Legislation that would bring motor vehicle insurance requirements in line with 21st century technology was advanced by an Assembly panel today. The bill was sponsored by Assemblyman Craig Coughlin.
Specifically, the bill (A-3905) would allow operators of motor vehicles to provide proof of insurance electronically.
“Nowadays, nearly everything is being accepted in electronic format, from airplane boarding passes and concert tickets to more and more insurance companies now providing electronic copies of car insurance,” said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “Making e-copies a valid form of proof of insurance is a natural and appropriate progression to make life more convenient for motorists. For families especially, where multiple people might share the same car, this should make life easier not having to worry about having a paper insurance card every time someone takes the car out.”
Under current law, an operator of a motor vehicle who is asked to provide proof of insurance may display to a police officer or judge only an insurance identification card in traditional, paper form. This bill would allow drivers to provide an insurance identification card in either paper or electronic form.
Under the bill, “electronic form” means the display of images on an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, tablet, or computer, which must conform with the regulations prescribed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance.
The bill specifies that the use of an electronic device to display proof of insurance does not constitute consent for a police officer or judge to access any other contents on the device. Further, the bill provides that any police officer or judge presented with an electronic device pursuant to the bill’s provisions shall be immune from any liability resulting from damage to the device.
The measure was approved by the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee.
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“Oh,and by the way sir, the reason that I stopped you was because I saw you holding that same device while you were driving..”
The computers in the police cars are presently able to check if you have valid insurance, registration & driver’s license. I have been asking for a few years now why I have to carry these pieces of paper when the police can check them out on their computers. Oh, I forgot. Each piece of paper you do not have on you when stopped = $150 fine. It’s the “MONEY” thing again.
I doubt it will pass. The towns collect too much money from people who do not have the correct papers with them. This would eliminate that
totally.
Another feel good we’re doing something for the people bill.
Its about saving money for the state, less printing, less paper.
Another junk bill