I can’t bring myself to toss the backup copy. Guess it’s one less thing to stress about if tech fails or the battery’s dead.
Honestly, I’m right there with you. Even though digital proof is accepted, I keep a paper copy tucked away just in case. Maybe it’s overkill, but I’d rather be safe than scrambling if my phone dies mid-trip. Old habits die hard, I guess.
I’m with you—paper backup just feels safer, especially after I watched a buddy get stuck during a traffic stop because his phone froze up. I know Illinois says digital proof is fine, but I’ve seen cops who still seem to prefer the old-school card. Out of curiosity, has anyone actually had a cop refuse to accept the digital version, or is that just an urban legend at this point?
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve only ever used the digital version and never had an issue. Maybe I’ve just been lucky, but every cop I’ve dealt with in Illinois seemed totally fine with it—one even joked about how much easier it was to read on my phone than my crumpled old card. I keep a screenshot saved just in case my app won’t load, but I haven’t seen anyone get turned down for digital proof lately. Maybe it’s more of a thing in smaller towns?
Yeah, I’ve noticed it’s way more chill with digital proof lately, at least around Chicago and the burbs. A few years back, I got pulled over in a tiny town downstate and the officer looked at my phone like it was some kind of alien tech—definitely wasn’t impressed. But since then, even my insurance app has a “show to law enforcement” button, so I guess times are changing. Still, I keep a paper copy stuffed in my glove box just in case... old habits die hard.
Yeah, you’re not wrong—Illinois law does allow digital proof now, but the comfort level with it still varies depending on where you are. Some officers are totally fine with the phone, others still want to see paper. It’s smart to keep a backup in your glove box. I tell clients that all the time—technology’s great until your phone dies or an app glitches at the worst moment. The “show to law enforcement” feature is handy, but I’ve seen cases where a cracked screen or bad cell service made things awkward.
Honestly, habits like keeping a paper copy aren’t outdated yet. Until every department’s 100% on board, having both just covers your bases. You’re definitely not alone in playing it safe.
