Paperless Proof Of Insurance Becoming New Choice For Oklahoma Drivers

A lot of people will be traveling soon for Christmas.

If you get happen to get pulled over, the officer will want to see your driver's license and proof of insurance.

Many insurance companies now issue electronic versions of that proof, but is it legal?

Do officers have to accept it? What about your license? Can it be electronic too?

The statute says you just have to carry a form of that proof. It does not say that it has to be paper.

The Oklahoma Department of Insurance just issued something on this last month that says this now is acceptable.

That's the standard question all officers ask when they pull you over.

With everyone trying to go paperless and people relying more and more on their smartphones, that proof of insurance is changing.

State law says as long as the proof contains certain information -- name, dates, policy number -- and has been approved by the state, it's acceptable electronically or on paper.

"I'll accept either one as long as it meets that criteria," TPD Cpl. Steve Wood said.

Documents show departments are adjusting to the new guidelines, but there are still reasons to carry a piece of paper in your car.

When it comes to your driver's license however, the law says that still has to be a piece of plastic you can hand to an officer.

If you don't have it on you, you could get a ticket and a fine.

However, if you don't have proof of insurance with you, that's an automatic trip to court.

"Your car is subject to being towed and a new law that starts Jan. 1, we have the ability to confiscate your license plate," Wood said.

There are still good reasons to have a piece of paper proving you have insurance. When you renew your tag, the agency must send a copy of it to the state and if someone borrows your car, they'll need to be able to show proof of insurance and they won't have your app or your phone, so a paper copy in the car would still be a good idea.