Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco which allows drivers to electronically display their vehicle registration on smartphones and tablets was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy today.
“During the stress of a traffic stop, drivers often struggle to locate their paper registration card in a cluttered glove box,” said Bucco. “Knowing they will be able to use their phone to prove their car is properly registered may provide a bit of relief. This will also save drivers from the hassle and costs of responding to unnecessary tickets for failing to provide proof of registration.”
The new law (S-324/A3533) requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to develop and offer electronic vehicle registration certificates, with provisions to deter and detect counterfeit registrations.
A similar measure allowing drivers to display electronic proof of insurance was enacted in 2015.
“Granting drivers the option of displaying vehicle registration information digitally is part of our effort to modernize New Jersey’s motor vehicle services,” added Bucco. “Our experience rolling out digital insurance cards has been extremely positive, so it makes sense to allow digital registrations as well.”
How about – if the car is registered there is no requirement to show the paper.
Police: “Show me your driver’s license and registration, please.”
Driver: “Just one second, officer, my registration info is right here on my smart phone.”
Police: “Don’t get smart with me, and keep your hands to your side! That black and shiny object you are reaching for is a gun, isn’t it?”
Driver: “No, it’s my smart phone, officer.”
Police: “I’ll be the judge of that. Do you always text and drive at the same time?”
Driver: “No, I don’t. The phone was not being used, it was sitting on the passenger’s side. It was off. Here, I’ll show you. And let me show you the registration info on my phone, while I’m at it.”
Police: “No, don’t do that, or I’ll shoot!!!”
[Shots go off. “Bang, bang, bang.”]
Police: “Idiot, I told you not to reach for your gun?! Are you okay?!”
Driver: “Yeah, I’m alright. Truth be told, after this new legislation was passed, I had a feeling this would happen, so now, I always put on my bullet proof vest before I get into my car, thank the one above.”
Police: “Hey, that’s a phone you got there, not a gun! Why didn’t you tell me that?! I’m giving you a ticket!”
Driver: “A ticket?! What did I do wrong?!”
Police: “It’s a raffle ticket for Oorah’s chance to win a new phone. Tell them you want the yellow phone, not the black, shiny one. And next time you get stopped by a police officer, tell him when you’re reaching for your phone, so he won’t think it’s a gun, okay?”
Driver: “Sure thing, officer….. Boy, am I confused……….”
Do NOT hand your cell phone over to a police officer for any reason EVER. Keep using the paper documents. Once you hand over your phone to an officer he/she will more than likely go through the phone. And if they “accidently” drop the phone and it gets damaged you are screwed with no recourse.