No Car Insurance? Lawmakers Increase Penalties

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — In the final hours of the legislative session, lawmakers passed a $53 million fee hike on drivers who don't maintain car insurance as required by law.

Most of the money is slated to go to boost state trooper salaries. Other beneficiaries include local sheriffs and district attorneys.

The measure by Republican Rep. Barry Ivey raises fees for the reinstatement of driving privileges if a driver has been caught without insurance.

Bill supporters say it makes it more expensive for drivers to not have insurance than to get a liability policy. Critics say the bill will hit poor people who already can't afford Louisiana's high car insurance costs.

Gov. Bobby Jindal's spokeswoman says the governor intends to sign the bill into law.