Legal Question in Traffic Law in Missouri

civil case affecting renewing license plate

My daughter's friend has a problem and as explained to me, seems rather unbelievable. She had an automobile accident in which there were no serious injuries, however she is responsible and the injured party is suing for damages. To make matters worse, she did not have insurance at the time of the accident. Can the yet-to-be civil action allow the suing parties to keep the girl from renewing her license plates which expired between then and now? She tells me that the lawyers for the injured party's insurance company are saying that if she pays the $14, 000 that they will allow her to re-license her car. She says she has talked with the department of revenue and they confirm she can only get new license plates if she pays the $14,000 to the injured party! I cannot see the DOMV intervening in a civil matter. I advised her that this is a civil case and cannot affect her getting new plates. Is this possible?


Asked on 7/11/07, 8:56 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

Re: civil case affecting renewing license plate

If she was driving without insurance, and caused damage an accident, her driver's license can be suspended by the injured party or their insurer. She cannot renew her car tags without insurance, or a promise to maintain financial responsibility. If her license is suspended for failure to provide financial responsiblity, she probably will have great dificulty in obtainting liability insurance. The Department of revenue will not likely allow accept her promise to provide financial responsilbilty.

She is not required to pay whatever amount they claim is owed. They would still need to take her to court and get a judgment. But, once they have the judgment they can prevent her from renewing her tags and being allowed to drive.

Good Luck

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Answered on 7/11/07, 12:14 pm


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