(a)    In this section, “insurance identification card” means a card issued by or on behalf of an insurer, in a form that the Commissioner prescribes or approves, as an indication that the insurer has issued a motor vehicle liability insurance policy meeting the requirements of this subtitle.

(b)    (1)    An insurer that issues, sells, or delivers a motor vehicle liability insurance policy in the State shall provide to an insured at the time the motor vehicle liability insurance policy is initially issued and at each renewal an insurance identification card that indicates:

(i)    the first named insured on the motor vehicle liability insurance policy;

(ii)    the motor vehicle covered under the motor vehicle liability insurance policy; and

(iii)    the period for which coverage under the motor vehicle liability insurance policy is in effect.

(2)    (i)    If an insured and an insurer both consent, an insurance identification card may be produced in electronic format.

(ii)    Acceptable electronic formats include display of electronic images on a cellular phone or any other type of portable electronic device.

(3)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, an insurance identification card shall be valid only for the period for which motor vehicle liability insurance coverage has been paid by the insured.

(ii)    If the insured is on an insurer–sponsored payment plan or has financed premiums through a premium finance company, the insurance identification card may be issued for periods of 6 months even if the payment by the insured is for a period of less than 6 months.

(iii)    For a 12–month commercial motor vehicle liability insurance policy covering three or more vehicles, the insurance identification card may be issued for a period of 12 months even if the payment by the insured is for a period of less than 12 months.