LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — A new real-time auto insurance monitoring system is now being used in some parts of Louisiana to help police enforce the requirement that drivers are up to date on paying their premiums.

The American Press reports (http://bit.ly/1n8gzsL ) the new monitoring system is being rolled out in three phases, beginning with trial runs by state police in Baton Rouge and Monroe that started on Sunday.

It will be launched statewide for all state police troops next before eventually being open to all police, according to state officials.

Previously, police could only check to see if a driver had an insurance card and not if coverage had lapsed due to non-payment. In a recent report by the Insurance Research Council, 12 percent to 15 percent of Louisiana motorists are uninsured.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL