I get the “better safe than sorry” thing, but honestly, I think carrying both digital and paper copies is a bit much. I’ve only ever been asked for proof on my phone, and it’s never been an issue—maybe I’ve just been lucky? I guess if your phone dies or something, the paper’s handy, but I’d rather not keep track of extra stuff if I don’t have to. Just my two cents...
I totally get not wanting to carry extra paper around—keeping track of stuff just for “what if” scenarios can feel like overkill. But here’s how I look at it, especially since I’m always thinking about saving a buck or two (and avoiding tickets).
1. Most of the time, digital proof works fine—never had a cop in South Dakota give me grief for showing my phone.
2. BUT... if your phone dies, gets lost, or you drop it and the screen cracks right as you’re pulled over (yep, happened to my cousin), you’re stuck. Then it’s a ticket or a warning, and either way it’s a hassle.
3. What I do: I keep a folded-up paper copy in the glovebox and forget about it. Doesn’t take up any space, and it’s only there for backup.
Not saying everyone has to do it, but for me, that tiny bit of extra effort is worth not risking a fine or dealing with extra paperwork later. If you’re good with just your phone, more power to you—I just like having a cheap safety net in place.
I hear you on the backup plan—seen too many folks get caught off guard when tech fails at the worst moment. I’m curious though, has anyone actually gotten a ticket in SD for not having paper proof, or do most officers just let it slide if you explain? Seems like it could go either way depending on who you get.
I’m curious though, has anyone actually gotten a ticket in SD for not having paper proof, or do most officers just let it slide if you explain? Seems like it could go either way depending on who you get.
Honestly, it’s a total toss-up. I’ve had clients in SD tell me both stories—some got a warning, others got slapped with a ticket, no questions asked. It really does depend on the cop and maybe even their mood that day. The law says you’re supposed to be able to show electronic proof now, but if your phone’s dead or the app’s glitching, you’re kinda at their mercy. That’s the part that annoys me—tech is great, until it isn’t.
I’ve seen people get lucky with a sympathetic officer who just wants to keep traffic moving, but I’ve also heard of folks who got written up just because they couldn’t pull up the policy fast enough. One guy I know had spotty cell service out by Hot Springs and couldn’t load his insurance app. The trooper gave him a citation, no hesitation. He fought it in court and got it dropped after showing proof, but still had to waste half a day dealing with it. Not exactly fun.
If you want my two cents, keeping a paper card in the glove box is just cheap insurance against hassle. Yeah, it’s old school, but it saves you from rolling the dice with someone’s attitude on the side of the road. I get why people want to ditch paper, but tech just isn’t 100% reliable out here yet.
Bottom line, I wouldn’t count on getting a pass every time. Some officers are cool, some aren’t. Better to be over-prepared than end up with a ticket hanging over your head for something that’s so easy to avoid.
Not sure I totally agree—paper’s fine, but honestly, I’ve never had an officer in SD hassle me for just showing my phone. Maybe it’s because the cars I drive stand out and they assume I keep things legit? Or maybe I’ve just been lucky. Either way, tech’s come a long way, and most insurance apps let you save a PDF or screenshot so you don’t need cell service. I’d rather deal with a dead phone once in a blue moon than keep track of paper cluttering up the glove box. Guess it depends on your risk tolerance...
