Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to issue electronic driver's licenses to individuals who already possess physical licenses.

Highlights:

• Amends the definition of “diver’s license" to include electronic driver’s licenses (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that electronic driver’s licenses and electronic identification cards are electronic representations of an individual’s physical license or card (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the Department of Transportation to issue an electronic driver’s license or an electronic identification card to an individual who holds a physical copy of that license or card (Sec. 2).

• Requires the department to create an electronic system through which individuals can access their electronic license or identification card (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that the department may only issue one type of electronic license or identification card to an individual (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes the department to issue electronic cards through a third party operator, and establishes requirements for any third party contracted for such purpose (Sec. 2).

• Requires individuals to possess their physical driver’s license at all times when driving a motor vehicle (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that exhibiting an electronic driver’s license to a law enforcement officer does not serve as consent for the officer to search or access any other data on the device (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text