Good point about spotty reception—I remember cruising through the Black Hills in my old Mustang, and reception was pretty sketchy out there. Makes me wonder, though...does SD law specifically require a printed insurance card, or is digital proof officially accepted now?
"Makes me wonder, though...does SD law specifically require a printed insurance card, or is digital proof officially accepted now?"
That's something I was wondering about recently too. Digital proof is definitely more convenient, but I've been in situations where my phone battery died or I couldn't get a signal. Not exactly ideal if you're pulled over and trying to prove your coverage.
Does anyone know if SD cops are equipped to handle digital proof smoothly, or are some of them still expecting to see an actual paper card? I've heard mixed things from friends. One buddy got pulled over near Pierre and said the officer didn't even hesitate accepting his phone screen, while another friend up near Aberdeen mentioned the officer seemed a bit annoyed and asked if he had a paper version instead.
Honestly, I'd feel safer just carrying the physical card anyway—it's a small hassle compared to the potential headache you could face if your digital proof doesn't load when you need it most. On a related note, has anyone here actually had trouble with law enforcement accepting digital insurance proof in SD, or is it pretty much smooth sailing these days?
"Honestly, I'd feel safer just carrying the physical card anyway—it's a small hassle compared to the potential headache you could face if your digital proof doesn't load when you need it most."
I get what you're saying, but honestly, I've been using digital proof exclusively for over a year now in SD and haven't had any issues yet. Got pulled over once near Sioux Falls, and the officer didn't bat an eye at my phone screen. Sure, there's always that tiny risk of tech failing, but realistically...how often does that happen? Seems like paper cards are becoming more of a backup than a necessity these days.
I've been using digital proof too, and it's been fine so far. But I do get the concern about tech glitches—my phone froze up once at the worst possible time (not insurance-related, thankfully).
"Seems like paper cards are becoming more of a backup than a necessity these days."
True, but isn't it still worth keeping one handy just in case? Curious if anyone's had trouble with digital proof in more rural areas around SD...
Digital proof usually works fine, but rural SD can be tricky—spotty reception, dead zones, you name it. Have you checked if local law enforcement out there accepts screenshots or offline copies as valid proof? Might be worth clarifying beforehand...
