Georgians react to state troopers allowed to scan digital IDs at traffic stops

PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia drivers can now use a digital driver’s license or ID during traffic stops, crash investigations, and under other circumstances, according to the state Department of Public Safety.

All state troopers, commercial vehicle enforcement officers, and Capitol Police will be able to scan the digital ID. They have until July 1 next year to have the necessary equipment.

How it works at a stop

Drivers will let officers know they want to use the phone option, not the other way around. Drivers do not hand over their phones. They present the phone to officers at the window and let officers scan it.

The Georgia State Patrol said drivers often use their phones to show insurance information, too.

Drivers who do not want to use the phone option do not have to and can still use a physical ID at any time. It is encouraged to always have a physical ID on your person.

“The Georgia Department of Public Safety is proud to introduce this new tool made available to all of our Troopers and Officers to help us more effectively serve our citizens and visitors by being able to read their driver’s license and IDs digitally if they choose,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety last week. “We are collaborating with the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services to make this transition as easy as possible across our state.”

What residents are saying

Phillip Bell, a Savannah resident, said drivers should tell the officer they have a digital ID to ensure a safe, communicative situation.

“Whenever you’re reaching for an ID, you’re typically going to your pocket, so if it’s on your phone, just let the officer, or whoever it is, know that I have a digital ID,” Bell said. “I don’t know what it is about having a personal copy ID, but it’s almost like that’s obsolete now.”

Aliza Perkins, a SCAD student, said she prefers to carry a physical ID at this time. She’s also found some frustrations trying to get a digital ID in the first place through the DMV and Department of Driver Services.

“I think it’s always safer to keep your physical identification on yourself. There’s always a chance that you’re relying on just the digital one and your phone dies, the website crashes, or your account gets hacked, and then people have access to your ID somehow,” Perkins said.

Perkins said the digital option could be useful in some situations.

“I think it could be beneficial in some situations, but I think it would be more of a convenience thing,” she said.

Unknowns for GSP

The Georgia State Patrol told WTOC on Monday that there are unknowns about whether the digital ID improves efficiency for troopers, especially in inclement weather or on congested roadways.

“We would hope this process will make it easier on the citizens and law enforcement throughout all interactions,” they wrote.

For this to work, drivers will have to communicate with officers that they are using their phone to show their ID. In some cases, a phone could not be visible during these tense situations.

GSP officials wrote on Monday that if there’s a concern about motorists reaching for a phone during stops, “No, citizens will let the Troopers and Officers know they want to use a digital driver’s license or ID on their phone and will then present it at the window. The expectation is provided through the regular traffic stop verbal conversation.”

According to GSP, troopers have already received training on proper handling of these kinds of interactions.

“We will not handle or hold anyone’s phone and how to use the app for reading the digital information. A citizen using their phone never has to turn their phone towards the Trooper or Officer. If they are uncomfortable using their phone, they can continue to using their physical driver’s license,” they wrote.