Had a similar run-in with the paper slip nonsense—mine got wet in my glovebox and turned into mush. Cop just squinted at it and shrugged. I get the “reasonable care” thing, but sometimes it feels like they’re just looking for reasons to deny claims.
That’s rough—those paper slips are basically designed to self-destruct if you look at them wrong. I’ve seen people try laminating them, but then sometimes the RMV or cops get weird about that too. Did you ever try keeping a digital copy on your phone, or does MA still insist on the original paper for everything? Curious if anyone’s actually had a claim denied just because the slip was damaged or missing...
I’ve wondered the same thing about digital copies—like, if you show a photo of the slip, does anyone actually accept it? Last time I was at the RMV, the person next to me tried to use a scan on their phone and got totally shut down. But then again, I’ve heard stories where cops are chill about it if you’re pulled over. Is it just luck of the draw? Also, has anyone actually had insurance deny a claim just because the paper was crumpled or faded? That seems wild, but I wouldn’t put it past them...
Yeah, it’s totally a toss-up. I tried showing a pic of my reg once and the RMV lady looked at me like I’d just handed her a sandwich. But my buddy got pulled over in Worcester and the cop was fine with his phone version—go figure. As for insurance, I’ve handed them paperwork that looked like it survived a hurricane and they didn’t care. Guess it depends on who you get that day...
Honestly, this is what confuses me the most about the whole process. Like, why isn’t there just one clear rule? I’ve heard some people say they got away with digital copies, but others get shut down immediately. Does it actually say anywhere on the RMV site if a photo or PDF is officially okay, or is it just up to whoever’s behind the counter? I’m always worried I’ll show up and get turned away for missing some random paper. The inconsistency just makes it more stressful than it has to be.