Traffic stop? There's an app for that.

February 25, 2012

The next time you get pulled over by the police, you may soon be able to just flash your smart phone at the officer to show necessary information.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Silver Lake) has introduced AB 1708 to give California drivers the option of carrying their proof of auto insurance and vehicle registration in electronic form, such as on a smart phone or other personal electronic device.

“This legislation falls into the category of eliminating one of the small hassles in life and it brings a couple of outdated state laws into the electronic age,” Gatto said in a statement.

The measure would amend the California vehicle and insurance codes, authorizing auto-insurance providers to issue proof of insurance documentation in electronic form, if requested by a consumer. Similarly, the Department of Motor Vehicles would provide electronic versions of registration documents when requested.

The final aspect of the bill clarifies to law enforcement officials that electronic documentation is equivalent to the paper form.

“It only makes sense for the state where the iPad was designed to remain on the technological forefront,” Gatto said.

— Mark Kellam

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