Calif. Considers Ballot Measure to Crack Down on Uninsured Motorists

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner is reportedly exploring the possibility of a ballot measure next year designed get uninsured motorists off the state’s roads and highways. Industry sources confirmed the development initially reported in newspaper accounts quoting a consultant who advised Poizner on his successful 2006 commissioner campaign, Wayne Johnson of Sacramento, Calif.-based JohnsonClark Associates.

According to the articles, some of the provisions of the ballot measure would allow authorities to remove license plates from vehicles operated by uninsured motorists.

Political pundits believe Poizner hopes to leverage a ballot measure to increase his name recognition among voters ahead of the 2010 gubernatorial election. Poizner is already seen by some as a leading contender for the Republican nomination for the office.

Neither Johnson nor Poizner’s spokeswoman, Jennifer Kerns, responded to the Insurance Journal’s inquiries regarding the proposed initiative.

Additional information on this topic will appear in Insurance Journal West Region’s November 19 issue.

In a separate measure, Poizner is dedicating $1.5 million of his own to defeat voter Proposition 93, which would reduce the total years someone could be a legislator from 14 to 12, but allow all to be served in one house. Currently, lawmakers are permitted just three two-year terms in the Assembly and two four-year stints in the Senate.