TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Nia H. Gill that would allow motorists to provide proof of insurance electronically received final approval by the full Senate.
The bill, S-2680, would allow drivers the option to display proof of insurance on their electronic devices to law enforcement and other officials. Under the current law, a motorist who is asked to provide proof of insurance may display to a police officer or judge only a traditional paper insurance identification card. This bill would permit the use of insurance identification cards in either paper or electronic forms on devices such as cell phones, tablets, or computers. Motorists would also be protected from officials accessing any other information in their electronic devices without proper consent.
“From checking e-mails to paying bills online, electronic devices are part of our daily lives,” said Senator Gill, D-Essex, Passaic. “This is why allowing drivers to store auto insurance information on their smart phones or tablets, just as they do other important records, will help consumers to retrieve their information when necessary. The bill would ensure that we continue our efforts to bring our initiatives into the 21st Century, looking for new ways to provide easier access for consumers and businesses in New Jersey.”
According to Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), a trade and insurance association, over 30 states passed legislation that would allow drivers to provide electronic proof of insurance.
The bill was approved by a vote of 40-0. The Assembly approved it with a vote of 70-0 in January. It now heads to the governor’s desk.
