PROVIDENCE — A bill proposed in each chamber of the General Assembly by local pols Rep. Gregg Amore and Sen. William Conley allowing drivers to use electronic devices as proof of insurance to police was signed into law Gov. Lincoln Chafee Friday, April 18. The law takes effect immediately.
The bills sponsored by Sen. Conley (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket) and Rep. Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence) each passed their respective bodies with overwhelming support. The law now lets drivers to use a variety of devices, including phones and tablets, to access their insurance policies to show proof of coverage during a traffic stop.
Sen. Conley called digital proof of insurance “a matter of convenience.”
An important part of the legislation restricts law enforcement’s use of the devices. Police are not allowed to view any other content on the device except the insurance information.
Added Rep. Amore, “It’s an environmentally friendly convenience with Fourth Amendment protection that helps Rhode Island motorists and insurance providers keep pace with today’s technology.”