PennsylvaniaDrivers could show electronic vehicle registration to police officers
If this measure becomes law, drivers could show a registration card on paper or electronically when police ask, beginning 12 months later.
What it does
Drivers could use either a paper or electronic registration card when police ask for proof. This option would begin 12 months after the measure becomes law.
When a vehicle registrant chooses electronic proof of required financial coverage, an officer acting in good faith would avoid liability for accidental data access, deletion, or interception, as well as device breakage.
Argument forThe electronic option could make it easier for drivers to show registration when they have a device but not the paper card.
Argument againstOfficer immunity could leave device owners with fewer legal options if an officer deletes information or breaks their device.
More detail
A driver could show police a registration card in paper or electronic form. The rule applies when a person drives or controls a vehicle on a highway. The paper-or-electronic registration provision would take effect 12 months after the measure becomes law.
A police officer acting in good faith would be immune from civil or criminal liability tied to viewing the electronic proof. This applies when the person who registered the vehicle chooses to show proof of required financial coverage on an electronic device. The protection covers accidental viewing or deletion of other data, accidental interception of a message, and device breakage. The officer-immunity provision would take effect 60 days after the measure becomes law.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 7Re-referred to AppropriationsLatest
- Oct 7Second considerationMinor
- Oct 6First considerationMinor
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Transportation): Reported as Amended A04536. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Transportation): Adopt Amendment A04536. Result: pass.Upper
- Oct 6Reported as amendedMajor
- 2025
- Jun 25Referred to TransportationIntroduced
TransportationTechnologyCriminal Justice