(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this traffic code, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly requires a different meaning.
COMPULSORY INSURANCE LAW. The law requiring liability insurance in conjunction with the operation of a motor vehicle in the state as found in 47 O.S. Art. VI, Ch. 7 and 47 O.S. § 7-606.
OPERATOR’S POLICY. An operator’s policy of liability insurance which insures the named person against loss from the liability imposed upon him or her by law for damages arising out of the operation or use by him or her of any motor vehicle not owned by him or her, subject to the same limits of liability as required in an owner’s policy.
OWNER’S POLICY. An owner’s policy of liability insurance which:
(a) Shall designate by explicit description or by appropriate reference all vehicles with respect to which coverage is thereby to be granted;
(b) Shall insure the person named therein and insure any other person, except as provided in division (c) below, using an insured vehicle with the express or implied permission of the named insured against loss from the liability imposed by law for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, operation or use of such vehicle;
(c) May provide for exclusions from coverage in accordance with existing laws; and
(d) Shall be issued by an authorized carrier providing coverage in accordance with 47 O.S. § 7-204.
SECURITY.
(a) A policy or bond meeting the requirements of 47 O.S. § 7-204;
(b) A deposit of cash or securities having the equivalency of the limits required under 47 O.S. § 7-204 as acceptable limits for a policy or bond; or
(c) Self-insurance, pursuant to the provisions of 47 O.S. § 7-503, having the equivalency of the limits required under 47 O.S. § 7-204 as acceptable limits for a policy or bond.
SECURITY VERIFICATION FORM. A form, approved by the State Board for Property and Casualty Rates, verifying the existence of the security required by the Compulsory Insurance Law of the state.
(B) Proof of insurance required.
(1) The owner of a motor vehicle registered in the state and operating said vehicle within the town boundaries shall carry in such vehicle at all times a current owner’s security verification form listing the vehicle, or an equivalent form which has been used by the State Department of Public Safety, which shall be produced by any driver thereof upon request for inspection by any law enforcement officer, and in the case of a collision, the form shall be shown upon request to any person affected by the collision.
(2) While operating or using such vehicle within the town boundaries, every operator of a motor vehicle registered in the state shall carry either an operator’s or owner’s security verification form issued by a carrier, provided that the operator is not excluded from coverage thereon, or an equivalent form issued by the State Department of Public Safety reflecting liability coverage.
(C) Exemptions. The following shall not be required to carry an owner’s or operator’s security verification form or an equivalent form from the Department during the operation of the vehicle, and shall not be required to surrender such form for vehicle registration purposes:
(1) Any vehicle owned or leased by the federal or state government, or by any agency or political subdivision thereof;
(2) Any vehicle bearing the name, symbol or logo of the business, corporation or utility on the exterior and which, according to the records of the State Department of Public Safety, is in compliance with the Compulsory Insurance Law and reflects a deposit, bond, self-insurance or fleet policy;
(3) Any vehicle authorized for operation under a permit number issued by the Interstate Commerce Commission or the State Corporation Commission;
(4) Any licensed taxicab; and
(5) Any vehicle owned by a licensed motor vehicle dealer.
(D) Enforcement and sentencing.
(1) A sentence imposed for any violation of this chapter may be suspended or deferred in whole or in part by the Court.
(2) Any person producing proof in court that a current security verification form or equivalent form which has been issued by the Department reflecting liability coverage for such person was in force at the time of the alleged offense shall be entitled to the dismissal of such charge.
(3) Upon conviction, bond forfeiture or deferral of sentence, the Court Clerk shall forward an abstract to the State Department of Public Safety within ten days reflecting the action taken by the Court.
(Prior Code, § 7-1-3) Penalty, see § 70.99