Honestly, you’re not alone in that boat. I’ve seen a lot of folks get tripped up by the “digital is legal, but…” gray area, especially in states like South Dakota where the law’s clear but the practice isn’t always. The thing is, even though SD law does allow digital proof, it really comes down to the officer’s comfort level in the moment. Some are totally fine with it, others act like you’re showing them a UFO.
Here’s what I usually tell people: keep both. Digital for convenience, paper for backup. It’s not ideal, but it saves you from standing in the cold trying to get a PDF to send with one bar of service. I get wanting to go all-digital—less clutter, less hassle—but until everyone’s on the same page, having that paper card is just a good safety net.
You did everything right, honestly. It’s not about “winning” the argument at the roadside; it’s about getting on your way as quickly as possible. Maybe in a few years, this’ll be a non-issue, but for now, you’re making the smart call.
I get the backup idea, but honestly, I’ve stopped carrying the paper card. Haven’t had an issue yet—every officer I’ve dealt with just glances at my phone and moves on. Maybe I’m just lucky, but I feel like if the law says digital’s fine, that should be enough. Worst case, they can always look it up themselves, right?
Haven’t had an issue yet—every officer I’ve dealt with just glances at my phone and moves on.
Same here. I stopped carrying the paper card years ago, and not once has anyone cared. Honestly, if they can pull up your info in their system, why should we be fumbling around for a piece of paper? Only time I’d worry is if my phone died or something, but that’s what the glovebox is for. Still, digital should be enough—paper feels outdated at this point.
Still, digital should be enough—paper feels outdated at this point.
Yeah, I get where you’re coming from. I’ve noticed the same thing—most officers just want to see *something* that proves you’re insured, and the phone app or a PDF usually does the trick. I haven’t carried a paper card in ages either, and it’s never been an issue during a stop or even after a fender bender.
That said, I’ve seen a couple weird edge cases pop up. Like, if you’re in an accident and your phone’s dead or you can’t get a signal (which happens more than people think out in the sticks), technically you’re supposed to be able to provide proof right then and there. The law in SD does allow for electronic proof, but it doesn’t *require* officers to accept it if, say, your screen’s cracked or the file won’t load. Most are chill about it, but I’ve heard stories where someone got a ticket just because their phone glitched at the wrong moment.
I guess the glovebox backup is still smart, even if it feels old-school. I’ve had people call in after a claim and swear they had proof, but couldn’t pull it up when it mattered. It’s not common, but it happens. And if you’re dealing with another driver after a crash, sometimes they want to see the actual card, not just a phone screen. Not sure why, maybe it just feels more “official” to them.
Anyway, I agree—digital is the way things are headed, and paper’s probably on its way out. But until everyone’s on the same page (and tech never fails), having that backup isn’t the worst idea. Just my two cents from seeing how things play out when stuff goes sideways.
I guess the glovebox backup is still smart, even if it feels old-school.
Honestly, I still keep a paper card in the minivan just in case. My phone’s battery is always dying at the worst times, and I’d rather not risk it if I get pulled over with the kids in the car. Plus, my mom brain can’t handle another “what if” scenario. Digital’s great, but paper’s like my safety net for now. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but it’s saved me once when my phone froze up.
