Some in the industry estimate that up to one in seven motorists drive without insurance, but new enforcement efforts could affect owners who choose not to buy policies for used cars in New Jersey.

Local police agencies are setting up checkpoints that are similar to DUI stopping areas, requiring that drivers prove they have insurance and registration documents.

And it really doesn’t matter who they stop. William Mecke works for the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority as its communications director, and actually has insurance.

However, when an Atlanta-area officer stopped him and asked for proof of insurance, Mecke couldn’t find a current card and ended up with a ticket.

For those who choose to go without insurance entirely, police have the right to seize used cars in New Jersey and other jurisdictions, levy hefty penalties and even suspend someone’s license.

College students may be one group more affected than others, with lower annual income than other demographics.

They could help themselves two ways: a fuel-efficient used car is often less expensive to insure than new models, and getting good grades can reduce rates as well.