Governor signs Diegnan bill into law authorizing drivers to display electronic proof of registration

Gov. Phil Murphy today signed legislation authorizing operators of motor vehicles to display electronic proof of registration.

The legislation, which Senator Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. (D-Middlesex) sponsored, allows drivers to display a registration certificate on their smartphone or tablet or to provide a traditional paper version of their registration upon the request of a police officer or judge.

“Electronic proof of registration is secure,” Diegnan said. “New Jersey already permits the usage of electronic proof of insurance. It will benefit our drivers when registrations are accepted the same way.

“In today’s world, allowing drivers to have their registration on their cell phones is just common sense.”

The law also requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission to develop rules and regulations regarding proof of registration with provisions designed to deter and detect counterfeit or fraudulent registration certificates.

According to an NJ.com report, Michigan and Tennessee are the only other states that allow drivers to show electronic copies of a vehicle registration.

The legislation unanimously passed both houses before advancing to Murphy’s desk to be signed into law.