Now in Texas, the Department of Public Safety troopers are using a system that instantly verifies whether a driver has liability insurance.

“If you don’t have liability insurance for your vehicle, your chances of getting a ticket just went up dramatically,” said DPS Lt. Louis Sanchez.

Previously, if you carried a valid insurance card, that was proof enough of being insured. Now, law enforcement officers will be able to tell through the new database if you are not insured or if you have had a lapse in coverage- which your insurance card would not expose.

“As we receive information regarding the compatibility and reliability of the information from DPS, which is provided by this database, we will be in a better position to answer questions regarding its utility and its effect on our policies,” said Executive Assistant Chief Mike Thaler.

Driving with liability insurance in Texas carries a maximum fine of $350.