Is digital proof of insurance or driver’s license OK if you get pulled over in NC?

We all forget things from time to time.

But what if it’s your wallet, containing your driver’s license and insurance information, and you’re behind the wheel? Then, to your luck, you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror.

We spoke with the NC Department of Public Safety and combed through our state laws to learn what would happen if you were pulled over and failed to show physical proof of your license, registration and car insurance.

Is a digital copy of a driver’s license acceptable at traffic stops in NC?

No, physical copies of a driver’s license and a registration card must be inside a registered vehicle at all times, according to the NC Department of Public Safety.

A photograph of a driver’s license will not suffice, said Sgt. Marcus Bethea, spokesperson for the NC Department of Public Safety.

“While a digital photograph of a driver’s license is certainly better than nothing to help identify a person in times of emergencies or urgent necessity, it is not a legitimate substitute for a physical driver’s license,” he said.

Failing to produce a physical license during a traffic stop is a misdemeanor offense, and it can result in a citation that includes a $25 fine, plus additional court costs, Bethea said.

Note: There’s a big difference between not being licensed to drive and not having your physical driver’s license in your possession.

Can you download your driver’s license to your cell phone in NC?

No, North Carolina does not offer the option to have a photo ID on mobile devices, a spokesperson for the NC Department of Transportation said.

However, legislation filed in February 2023 sought approval to conduct a study for photo identification and digital licensing.

This would be a “supplemental digital version of a valid driver’s license” that would allow the license to be “displayed by a mobile device owned by the person to whom the valid driver’s license is issued,” the bill says.

As of January, about 30 states were testing out adopting mobile driver’s licenses, according to StateTech Magazine.

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What happens if you get pulled over but don’t have your license?

This can mean a few different things.

▪ If you are licensed to drive but don’t have your card physically with you, you can receive a misdemeanor offense.

This comes with a $25 fine and additional court costs, according to DPS.

▪ If you never obtained a driver’s license before operating a motor vehicle, you can face a Class 3 misdemeanor, which can result in a maximum fine of $200.

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Do you need to keep your registration card in your car in NC?

Yes, registration cards are required by law to be “carried in the vehicle to which it refers.”

Registration cards must be “displayed upon demand” of any officer.

But if someone doesn’t have their registration card in their possession and an officer charges them, state law says they can get this charge waived by producing a registration card in court that was valid at the time they were charged.

Are electronic insurance cards OK in North Carolina?

Yes, North Carolina accepts electronic ID cards as valid proof of insurance.

Some car insurance providers, like Allstate and Geico, allow you to download your insurance card to your phone’s digital wallet.

“Whether it is a physical insurance card or a phone app that is presented, what ultimately matters is that it matches with the DMV’s records. In the event the records do not match, the investigating officer will investigate further and determine if any violation exists,” DPS’ Bethea said.

What to do if a police officer pulls you over

If a police officer pulls you over, you will likely be asked to present your license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Here’s how you should follow instructions, according to the NC Division of Motor Vehicles’ driver handbook. You can find the full handbook online at the NC Department of Transportation’s website.

▪ When you see emergency lights and/or hear a siren behind you, stay calm, activate your turn signal, pull the vehicle always to the right and off the travel portion of the highway at the nearest point where it is safe to do so.

▪ If there is not an obvious safe place to immediately stop the vehicle, turn on your emergency four-way flashers and reduce your speed (by about 10 mph) to signal to the officer that you are aware of their presence. Continue driving and obey all traffic laws until you reach the nearest safe area to stop your vehicle.

▪ After the vehicle stops, you should place the vehicle in park, roll down the window, turn off the engine and silence any electronic devices and/or radio so that you can easily communicate with the officer. You and all passengers should remain seated in the vehicle. An officer may approach your vehicle on the driver or passenger side for safety reasons. Do not remove your seatbelt unless asked to do so by the officer.

▪ The officer will usually explain why they stopped you and may ask you questions. Under state law, you are required to identify yourself and provide your driver’s license and registration for the vehicle. After establishing identification, you may choose whether or not to verbally respond to additional questions.

▪ If your driver’s license and/or vehicle registration is not readily accessible, do not reach under the seats and do not open the glove box or other compartments and begin searching for your license or registration unless you are asked to do so by the officer. Remain calm and refrain from engaging in sudden or unnecessary movements during the traffic stop.

Source: ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses

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