Legislators give final approval to electronic proof of insurance measure

Minnesota motorists will soon be able to provide proof of automobile insurance electronically after the state Senate on Monday unanimously gave final approval to measure sponsored by Rep. Dan Fabian, a Roseau Republican.

The legislation clarifies that Minnesotans can provide proof of insurance through their electronic devices. Under current law, law enforcement has discretion in rejecting or accepting proof of insurance that motorists pull up on their smartphones or other electronic devices.

Fabian said he drafted the legislation after a constituent received a citation because law enforcement did not consider the electronic insurance card to be legitimate. According to Fabian, thirty-seven other states have similar legislation and most major auto insurers have apps that allow users to access insurance cards.

The Senate voted 61-0 Monday. The measure had previously received unanimous House approval, 127-0.