Once you head out to the suburbs, Texas feels wide open... 

So living here, you will likely encounter a police checkpoint at least once. Even the 80 mph speed limit can feel insufficient, and before you know it, a police car is right behind you.

At that moment, there are three things the police will definitely check: your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of car insurance.

In the past, we used to carry the insurance proof only on paper, but these days, times have changed, and it's possible to show it on your phone screen.

According to the Texas Transportation Code (§601.053), electronic proof of insurance is legally recognized when requested by the police.

This means you can show it through a smartphone app, a PDF file, or even a screenshot.

Recently, when I was pulled over by the police, I only took out the registration from the glove box on the passenger side and opened the insurance app on my phone to show it.

The important thing is that the insurance company's name, the subscriber's name, vehicle information, and expiration date are clearly visible on the screen.

The police said "OK" and I just received a speeding warning and was on my way.

So what about the neighboring states of Texas? Should you be cautious when driving to another state?

I found that most states in the U.S. allow electronic proof of insurance, but New Mexico is the only one that does not recognize it yet. For example, State Farm states that "digital insurance cards are accepted in 49 states."

This means that in neighboring states like Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Arizona, it's fine to show your insurance on your phone screen.

However, if you're heading to New Mexico, you must carry a printed proof of insurance.

In New Mexico, electronic proof is not legally valid, so if the police request it, you need the physical paper.

If you live in places like El Paso or frequently travel long distances to New Mexico, it's safer to always keep a paper proof in your vehicle.

Also, save your electronic proof as a PDF file or screenshot so you can show it even in areas without data connection.

It can be awkward if you're in the middle of nowhere and the police ask to see your insurance proof when there's no signal.

In conclusion, electronic proof of insurance is convenient and legal in Texas. Just remember that New Mexico is the only exception among neighboring states.

Now, when I travel, I've developed the habit of carrying both my phone and a paper proof in my wallet.

Ultimately, what will protect me in uncertain situations is my preparedness.