| TRENTON, N.J. – Drivers may soon be able to show electronic proof of registration under a bill (A5752) sponsored by Assemblyman Ron Dancer and passed by the Assembly today. “We are living in a digital age, so it makes sense that we lessen the stress of finding a paper document and allow drivers to show proof of registration electronically,” said Dancer (R-Ocean). This is not the first time Dancer pushed to modernize the Motor Vehicle Commission. In 2016, Dancer sponsored a bill that was signed by Gov. Chris Christie to study the feasibility of issuing digital driver’s licenses through a mobile app. “People are rarely without their phones. We have to keep up with technology and offer drivers the convenience and accessibility they have become accustomed to,” said Dancer. “Allowing drivers to show proof of insurance and registration on their phone makes the process easier and safer for both the officer and driver.” In 2015, Gov. Christie signed legislation to allow proof of auto insurance to be displayed either physically through a paper card or electronically via a smartphone, tablet or other mobile device. The practice is now permitted in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Under this bill, the Motor Vehicle Commission must publish rules and regulations addressing the issuance, design and content of electronic registration certificates, as well as the deterrence and detection of counterfeit or fraudulent certificates. Electronic proof of vehicle registration is currently permitted in Tennessee and Michigan.
The bill unanimously cleared the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee on Monday. It passed the Assembly 74-0 today. |