Police must electronically verify vehicle liability security in certain stops, and cannot issue a citation for missing proof if coverage is verified.
§863.1.1. Evidence of compulsory motor vehicle liability security not contained in a motor vehicle; prohibition of citation resulting in a penalty or fee A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, at the time any law enforcement officer stops a vehicle at an administrative violations checkpoint, or in connection with an alleged violation of the law, or for any other reason, or when a law enforcement officer investigates an accident, the law enforcement officer shall use electronic means immediately available to verify compulsory motor vehicle liability security, including the name or names of the insured, the effective date and the expiration date of the policy, a description of the motor vehicle or vehicles insured under the policy, and the current policy status. B. If the law enforcement officer is unable to verify electronically that the owner or operator has active motor vehicle liability security covering the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop, the owner or operator of the motor vehicle shall provide evidence of compulsory motor vehicle liability security as required in R.S. 32:863.1. C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, at the time any law enforcement officer stops a vehicle at an administrative violations checkpoint, or in connection with an alleged violation of the law, or for any other reason, or when a law enforcement officer investigates an accident and the owner or operator fails to have a document that evidences compulsory motor vehicle liability security contained in the motor vehicle, and the law enforcement officer is able to verify electronically that the owner or operator has current motor vehicle liability security covering the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop, the law enforcement officer shall be prohibited from issuing a citation resulting in a penalty, fine, or fee for failure to have a document that evidences proof of compulsory motor vehicle liability security contained in the motor vehicle. D. The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of this Section. Acts 2016, No. 197, §1; Acts 2017, No. 315, §1.