TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Nia H. Gill that would allow motorists to provide proof of insurance electronically was signed into law today.
The law, S-2680, will 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 law will permit the use of insurance identification cards in either paper or electronic forms on devices such as cell phones, tablets, or computers. Motorists will also be protected from officials accessing any other information in their electronic devices without proper consent.
“With devices such as smart phones and tablets, storing information has become that much more convenient for consumers. This law will allow motorists to retrieve their insurance information easily and efficiently just like other electronic records. This is not only a common sense measure but helps to bring our state into the 21st Century, bringing us in line with dozens of other states,” said Senator Gill (D-Essex/Passaic).
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 law was approved by the Senate with a vote of 40-0. The Assembly it approved by a vote of 70-0 in January. It takes effect immediately.