SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois House voted 97-0 to approve legislation Tuesday to crackdown on uninsured drivers.

Under the proposal, motorists convicted of driving without insurance could lose their license for up to three months. After that time, they would have to pay $100 to get it back.

If the driver is convicted of driving without insurance during the initial suspension, they could lose their driving privileges for another six months.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White supports efforts to strengthen the state's uninsured driver law, said spokesman Randy Nehrt.

White's office, which registers vehicles in the state, estimates about 500,000 of the state's approximately 10 million vehicles are uninsured.

Some lawmakers are concerned the fines and price of insurance would place too large of a financial burden on some people.

"I think we have to be mindful of who we're helping and who we're hurting," said state Rep. Eddie Washington, D-Waukegan.

However, the legislation is aimed at reducing the number of accidents involving uninsured motorists, said state Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet.

"If you can't afford insurance, you shouldn't be driving," Rose said. "Not only are you creating a serious safety and property risk to whoever you hit, but you're jeopardizing yourself and your own family or whoever you have in that vehicle."

The proposal is a first step to make it more difficult for people to drive without insurance, said state Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville, its sponsor.

"It's a very modest attempt to get started," Black said. "We've got a long way to go."

The measure now goes to Gov. Rod Blagojevich for his consideration.

Chris Lusvardi can be reached at chris.lusvardi@lee.net or 789-0865.