61-5-116. License to be carried and exhibited on demand. (1) A licensee must have the licensee's driver's license in the licensee's immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display the license upon demand of a justice of the peace, a city or municipal judge, a peace officer, a highway patrol officer, or a field deputy or inspector of the department. However, a person charged with violating this section may not be convicted if the person produces in court or the office of the arresting officer a driver's license issued to the person and valid at the time of the person's arrest.

(2) (a) Beginning September 1, 2025, a licensee may meet the requirements of subsection (1) by having a digital or hard copy version of the licensee's driver's license in the licensee's immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and displaying the license upon demand.

(b) Only a digital or hard copy version of the licensee's driver's license issued and authorized by the department is sufficient to meet the requirements of this section.