Q: While driving in Georgia, is it mandatory to have in your car at all times your proof of car insurance and proof of registration? We were informed that it is no longer mandatory to carry these papers, because the police have computers and can search for them. But if that is the Georgia law, what happens if I don't have those documents in my car and I get pulled over for a violation in another state that may require them?
—Bev Mono, Flowery Branch
A: In Georgia, there is no requirement that you carry a certificate of registration in your vehicle, according to the Georgia State Patrol. However, you must provide proof of minimum-required state insurance, either in electronic form, such as an image on a smartphone, or with your insurance card. Drivers whose vehicles are listed in the Department of Revenue's database as having current minimum insurance coverage are exempt.
If you have applied for the minimum-required coverage, “a current written binder for such coverage for a period not exceeding 30 days from the date such binder was issued shall be considered satisfactory proof or evidence of required minimum insurance coverage,” according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
Penalties for not maintaining minimum coverage could include suspension of your driver’s license, suspension of vehicle registration, traffic tickets or fines. Failure to provide proof of insurance could result in a $25 fine. Exceptions also exist for a vehicle under a rental agreement.
Laws vary by state. The Georgia State Patrol recommends that motorists uncertain about laws in other states should contact the officials or an attorney in that state.
Fast Copy News Service wrote this column; Thomas Hartwell contributed. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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