Question: When a motorist is stopped by the Dubuque police or sheriff's departments and is found to have no proof of insurance, is the driver allowed to continue on his way?

Answer: At the risk of a ticket.

If a person doesn't have any proof of insurance, he is supposed to be ticketed.

"The person gets a ticket if they don't have any proof of insurance," said Dubuque Assistant Police Chief Terry Tobin.

The ticket can range from $380 for a non-accident, with a surcharge and court fees included, to $710 for an accident, with fees.

However, depending on the time of day, a police officer may contact the local insurance agent to verify an individual does have current insurance.

"An individual has to have a current insurance card," Tobin said. "An expired insurance card is just like not having proof of insurance."

Dubuque police say a motorist is not supposed to drive without proof of insurance. So, if an individual is stopped and cited then drives away from the scene, the motorist faces another ticket, according to police.

Anytime after a first offense and conviction, the individual will lose a lot more than just a few hundred dollars.

Tobin said that it's the policy of the police department to impound an individual's vehicle and take the license plates until that individual can show proof of insurance.

"They have to pay towing fees, storage fees and administration fees," Tobin said.

The requirement to carry proof of insurance in a vehicle is something that is relatively new.

Until about 10 years ago, an individual didn't need to have proof of insurance unless that individual was involved in an accident, Tobin said.

Have a question for the TH? E-Mail City Editor Ken Brown at kbrown@wcinet.com. Watch for the answer to your question throughout the week in the TH.