State v. Reed

We are asked to decide whether the federal constitution bars the State of Idaho from requiring motor vehicle operators to carry proof of liability insurance. For reasons explained below, we hold that it does not. Accordingly, we affirm a judgment of conviction for failure to comply with an Idaho statute imposing this requirement.

I

While operating a pickup truck on a public highway at night, Earl J. Reed was stopped by an Ada County Sheriff’s Deputy. The officer said he had observed a defective tail lamp on Reed’s truck. Reed disputed the deputy’s observation. He contended that both tail lamps…