Proof of Insurance

Section 16028 of the Vehicle Code requires "every driver and every owner of a motor vehicle" to be in possession of proof of financial responsibility at all times.

Section 16028 requires that drivers present proof of financial responsibility upon the demand of a peace officer. Drivers can be cited for failure to present such proof when requested.

A person cited for violation of this section (16028) can have the violation dismissed by either:

1. Personally appearing before the clerk of the court designated on the citation, and:
   • presenting proof of financial responsibility showing that the driver was in compliance with this law at the time ticket was issued
   • paying a $25.00 processing fee
2. Mailing this proof and the $25.00 payment (payable to Kern County Superior Court) to the court.

Proofs of Financial Responsibility

Acceptable proofs of financial responsibility are any of the following, per subdivision (B) of VC 16028:

1. The name of the insurance or surety company that issued a policy or bond for the vehicle that meets the requirements of Section 16056 and is currently in effect, and the number of the insurance policy or surety bond.
2. Mailing this proof and the $25.00 payment (payable to Kern County Superior Court) to the court.
3. If the owner is a self-insurer, as provided in Section 16052 or a depositor, as provided in Section 16054.2, the certificate or deposit number issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
4. An insurance covering note, as specified in Section 382 of the Insurance Code.
5. A showing that the vehicle is owned or leased by, or under the direction of, the United States or any public entity, as defined in Section 811.2 of the Government Code.

Subdivision (d) of 16020 prescribes that the "evidence of financial responsibility" will be in writing, and established by writing the name of the insurance company or surety company and the policy number on the vehicle registration card issued by the department.

Presenting false evidence of financial responsibility is a misdemeanor punishable by fine and/or jail time. Penalties are listed in Section 16029 of the Vehicle Code.

If insurance was obtained after the citation date, an appearance in court with proof of correction is mandatory. If you opt not to appear in court, you will be charged for the entire bail amount for the violation.