Missouri motorists will soon have something in common with Maxwell, the pig from the GEICO commercials. Earlier this month, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed House Bill 322, allowing drivers to show proof of insurance on phones or other mobile devices. The law may allow motorists to save time when involved in an auto accident or when pulled over for a driving offense.

“Each day, more and more Missourians are using their smart phones and tablets to pay bills, get directions and access the information they need, wherever and whenever they need it,” Gov. Nixon said. “With these advancements in technology, forcing Missourians to go through the hassle of printing and keeping hard copies of their insurance cards is unnecessary and burdensome. This common sense legislation will make life a little easier for motorists by eliminating this outdated requirement and allowing proof of insurance to be shown on a mobile device.”

The law, which will become effective August 28, 2013, provides that the driver assumes all liability for any damage that may occur to the smartphone or mobile device, except that damage willfully or maliciously caused by a state employee. The law further prohibits any state employee or agent from viewing any other content on the device. The law further provides that any individual who “knowingly or intentionally produces, manufactures, sells, or otherwise distributes a fraudulent photocopy or image displayed on a mobile electronic device intended to serve as an insurance identification card” is guilty of a class D felony upon conviction.