Honestly, I’ve wondered the same thing—why isn’t there just a universal system by now?
I get the frustration, but I’m not convinced a screenshot is always a safe bet. I’ve heard mixed stories—some officers are fine with it, others insist on the actual card or a digital version from your insurer’s app. The “dead phone” scenario you mentioned is exactly why I still keep a paper copy tucked away. It’s not ideal, but until there’s a universal system, I’d rather play it safe. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I’d rather not risk a ticket over something like this...
I hear you on the screenshots—tried that once when I got pulled over in the city, and the officer just raised an eyebrow and said he needed to see the official app or a paper card. Ever since, I keep a printed copy in my glovebox and another in the trunk, just in case. Might be overkill, but with all the tech glitches and dead battery scares, it’s saved me some headaches. Honestly, for what these cars cost, I’d rather not risk it over paperwork...
Totally get where you’re coming from—paper backup just feels safer. I keep copies in the glovebox and even a photo on my phone, just in case. Not sure it’s overkill when you think about how much hassle a missing doc can cause. Better safe than sorry, especially with these cars...
Not sure it’s overkill when you think about how much hassle a missing doc can cause.
I mean, is it just me or does Illinois make this stuff way more confusing than it needs to be? I’ve got the paper in the glovebox, a pic on my phone, and I still get nervous if I see flashing lights behind me. Has anyone actually had a cop accept just the phone photo? Or do they still want the old-school paper? Just curious if I’m being paranoid or if that’s actually saved someone before...
I’ve actually had an officer take the digital copy once, but another time I got a lecture about “needing the real thing.” Seems like it depends on who you get. Honestly, I wish Illinois would just pick a lane—either digital is fine or it’s not. I keep both too, but it feels pretty redundant at this point. The anxiety’s real though... last thing I want is some paperwork technicality messing up my day.
