Paper never runs out of battery or needs an update.
Fair point, but I’ll be honest—my glove box is basically a black hole. If I ever *do* find my paper card, it’s usually wedged under a stack of expired parking passes and a petrified granola bar. Meanwhile, my phone’s always in my pocket (and yes, sometimes at 2% battery, but still).
- Digital cards are a lifesaver when I’m swapping cars for the weekend. No more digging around for the right slip of paper.
- Had one officer actually thank me for pulling up the app—said he’s seen enough crumpled, coffee-stained cards to last a lifetime.
- I get the “old habits” thing, but honestly, if my car’s got more computers than my first apartment, I figure my insurance can live on the cloud too.
Not saying paper’s useless, but for me, digital’s just less hassle... unless I’m at that car show in Pierre, apparently.
I totally get where you’re coming from—my glove box is a disaster too, and I’m always paranoid I’ll hand over an old registration by mistake. Digital’s way easier for me, but I’ve heard some places in SD still want to see the actual paper card, especially at smaller events or if you’re out in the middle of nowhere. Has anyone actually had a cop refuse the digital proof? Or is that just one of those urban legends people keep repeating?
Digital’s way easier for me, but I’ve heard some places in SD still want to see the actual paper card, especially at smaller events or if you’re out in the middle of nowhere.
- Glove box chaos? Same. I swear mine could hide a sandwich for months.
- Been pulled over twice in SD—both times showed my phone, no drama. Maybe I just looked too confused to argue with.
- Buddy of mine did get side-eyed at a county fair checkpoint when he had only digital, but they let him go after a minute of grumbling.
- Guess it depends on the officer’s mood...or maybe how many old fast food receipts fall out when you open your glove box.
Is there actually a rule somewhere that says digital is fine everywhere in SD, or is it just kind of up to whoever’s checking? I’ve heard stories both ways—some folks say they’ve never had a problem, others swear you need the paper card if you’re outside the city. Anyone ever actually get ticketed for not having the physical copy, or is it just grumbling and dirty looks?
I’ve wondered about this too, honestly. I’ve always kept both just in case, but I’ve never actually seen anything official that says digital is 100% accepted everywhere in SD. Maybe it’s just one of those gray areas? My brother got pulled over near Pierre and the trooper was fine with his phone, but that’s just one story. I’d love to know if anyone’s actually gotten a ticket for it... hard to tell if it’s just local rumor or real risk.
