Chicago traffic cameras to start scanning for proof of insurance
via Gizmodo
"What are you doing, Dave?"
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The Sun-Times reports that Chicago traffic cameras might get a substantial upgrade: Surveillance cameras will be added to covertly scan cars for proof of insurance. The proposed system would target license plates at 132 city intersections and match them with an online database called InsureNet. Under state law, drivers are required to have insurance, and lawbreakers can be fined $500.
Officials from InsureNet estimate that the new system could raise about $200 million a year—enough to wipe out the city's entire projected deficit for 2009, even with a 30 percent cut going directly to InsureNet.
No word yet as to exactly when the city's traffic cameras may moonlight as mandatory auto insurance law enforcers, but it might be time to finally give that Esurance lady a call.
