Ditch the cards – soon, digital auto insurance will always be accepted
Minnesotans will soon be able to show proof of insurance on their smartphones.
The state Senate unanimously passed a bill Monday that allows Minnesotans to provide proof of insurance through an electronic device. The House had unanimously passed the measure about a month ago.
State law requires drivers in Minnesota to provide proof of insurance when a vehicle is registered, when registration is renewed and when it is requested by law enforcement during a traffic stop or crash, Session Daily noted.
Under current Minnesota state law, law enforcement officials had the discretion to reject or accept proof of insurance on a driver's electronic device.
Republican Rep. Dan Fabian of Roseau drafted the legislation after a voter received a ticket because law enforcement didn't consider the electronic insurance card legitimate, he says on his website.
Fabian notes 37 other states have similar legislation, while most insurance companies have smartphone apps for insurance cards.
The measure just needs to be signed by Gov. Mark Dayton before it becomes law.
