who defy the law and principles of social justice and do not buy required insurance. Here, however, some observers suggest a solution that would require all persons to contribute to the cost of such insurance if they drive motor vehicles: simply add a small
surcharge to the price of every gallon of fuel sold to cover the cost of insurance for all drivers. Those who buy more fuel drive more, and are therefore more exposed to the hazards of becoming victims of careless drivers. Of course, the plan is not quite equitable for careful drivers who are not likely to be blameworthy in accidents, yet they too contribute. Nevertheless this solution could offer better protection than what is currently available with uninsured motorist policies. Some observers suggest seizing the vehicles involved, but the errant driver may have little or no equity in the car. Also, for many persons in our mobile society, a car may be essential for transportation to and from work.