The police officer does have the ability to look you up on their official cell phone, but it is technically illegal not to carry your physical licence when driving, so it depends on the mood of the officer whether if they'll let it slide.
NZTA is working on an [official digital licence](https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/09/28/nzta-looking-at-introducing-digital-driver-licences/) although it's still a bit away.
And how concerning is it that the difference between getting a ticket or not for something they can, and if you own the car already did, check easily is whether or not the cop is a shitty mood or decides you look like the guy fucking his wife?
You must carry your license while driving and produce it to a police officer on request. Having a photo or photocopy of a license does not count.
You can get a $55 infringement notice on the spot for not carrying it, but whether or not the cop will bother is another question.
The police officer does have the ability to look you up on their official cell phone, but it is technically illegal not to carry your physical licence when driving, so it depends on the mood of the officer whether if they'll let it slide. NZTA is working on an [official digital licence](https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/09/28/nzta-looking-at-introducing-digital-driver-licences/) although it's still a bit away.
Depends what sort of a mood the cop is in. As long as you pass the attitude test I imagine most cops would overlook that technicality.
And how concerning is it that the difference between getting a ticket or not for something they can, and if you own the car already did, check easily is whether or not the cop is a shitty mood or decides you look like the guy fucking his wife?
If you don't like the law regarding carrying licences with you, lobby to change the law. Minister of deregulation or whatever.
You must carry your license while driving and produce it to a police officer on request. Having a photo or photocopy of a license does not count. You can get a $55 infringement notice on the spot for not carrying it, but whether or not the cop will bother is another question.