SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Los Angeles) Assembly Bill 1708 was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown today. The measure would give California drivers the option to present their proof of auto insurance in electronic form, such as on a smartphone or other personal electronic device.
“The signing of AB 1708 is a real win-win for consumers and auto insurance providers,” said Assemblyman Gatto. “This legislation falls into the category of making people’s lives easier by embracing technology in order to eliminate one of life’s small hassles, and it brings laws dealing with possessing and presenting proof of auto insurance into the electronic age.”
Under the measure, auto insurance providers would be authorized to issue the state-required proof of insurance documentation in electronic form, if requested by a consumer. The bill also clarifies to law enforcement officials that the electronic version of this insurance document is equivalent to the paper form and acceptable for presentation during a traffic stop or after an accident.
“It only makes sense for the state where the iPad was designed to remain on the technological forefront,” continued Gatto. “As lawmakers, we should always be on the lookout for ways to help state law evolve with technology in a way that allows for more efficiency in the way business is transacted in California.”
Concluded Gatto, “you see the flashing lights. You get pulled over. You nervously start fumbling for that tiny proof of insurance paper the company sent you last month. You find items in your glove compartment from the last stone age, but no paper…and now you will be cited for one more thing- not having your proof of insurance. No more. Now you will be able to prove you’re insured by simply pulling out your smartphone.”
AB 1708 is one of three bills signed into law today authored by Assemblyman Gatto.
Mike Gatto represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and parts of Los Angeles, including Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and Atwater Village. He is the Chairman of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
