Driver's License

[bacarver]

I recently had an encounter with some teenagers (see crazy drivers) while I was riding. The police officer I spoke with asked me for my driver's license. This sounded weird to me because I wasn't driving my car. I was riding my bike. Bikes are expected to follow the rules of the road but it never occurred to me to carry my auto license.
I do wear a Road ID bracelet in case of emergency.
How many of you take your driver's license with you when you're out riding? I guess it is a good idea (if I can remember to grab it and put it in my underseat pouch).
Barb

[kelownagirl]

I only take mine if I'm riding alone because it's my only ID.

[Zen]

it never occurred to me. I don't think I'd want to carry my license, maybe a photocopy.

[michelem]

I always carry my drivers license, health insurance card, "in case of emergency please contact" info (written on a ratty piece of paper - I need to rewrite and get it laminated or something), and a phone card (which, won't do me any good if there aren't any pay phones around). I keep these in a jersey pocket.

[Mr. Bloom]

I always rode with a Driver's License, CreditCard and $20.

Later, I'd go to the store and realize that my wallet was missing a Driver's License, CreditCard and $20. So, I got a RoadID.:eek:

As you probably know, Indiana law only requires a license to operate a motor vehicle (unless it's a locomotive crossing a public road at a disignated rail crossing:p )

But, as you note, Indiana law also says that a cyclist has the same responsibilities as the operator of a motor vehicle...hmmm:confused: So, there's a little inconsistency....but it's very specific on who IS required to have license and a pedalcyclist is not listed.

I suspect the cop really wanted to establish your identity (since you were complaining about someone's behavior) and didn't have a strong basis in law to expect you to have it.

But, I'm not a lawyer (although I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once).:rolleyes:

[7rider]

I went to a conference recently where, at check-in, we got a little pouch with a neck lanyard to hold our "Hello, my name is..." card. It is perfectly sized to hold my driver's license, health insurance card, credit card, $10 (I rarely have a $20 on me! :rolleyes: ), and cell phone. It fits in my jersey pocket and goes into my pocket book when I'm done riding...so I don't walk into a store and realize I forgot everything! :p

[Jo-n-NY]

In NYC, I am not sure about Long Island people have to have and ID all the time. I do not think it has to be a drivers licence since people like my mother in law do not drive.

No ID....you get taken in. I wonder if the "road ID" is considered a valid ID. I do not ride here in the city, but you post got me thinking.

~ JoAnn

[SouthernBelle]

I carry my old license in my saddle bag.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I wear my RoadID and carry some emergency cash. No driver's license.

But I do have a story from many years ago... an acquaintance was stopped by police while riding his bike. He was asked for and provided his driver's license. He was actually written up for a moving violation, and he had a hard time convincing his (car) insurance carrier that the violation shouldn't go against his driving record. They were trying to raise his insurance rates.

I realize this sounds a bit far-fetched, but I didn't make it up (my imagination just isn't that good!).

--- Denise

[VeloVT]

No ID....you get taken in. I wonder if the "road ID" is considered a valid ID. I do not ride here in the city, but you post got me thinking.

~ JoAnn

Probably not, usually ID in the context you're describing has to be government-issued.

Southernbelle, I like your idea of carrying an expired DL in your seatbag. Then you have your government ID but you never have to worry about getting caught with your ID not in your wallet... (I was recently buying dinner goodies for bf's birthday, mousse cake was outside in the hot car, and was prevented from buying champagne bc my id was in my bike wallet. I'm 27 for heaven's sake -- not anywhere near underage. Let's say I was slightly put out).

[TexanCzexican]

Southernbelle, I like your idea of carrying an expired DL in your seatbag.


In Texas, when you renew your license at the DMV they cut it in half, so this may not work in all states :o

I always carry my license, insurance card and $5-$10. I plan to get Road ID, but will probably still carry my license....I thought all adults had to have a photo id on them at all times......:confused:

[mimitabby]

I usually carry my license as ID on longer rides. Having said this, there's a big lawsuit going on in Wyoming, Montana or Colorado (I forget). Some cowboy got into an altercation along the side of the road. He was NOT driving. The police stopped asked for his driver's license and he either didn't have it or wouldn't show it and they took him to jail. He says that since he wasn't driving he didn't need it. I got into a big discussion with a group of men and women. Most of the women said if they were out walking they did NOT carry a license and the guys tended to think you needed to have it. There's no law (yet) that says you have to carry ID in this country but police don't necessarily care.

[indigoiis]

There's no law (yet) that says you have to carry ID in this country but police don't necessarily care.

There's no law to keep them from asking for it, yet, either.

But you do not have to give it to them if you are not operating a motor vehicle.

[Kano]

Maybe they're just so used to asking for drivers' licenses?

I scanned my drivers license and health insurance card, printed a couple of copies and keep one in my camelbak and one in my saddle bag on the bike.


Karen in Boise

[GLC1968]

I have a road ID on my shoes. I also carry my DL, a credit card, a copy of my insurance card and some cash (If I can find any!) in a Jimi in my jersey pocket. As soon as I get back from a ride, I toss it in my purse because I have been caught without them more than once when running an errand after biking!

This is the Jimi - it keeps my sweat from yucking up my stuff.

http://www.thejimi.com/wallet/index.php

I don't think it's a requirement to have a photo ID on you at all times, but its certainly a good idea. It seems a bit weird that the cop would ask for a DL if you aren't driving though.

