Maybe it’s just one of those gray areas?
That’s exactly what worries me. I’m new to all this and don’t want to risk it over a technicality. Guess I’ll keep both versions handy until someone actually gets a ticket for digital-only. Better safe than sorry, right?
Guess I’ll keep both versions handy until someone actually gets a ticket for digital-only. Better safe than sorry, right?
Honestly, that’s probably the smartest move. South Dakota does allow digital proof, but I’ve heard stories about officers in rural areas still wanting to see a paper copy. It’s not worth the hassle if you get pulled over and someone’s having a bad day. I always keep a printed card in my glove box just in case—takes two seconds and saves a lot of stress.
- Totally get where you’re coming from. I keep both versions in my Range Rover just to avoid any weird situations—never know if the tech will glitch or if you’ll get that one officer who insists on paper.
- It’s kind of wild that things aren’t more standardized, but hey, better safe than dealing with extra paperwork or a ticket.
- You’re not being overly cautious at all. I’d rather have a backup than try to argue roadside... especially if I’m out in the middle of nowhere and cell service is spotty.
Honestly, I’ve had a glovebox full of paperwork ever since I started driving old Chevys—habit I can’t shake. Digital’s great until your phone’s dead or you’re in some tiny town where the officer’s never seen an app before. Had a buddy get hassled for not having the “actual card” once, even though he had the info on his phone. Not worth the headache. Paper backup just feels safer, especially if you’re cruising backroads.
I get where you’re coming from, but isn’t there a risk of losing the paper stuff too? I’ve had registration or insurance cards go missing in my car before—between glovebox clutter and random cleanouts, things just disappear. Plus, what happens if you get pulled over and realize your card’s expired because you forgot to swap out the old one? At least with digital, the info updates automatically (assuming your provider’s app isn’t total garbage).
I’m honestly curious if South Dakota actually requires the physical card, or if showing proof on your phone is legally fine now. Laws keep changing. Is it more about what’s written in the law, or is it just up to whoever pulls you over? I’d rather not carry a bunch of extra papers if I don’t have to, but maybe that’s just me trying to cut down on glovebox chaos...
