(a) A motor vehicle license plate or motor vehicle registration shall not be issued, renewed, or changed unless:
(1) A check of the Vehicle Insurance Database indicates that the vehicle and the applicant's operation of the vehicle meet the motor vehicle liability insurance requirements of § 27-22-101 et seq.; or
(2) The applicant provides satisfactory proof to the Department of Finance and Administration that the vehicle and the applicant's operation of the vehicle meet the motor vehicle liability insurance requirements of § 27-22-101 et seq.
(b)
(1) Satisfactory proof that the vehicle and the applicant's operation of the vehicle meet the motor vehicle liability insurance requirements of § 27-22-101 et seq. may be presented in either paper form or electronic form only if presented to the department within thirty (30) days from the date of issuance shown on the paper form or electronic form.
(2) As used in subdivision (b)(1) of this section, “electronic form” means the display of electronic images on a cellular phone or any other type of portable electronic device if the device has sufficient functionality and display capability to enable the user to display the information required by § 23-89-213 as clearly as a paper proof-of-insurance card or other paper temporary proof of insurance issued by the insurance company.
(c) The department is not liable for damages to any property or person due to an act or omission that occurs while administering this section, including without limitation any damage that occurs to a cellular phone or portable electronic device that is used to present satisfactory proof of motor vehicle liability insurance coverage.
(d) This section does not apply to state-owned vehicles or state employees while operating state-owned vehicles.