Sometimes when you get the new car insurance card from your insurance company, you forget to put it in your glove compartment right away, and then it's not there when the new coverage kicks in, and woe to you if you happen to be pulled over before you finally remember to put the darn thing in your car.  A new state law will allow Louisiana drivers to carry their proof of insurance electronically.

Slidell lawmaker Greg Cromer indicated that personal experience inspired him to craft this legislation.

"I've been in a jam before where I couldn't find my proof of insurance and had to respond pretty quickly and call the agent," said Cromer.  Previously, this emergency stopgap only worked if he was convenient to something that could spit out a printed version.

"He can fax me something.  If I'm near a printer, I can print it out," said Cromer.  "This way, he can do it electronically and I can show that.

Cromer says drivers will be able to call their agents or insurance companies, and ask them to email an electronic copy, then display the .pdf file to the officer on a smart phone, tablet or other web-enabled electronic device.  

Of course, motorists don't have to wait until they get pulled over: they can request a download at any time and always have it at their fingertips -- as long as they're not prone to losing their phones.

The new law starts August 1, so at least until then, drivers better have their good old-fashioned paper card on them when driving.