§ 56-10-225 — Proof of insurance and financial responsibility in vehicle; penalties.

(A) A person whose application for registration and licensing of a motor vehicle has been approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles must maintain in the motor vehicle at all times proof that the motor vehicle is an insured vehicle in conformity with the laws of this State and Section 56-10-510. (B) The owner of a motor vehicle must maintain proof of financial responsibility in the motor vehicle at all times, and it must be displayed upon demand of a police officer or any other person duly authorized by law. Evidence of financial responsibility may be provided by use of a mobile electronic device in a format issued by an automobile insurer. This section does not require that an automobile insurer issue verification concerning the existence of coverage it provides an insured in an electronic format. Information contained or stored in a mobile electronic device presented pursuant to this subsection is not subject to a search by a law enforcement officer except pursuant to the provisions of Section 17-13-140 providing for the issuance, execution, and return of a search warrant or pursuant to the express written consent of the lawful owner of the device. (C) A person who fails to maintain the proof of insurance in his motor vehicle as required by subsection (A) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is subject to the same punishment as provided by law for failure of the person driving or in control of a motor vehicle to carry the vehicle registration card and to display the registration card upon demand. However, a charge of failing to maintain proof that a motor vehicle is insured must be dismissed if the person provides proof to the court that the motor vehicle was insured on the date of the violation. Upon notice of conviction, the department shall suspend the owner's driver's license until satisfactory proof of insurance is provided. If at any time the department determines that the vehicle was without insurance coverage, the owner's registration and driving privileges will be suspended pursuant to Section 56-10-520.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 1997 Act No. 154, SECTION 22; 1999 Act No. 100, Part II, SECTION 103B; 2001 Act No. 90, SECTION 2; 2002 Act No. 324, SECTION 3; 2014 Act No. 128 (H.3623), SECTION 2, eff March 4, 2014.