That’s pretty much my worry too—phones die, apps glitch, and then what? I’ve always kept a paper copy in the glove box, just in case. But now I’m wondering, is there an actual rule about what format they have to accept, or is it just up to the officer? Feels like the law says one thing but reality’s a bit messier. Anyone ever actually get a ticket for not having the paper version, or is it just a hassle?
I’ve always played it safe and kept a paper copy in the glove box, too. Had a buddy get pulled over near Pierre last winter—his phone was dead, and he only had the digital proof. The officer was decent about it but said technically, South Dakota does accept electronic proof now. Still, he got a warning because he couldn’t pull it up right then. Guess it depends on who you get and how their day’s going. Personally, I’d rather deal with a crumpled paper than risk an awkward roadside tech fail.
I get the worry about tech failing, but isn’t there a risk with paper too? Like, what if you forget to swap it out when your policy renews, or it gets wet or lost? I kinda like the idea of having both, just in case. But honestly, I’d probably lose the paper before my phone dies...
But honestly, I’d probably lose the paper before my phone dies...
Ha, same here. My glovebox is basically a black hole for important papers. But I do worry about my phone dying at the worst time—like, you know, right when I get pulled over. Guess it’s just picking which risk you’re more okay with?
My glovebox is basically a black hole for important papers. But I do worry about my phone dying at the worst time—like, you know, right when I get pulled over. Guess it’s just picking which risk you’re more okay with?
Honestly, I get the struggle. I’ve read that in South Dakota, both digital and paper proof of insurance are legal, but if your phone’s dead, you’re out of luck. I keep a printed copy tucked behind my registration—yeah, glovebox gobbles stuff, but it’s not like I clean it out often enough to lose it. It’s less about which risk and more about doubling up, y’know? If one fails, you’ve got backup.
