"Have you checked if local law enforcement out there accepts screenshots or offline copies as valid proof?"
Good point—definitely worth double-checking. I've driven through rural SD plenty, and trust me, relying solely on digital proof can bite you hard. Had a buddy get pulled over near Winner, and the officer wasn't thrilled about his screenshot. Eventually let him off with a warning, but it was a hassle. I'd say keep a printed copy tucked away somewhere just to be safe... beats arguing roadside in the middle of nowhere.
Yeah, digital proof can be hit or miss depending on the officer. I had a client once who thought his insurance app screenshot would be enough when he got stopped outside Rapid City. Officer wasn't impressed, made him sit there for 20 minutes while he called in to verify coverage. Eventually cleared him, but it was a pain. Honestly, just print it out—saves you from unnecessary headaches down the road.
Had a similar experience near Sioux Falls last year. I figured my insurance company's app would be enough since it clearly stated coverage dates, policy number, everything. Nope... officer wasn't having it. He was polite but insisted on calling it in, which took forever. Honestly, the few cents you spend printing a physical copy is worth avoiding the hassle and wasted time. Digital's convenient, sure, but when you're sitting roadside watching cars zoom by, convenience suddenly feels overrated.
"Digital's convenient, sure, but when you're sitting roadside watching cars zoom by, convenience suddenly feels overrated."
Yeah, I get the point here, but honestly, I've driven through South Dakota multiple times and never had issues using my insurance app. Maybe it depends on the officer or how familiar they are with digital proof? A couple of things I've found helpful:
- Always screenshot your insurance info beforehand—sometimes reception out there is spotty, and waiting for an app to load is a pain.
- Keep a printed copy anyway. It's cheap and takes almost no space in the glovebox.
- If you're skeptical about local rules, just call the state's DMV or highway patrol ahead of time. They're usually pretty straightforward.
I mean, digital should be enough these days, but clearly some officers aren't fully on board yet. Better safe than sorry, I guess...
Had a similar experience last summer cruising my '68 Mustang through SD. Officer was cool about digital proof, but reception was sketchy... glad I had a paper backup tucked away. Old-school wins sometimes, I guess.
