Section 431:10C-118 - Fee in lieu of fine; defense(a) Any person bringing an action in tort under this article who was uninsured at the time of the accident shall pay a fee of $1,000 in lieu of any fine which could have been levied as a criminal penalty for failing to obtain the motor vehicle insurance coverage required by this article.(b) The fee required under subsection (a) shall be paid by the person directly, or deducted from any settlement or verdict received, or both.(c) No person shall be required to pay the fee in subsection (a) if the person can show proof of having been convicted in a prior criminal proceeding for failing to have motor vehicle insurance coverage on the date of the accident which is the subject of the tort action.L 1987, c 347, pt of §2; am L 1997, c 251, §28