The New Jersey Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean to require the state Motor Vehicle Commission to study and make recommendations about implementing electronic driver’s licenses and mobile applications. The Senate also passed legislation to allow drivers to display electronic proof of automobile insurance.
“Whenever possible, people should be able to access and use government services and information in a convenient and efficient manner, whether that’s via social media or mobile apps,” said Kean (R-Union, Somerset, Morris). “People are literally attached to their phones and devices, with many of us opting for mobile forms of payment, banking and credit.”
Senator Kean said that the ideal e-driver’s license program in New Jersey, resulting from Senate Bill 2695, would allow people to still use traditional plastic licenses if they want. He added that it would make one of the most-used government services more efficient and less costly.
S-2695 now awaits action by the New Jersey Assembly. The e-insurance-card bill, S-2680, heads to Gov. Chris Christie for consideration.
“New Jersey should be at the forefront of new technology and innovation in the safest way possible,” Kean said. “We have an opportunity to be ahead of the curve and learn from and with Iowa and Delaware, which are pursuing the implementation of e-driver’s licenses. I look forward to working with Senator Sacco and our Assembly colleagues to get the e-driver’s license legislation to the governor immediately, with the provision that the MVC analysis be done within one year.”
Senator Kean also sponsors SCR-126, which dedicates all New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) surplus moneys to the state’s Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). In recent years, that surplus has been about $400 million per year and can be an even more significant annual funding source for the TTF as the MVC and its services become more efficient and technologically advanced with initiatives, such as the potential implementation of e-driver’s licenses.
[TLS]