The state Senate passed a bill Wednesday that would allow drivers to use their smartphones to show digital proof of insurance if pulled over by police.
If the legislation is enacted, current processes requiring drivers to have a paper copy of insurance information on hand at all times would be modified to allow for more flexible electronic copies, according to a statement from state Rep. Mary Czaja, R-Irma, a co-author of the bill.
Failure to have a hard copy is currently punishable by citation, which can be overturned in court by providing a copy of the coverage.
The bill has bipartisan support and was unanimously passed in the state Senate without debate.
“We realize the prevalence of technology in our society, and allowing for electronic proof of insurance will streamline the process of a traditional traffic stop,” Czaja said in a statement.
The legislation is widely supported by both insurance companies and law enforcement officials, who see it as a means to increase efficiency.
The bill will now move to the state Assembly for consideration.
