Honestly, I get the comfort of paper, but I’ve never had an issue just using my phone. Illinois cops are used to the digital thing now. If your phone’s dead, sure, that’s a pain, but how often does that really happen? I’d rather not deal with more clutter in the car—just keep my phone charged and screenshots handy.
If your phone’s dead, sure, that’s a pain, but how often does that really happen?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had my phone die on a long drive through rural Illinois—no charger in sight. That one time was enough for me to keep a paper copy tucked in the glove box, just in case. Digital’s convenient, but I’m not quite ready to ditch the backup.
I hear you on the backup. I once thought I’d never need a paper copy again, but then my phone decided to freeze up right as I got pulled over near Peoria. Officer was nice about it, but I felt like a total goof digging through my glove box for the old insurance card. Digital’s great until it isn’t… I’ll keep both, just to be safe.
Digital’s great until it isn’t… I’ll keep both, just to be safe.
Honestly, that’s the safest bet. I’ve seen way too many folks get stuck when their phone battery dies or the app won’t load. Paper might seem old school, but it’s still your best backup. My rule of thumb: keep a current card in the glove box, snap a pic for your phone, and double-check before road trips. It’s not overkill if it saves you a headache later... trust me, I’ve seen every scenario play out.
Paper might seem old school, but it’s still your best backup.
You’re not kidding. I once got pulled over with a dead phone and, of course, no paper card in sight—felt like a genius explaining that to the cop. Ever since, I keep a wrinkled old card in the glove box, a screenshot on my phone, and a backup in my wallet just in case. If that’s overkill, well... at least I’m covered when my luck inevitably runs out.
