Assembly Advances Benson, Freiman Bill to Allow Drivers to Show Electronic Proof of Vehicle Registration

(TRENTON) – Aiming to make it easier for drivers to confirm their vehicle is registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), the full Assembly approved legislation 76-0 on Thursday to allow drivers to display electronic proof of vehicle registration when prompted.

Under current law, an operator of a motor vehicle is only allowed to provide a registration certificate in the traditional paper form to a police officer or judge.

The measure (A-3533), Assemblymen Dan Benson and Roy Freiman, also would allow the MVC to provide an electronic copy of vehicle registration upon renewal. The electronic copy from MVC or a picture of the registration on an electronic device would qualify as proof of registration.

Assemblymen Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex) and Freiman (Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon) released the following statement on the bill:

“Rather than fumbling through a glove box, it’s often faster and more convenient for drivers to pull up vehicle registration documents on a smartphone or tablet. Allowing drivers the flexibility to show proof of registration electronically will streamline the process for motorists and law enforcement alike.”

The bill will now go to the Senate for further consideration.