Oklahoma Officials: 31 Citations, 11 Tows in Tulsa Auto Insurance Checks

A safety checkpoint in Tulsa County on Nov. 17 netted 31 citations for driving without auto insurance. Law enforcement officers towed 11 of those uninsured vehicles. The checkpoint was the result of a partnership between the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Anti-Fraud Unit and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office.

“This checkpoint was very enlightening,” Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak said. “One woman cited for driving under suspension said she couldn’t remember the last time she had auto insurance. It highlights a major problem on Oklahoma roadways.”

Deputies wrote 60 citations during the 4-hour checkpoint in West Tulsa. More than half were insurance-related. The Oklahoma Insurance Department’s involvement in the checkpoint was funded through the Anti-Fraud Revolving Fund, which is comprised of fines, penalties and awards from legal settlements.

Anti-Fraud Director Michael Copeland, Commissioner John Doak and a Tulsa County Sheriff’s Deputy examine an uninsured vehicle before it is towed away.

“The amount of citations issued this weekend was as impressive as it was disturbing,” said Tulsa County Sheriff Stanley Glanz. “The fact that so many motorists are operating on our public roadways without insurance is an alarming trend and a quality of life issue. We, as law enforcement, must remain vigilant in enforcing traffic safety and compliance with the insurance laws.”

Several state lawmakers lauded the effort, saying the crackdown was much needed. According Rep. Dan Kirby, R-Tulsa, up to 25 percent of Oklahoma drivers don’t have auto insurance.

Source: Oklahoma Department of Insurance