Section 343. Proof of financial responsibility by certificate showing motor vehicle liability policy obtained

(a)   Proof   of   financial
  responsibility  may  be made by filing with the commissioner the written
  certificate of any insurance carrier duly authorized to do  business  in
  this state, certifying that there is in effect a motor vehicle liability
  policy  for  the  benefit  of  the  person  required to furnish proof of
  financial responsibility. Such certificate shall give the effective date
  of such motor vehicle liability policy, which date  shall  be  the  same
  date  as  the  effective  date of the certificate and shall designate by
  explicit description or by  appropriate  reference  all  motor  vehicles
  covered  thereby, unless the policy is issued to a person who is not the
  owner of a motor vehicle.
    (b) No motor vehicle shall be or continue to be registered in the name
  of any person required to file proof of financial responsibility  unless
  such motor vehicle is so designated in such a certificate.
    (c)  When  a  person has been required to furnish proof of a financial
  responsibility and there has been in effect a  motor  vehicle  liability
  policy  for his benefit for a period of three years, during which period
  such person or any vehicle registered in his name has not been  involved
  in  any accident upon which a report is required pursuant to section six
  hundred five hereof, such person may file in lieu thereof,  the  written
  certificate  of  any insurance carrier duly authorized to do business in
  this state, certifying that there is in  effect  a  standard  provisions
  automobile  liability  policy  in form approved by the superintendant of
  insurance with a limit of liability no less than provided in subdivision
  (a) of section three hundred thirty-five of this law.