New Jersey, New York Allowing Electronic Proof of Auto Insurance

New Jersey began allowing the state’s motor vehicle operators to display proof of auto insurance in either the physical format (a paper insurance card provided by their carrier) or the electronic format (evidence of insurance provided by their carrier and shown in an electronic form, via smartphones or other mobile devices).

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on May 7 signed into law A-3905/S-2680. It also specifies that when evidence of insurance is displayed in the electronic form using mobile devices, it does not constitute consent for a police officer or judge to access any other contents on the device.

Additionally, in New York, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles recently implemented changes to the DMV Commissioner Regulations, Part 32, that allows motorists to show proof of auto liability coverage in either the paper or electronic format. The regulation went into effect on April 29, a New York State DMV spokesperson said.

The DMV said proof of insurance in an electronic format can now be used for New York State motorists when acquiring registrations in DMV offices; providing proof of insurance coverage during a traffic stop; and providing proof of insurance coverage to a judge/justice/magistrate in response to a summons.

Topics Auto New York New Jersey