San Jose Mercury News’ Roadshow clarifies a question I’ve had for a while: Can I just have a photo of my driving license?

No

A: A mobile or digital driver’s license (mDL or DDL) may someday be legal in California but isn’t yet, nor is just a photo of your license on your phone.

There is no target date for when a digital license will be legal in California. Critics cite privacy issues as a major concern that must be addressed with such a system. Digital licenses are available in about eight states now, and another eight states and territories will implement digital license technology soon.

If you are stopped and have only a photo of your license, you risk getting a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of six months in jail (which seems unlikely) and a $1,000 fine. Or a violation might be counted as an infraction, with a $250 fine.