Across the nation, licenses are constantly subject to changes and upgrades. Because license laws are different across states, it is important that you regular check to see if there have been any new regulatory changes which can affect your license. With a rapidly advancing digital world, we are seeing physical copies of numerous pieces of documentation become replaced with digital versions. In this state, you may soon say goodbye to a hardcopy driver’s license.
Controversy of digitalizing driver’s licenses
The decision to digitize driver’s licenses is not one to be taken lightly. It has gained some controversy over the years, with some advocating that it makes things more accessible and convenient as well as aligning with the digital revolution the world is going through. However, others have raised concerns over how keeping private identification stored online can make information more easily susceptible to fraud.
In addition to this, it is important to remember how digitizing important documentation such as driver’s licenses which are the primary used as identification, may not be as easy for some. Access to technology is still a major challenge for many individuals, and the move towards total digitalization may be difficult for individuals who live in more rural and inaccessible areas.
Digital ID cards may be coming to this state
Despite the debates, Idaho citizens can soon expect to see digital ID cards coming their way. Early this month, the Idaho House of Representatives passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen which grants the Idaho Transportation Department to begin rolling out and implementing electronic driver’s licenses and ID cards. These documentations can be access on Idaho resident’s wallet application on their phones.
However, if the bill becomes legalized, it is important to note that the digital version will be an optional add-on for residents, and will not become a mandatory requirement. All residents must still have a physical copy of their ID and driver’s licenses, and if you opt for the digital version, you must ensure that you still keep your physical copies. The new bill comes in response to nearly 75% of states in the US offering a digital version of IDs, or are at least in the process of developing a digital identification verification system.
In a statement, Mickelson told the House the following:
“By moving to a mobile driver’s license system, it actually is more secure than the current system in which your driver’s license exists, because it moves it into a … trusted vault that protects your data,”
While the bill has been approved this month, the bill still needs to be approved by the Idaho Senate as well as avoid a veto by the governor. If the bill is passed by the Senate before the end of this month, the state could see the roll out of digital IDs by the end of March.
New laws continuously underway in the traffic world
Local governments and traffic departments are constantly undergoing changes in to traffic laws in addition to licenses due to constant technological changes to cars as well as technology on the road. Some states are looking at removing license suspensions, while others are beginning to add more cameras onto the roads to curb speeding and enforce stricter traffic monitoring of laws.
Speeding cameras have also raised some controversy on the road, with some concerned that it becomes a surveillance and privacy concern. The debate has long been gaining momentum, with major cities implementing cameras not only to curb speeding, but also to deter crime. While some people feel safer with the increased security, other people think that personal freedom may be eroded with increased surveillance.
