Honestly, I totally get why you’d want to double-check all this. I’m still new to driving and I worry about getting pulled over and not having the right stuff. The idea of an officer not accepting my phone makes me nervous, even if the law says it’s fine. I keep a paper copy in my glove box just in case my phone dies or something weird happens. It’s probably overkill, but it helps me stress less. You’re not alone in being cautious—better safe than sorry, right?
Honestly, I think you’re doing the right thing. The law in SD does allow digital proof, but I’ve seen officers who still prefer paper—old habits die hard, I guess. Having both just covers your bases. I wouldn’t call it overkill, just practical.
Carrying both digital and paper proof is honestly a smart move, even if it feels a bit much. I’ve seen plenty of situations where the law says one thing, but in practice, officers or even DMV staff still want to see the old-school paper card. It’s not always about what’s technically allowed—it’s about what’s going to make things go smoothly if you’re ever pulled over or need to show proof in a hurry.
If you want to be extra thorough, just double-check that your digital proof is easily accessible (some apps require a login or don’t work well offline). I’ve had clients get flustered when their phone died or the app glitched, and then they were glad to have the paper backup. It’s not overkill at all—just being prepared for the quirks of real life. You’re covering your bases, and that’s never a bad thing.
Honestly, I’ve been there—dug through my glove box like I’m on a treasure hunt while the officer waits. Digital is great until your phone decides to update or you’re in a dead zone. Anyone ever had a cop actually refuse the digital version? I keep both, but sometimes I wonder if it’s just me being paranoid...
I get where you’re coming from—honestly, I think keeping both paper and digital is just being smart, not paranoid. I’ve heard stories about officers in South Dakota being fine with the app one day, then the next guy wants to see the actual card. It’s like a coin toss depending on who pulls you over and maybe even what kind of mood they’re in. The law says digital is supposed to be accepted, but reality isn’t always that tidy.
One time, my wife was driving our minivan and got stopped for a taillight. She pulled up the insurance on her phone, but the officer barely glanced at it and still asked if she had the paper copy. Luckily, she did—buried under a pile of napkins and receipts, of course. He didn’t make a big deal, but it felt like he was just more comfortable with the old-school way. I’d rather fumble through the glove box than risk a ticket or awkward back-and-forth.
Honestly, I don’t trust my phone to work when I need it most. Battery dies, app crashes, or—like you said—random updates at the worst possible time. Plus, if you’re out in the sticks (which is half of South Dakota), cell service isn’t a given. Maybe it’s overkill, but I keep a fresh paper copy in each car, just in case. Not worth the hassle if you ask me.
I guess some people would call it over-prepared, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. It’s not like the paper takes up much space, and it saves a ton of stress if you do get pulled over. I’d say keep doing what you’re doing. Better to have both and never need them than the other way around.
