Ohio motorists can now show electronic proof of insurance

If You Don’t Have Vehicle Insurance, You Can’t Drive in Ohio!

Effective Monday, March 23, 2015, Ohio motorists will now be able to show proof of financial responsibility to traffic violations bureaus, courts, Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and/or law enforcement through use of an electronic wireless communications device.

• Electronic wireless communications devices include the following:
• Wireless telephone, including a cell phone;
• Personal digital assistants;
  Computers, including a laptops, netbooks or tablets; or 
• Any other substantially similar wireless device that is designed or used to communicate and display text and images. 

“Permitting motorists to use technology to show proof of financial responsibility is a common-sense step forward for Ohio,” Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor said. “This modification will save time and money benefitting consumers, law enforcement, court personnel and insurers. I commend the work of the Ohio legislature for supporting this change to the process of providing proof to better align with current market realities.”

BMV and the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) also reminds Ohioans that  it is illegal to drive any motor vehicle without insurance or other financial  responsibility (FR) proof in Ohio.

It is also illegal for any motor vehicle owner to allow anyone else to drive the owner’s vehicle without FR proof.

“This is another great example of using technology to meet our customers’’ needs where they are, not where we are,” BMV Registrar Don Petit said.

Paper versions of proof of insurance will continue to be accepted and motorists are encouraged to keep an updated copy with them at all times.

For more information on providing proof of insurance, visit http://www.bmv.ohio.gov/fr_laws.stm. About auto insurance, visit www.insurance.ohio.gov or call ODI at 800-686-1526.