The Region - News from Oct. 13, 1985

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Norman Dowds refused to block enforcement of a new state law requiring drivers to carry proof of auto insurance. A group of South-Central Los Angeles residents sued to block the law on grounds of discrimination, claiming they had less opportunity to get insurance at fair rates because of the industry’s “red-lining” policies, which allow insurance companies to charge higher rates for residents of certain areas. The law, which took effect July 1 but was not enforced in Los Angeles until this month, requires all drivers stopped for traffic violations to be able to show proof of insurance. Those unable to do so can be fined $100 and have their driver’s license suspended if they fail to purchase insurance within 60 days and maintain it for three years.