The legislature has set forth the specific Code violations that are intent crimes. If the law enforcement officer issues a citation to a motor vehicle operator for displaying invalid evidence of insurance, the officer shall confiscate the evidence for presentation in court. Knowledge or intent is not an element required to prove a violation of section 3-707. The legislature was clear. A vehicle cannot be driven without insurance.
Vehicle insurance is mandatory.
The public is disserved by ignoring the evident legislative intent to promote safety and family responsibility here. The case did not address this issue because that statute, in its language and history, clearly required knowledge of the driver that there had been a collision. There is no such language in 3-707 to indicate that the driver must know or be aware that there is no insurance on the vehicle. In fact, the driver has an affirmative duty to see that there is proof of insurance in the vehicle. Similarly, vehicles are required to be registered and licensed with the Secretary of State and proof of registration and display of license plates are required to be carried and exhibited upon demand.