Honestly, you nailed it—South Dakota’s rules are clear on paper (pun intended), but in real life, it’s a bit of a wild west. I’ve seen folks get waved through with the app, and others get the side-eye for not having the old-school card. I tell people: treat your insurance card like a spare tire. You hope you never need it, but when you do, you’ll be glad it’s not buried under last year’s fast food wrappers. Phones are great... until they aren’t.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had the opposite happen—my phone died right as I got pulled over, and the officer was fine with a photo of my card from months ago. Guess it just depends who you run into... I still keep both, just in case.
Honestly, I think you’re doing it right by keeping both. I’ve been driving in SD for decades, and I’ve seen the rules shift a bit over the years. Here’s how I handle it, just to cover all the bases:
1. I keep a paper copy of my insurance card in the glove box. It’s old-school, but it’s never failed me, even when my phone’s dead or I’m in a spot with no service.
2. I also snap a photo of the current card and save it in a folder on my phone. That way, if I ever lose the paper one, I’ve got a backup.
3. Every renewal, I toss the old card and update both the glove box and my phone. It’s a quick habit, but it saves headaches.
You’re right, though—it really can depend on the officer. Some are fine with a photo, others want to see the actual card. I’ve even had one ask for both, which was a first. Just goes to show, a little extra prep never hurts.
You’re right, though—it really can depend on the officer. Some are fine with a photo, others want to see the actual card.
Yeah, I’ve had that happen too. Got pulled over last winter and my phone was dead—luckily had the paper card or I’d have been in trouble. Honestly, after a couple tickets for “not having proof” (even though I did, just not the way they wanted), I always double up now. It’s a pain but worth it for peace of mind.
Honestly, doubling up is smart. I’ve had officers in SD who wouldn’t even look at my phone, just wanted the paper. It’s annoying, but I’d rather deal with the hassle than another ticket. You’re not alone—insurance proof rules here are just weird sometimes.
