The bill proposes significant changes to the laws regarding proof of motor vehicle insurance in Montana. It eliminates the requirement for drivers to carry proof of insurance in their vehicles, as law enforcement can now access a motor vehicle insurance verification system to confirm compliance with insurance requirements. The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), including sections related to the administration of the insurance verification system, the penalties for non-compliance, and the process for suspending vehicle registrations. Notably, it removes references to the necessity of carrying an insurance card or electronic proof of insurance, which were previously mandated.

Additionally, the bill introduces an immediate effective date upon passage and approval, indicating a swift implementation of these changes. The amendments also clarify that law enforcement officers can access the verification system during traffic stops or accident investigations to determine if a vehicle is insured. If a driver is charged with violating insurance requirements, they cannot be convicted if they can provide valid proof of insurance at the time of the alleged violation. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process of verifying motor vehicle insurance while reducing the burden on drivers to carry physical proof.

Statutes affected:
SB0108_1.pdf: 61-6-105, 61-6-123, 61-6-142, 61-6-157, 61-6-302, 61-6-304, 61-6-309
SB0108_2.pdf: 61-6-105, 61-6-123, 61-6-142, 61-6-157, 61-6-302, 61-6-304, 61-6-309
SB0108_3.pdf: 61-6-105, 61-6-123, 61-6-142, 61-6-157, 61-6-302, 61-6-304, 61-6-309
Amended: 61-6-105, 61-6-123, 61-6-142, 61-6-157, 61-6-302, 61-6-304, 61-6-309
Introduced: 61-6-105, 61-6-123, 61-6-142, 61-6-157, 61-6-302, 61-6-304, 61-6-309