Gov. Jindal signs electronic proof of vehicle insurance bill into law ...

BATON ROUGE -- As of Aug. 1, drivers will be able to show proof of insurance electronically on cell phones or other electronic devices if their insurers send the data that way. Gov. Bobby Jindal has signed into law House Bill 1130 by Rep. Greg Cromer, R-Slidell, which allows a driver to receive and use the electronic insurance data as well as the traditional insurance card as proof of auto liability insurance.

Cromer's bill defines a "mobile electronic device" as any "small, hand-held computing or communications device that has a display screen with touch input or a miniature keyboard."

The legislation, which flew through the Legislature with no votes against it, says that displaying proof of insurance on an electronic device does not allow a police officer to have access to "any other part" of the device while checking for insurance coverage.

Cromer said during the session that, with more companies going to an electronic format for proof of insurance, the law had to change so that the new version would be as legally acceptable as the standard insurance cards.

The bill also says that paper copies, including the insurance card or a copy of it, can still be used as proof of insurance. It says a court or Office of Motor Vehicle officials may require the paper cards to be produced.

Ed Anderson can be reached at eanderson@timespicayune.com or 225.342.5810.

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