[bacarver]

After reading the posts, I have decided that it is a good idea to have my license, Road ID, insurance information, etc. with me when I go riding, hiking, or kayaking. I'm going to get the sewing kit out and make a crazy-wild, bright multi-purpose pouch that will inspire me to get in the habit.
I never anticipated the officer's question since I wasn't in my car.
If I am ever injured or in crisis, these forms of identification will help others help me.
If I ever come across anyone who needs my assistance, then I would appreciate the access to information. The confusion and frustration will be lessened.
Thanks guys!
Barb

[TexanCzexican]

Found this on http://www.flexyourrights.org/frequently_asked_questions#07 :

7. When do I have to show ID?

This is a tricky issue. As a general principle, citizens who are minding their own business are not obligated to "show their papers" to police. In fact, there is no law requiring citizens to carry identification of any kind.

Nonetheless, carrying an ID is required when you’re driving or flying. Driving without a license is a crime, and no one is allowed to board an airplane without first presenting an ID. These requirements have been upheld on the premise that individuals who prefer not to carry ID can choose not to drive or fly.

From here, ID laws only get more complicated. In Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial District Court of Nevada, the Supreme Court upheld state laws requiring citizens to disclose their identity to police when officers have reasonable suspicion to believe criminal activity may be taking place. Commonly known as 'stop and identify' statutes, these laws permit police to arrest criminal suspects who refuse to identify themselves.

Currently the following states have stop and identify laws: AL, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, IL, KS, LA, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, ND, RI, UT, VT, WI

Regardless of your state's law, keep in mind that police can never compel you to identify yourself without reasonable suspicion to believe you're involved in criminal activity. Rather than asking the officer if he/she has reasonable suspicion, test it yourself by asking if you're free to go.

If the officer says you’re free to go, leave immediately and refrain from answering any additional questions.

If the officer detains you, you'll have to decide whether withholding your identity is worth the possibility of arrest or a prolonged detention. In cases of mistaken identity, revealing who you are might help to resolve the situation quickly. On the other hand, if you're on parole in California, for example, revealing your identity could lead to a legal search. Knowing your state's laws can help you make the best choice.

Keep in mind that the officer's decision to detain you will not always hold up in court. ‘Reasonable suspicion' is a vague evidentiary standard, which lends itself to mistakes on the officer's part. If you're searched or arrested following an officer's ID request, always contact an attorney to discuss the incident and explore your legal options.

[Jo-n-NY]

In Manhattan, it is the law to have a bell or horn & light when riding. You are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk. You can get fined for all of these. So if you get stopped for one of these reasons, they person will be asked for an id and if he doesn't have it, he or she will be taken in. The rookies need to get summons and arrests under their belt so need less to say, they will act on these.

~ JoAnn

[7rider]

I'm no lawyer, don't even pretend to play one on t.v.
But...
TexanCzexican noted that some states have laws that require "citizens to disclose their identity to police when officers have reasonable suspicion to believe criminal activity may be taking place."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but even if you did do something against the law on your bike, aren't those CIVIL infractions, and not CRIMINAL?
Running a red light on your bike = civil
Using your bike to purse snatch = criminal.
Yes??

Regardless....I carry my ID only because I want someone to be able to identify my body if I should buy the farm on a ride. And I carry my insurance card so they'll have what they need if I survive and end up in a hospital. Warped, perhaps, but ....c'est la vie.

[Grog]

In the province of Quebec, Canada, infractions on the public roadway caused by a cyclist can result in "penalty points" on that cyclist's driving record (if the person has a driving record). Not sure what happens to those who don't have one.

I did not have a driver's licence until I was 24. In Quebec that never caused me problems but I have had issues in other provinces/states where it seemed impossible that a grown-up human being would not produce a DL when asked for ID... *sigh*

[BadgerGirl]

I usually carry my license as ID on longer rides. Having said this, there's a big lawsuit going on in Wyoming, Montana or Colorado (I forget). Some cowboy got into an altercation along the side of the road. He was NOT driving. The police stopped asked for his driver's license and he either didn't have it or wouldn't show it and they took him to jail. He says that since he wasn't driving he didn't need it. I got into a big discussion with a group of men and women. Most of the women said if they were out walking they did NOT carry a license and the guys tended to think you needed to have it. There's no law (yet) that says you have to carry ID in this country but police don't necessarily care.


OK, I agree with the premise that you don't need to carry and DL if you are riding your bike because you are not driving. I used to carry it just for ID purposes before I got my Road ID and I need it to use my credit card (please see ID). But police officers generally ask for some sort of ID...and may accidently say DL just because usually this is what is given. For the guy in WY or MT...the officers needed to identify him and he was brought to jail because they didn't have any positive ID on him. People lie all the time about who they are. If they could not fine some sufficient evidence about who he was, yes, they will arrest him and take photos and fingerprints to establish a base identification or determine if he is using another persons identification.

Not that I have been lied to before in my job...

[aicabsolut]

I carry DL, a little cash, credit card, health insurance card, auto/property insurance card. I've also written some info in sharpie on the emergency info label inside my helmet (name, emergency contact & number, blood type, etc).

[VeloVT]

I carry DL, a little cash, credit card, health insurance card, auto/property insurance card. I've also written some info in sharpie on the emergency info label inside my helmet (name, emergency contact & number, blood type, etc).

Huh. Emergency label inside the helmet. Another great idea.

I was thinking about just photocopying my license/insurance card so I won't have to take it out of my wallet (and risk forgetting to put it back in) when I go for a ride. I'm sure this would be sufficient to ID me and assure medical care if I were in an accident... But I'm now wondering if it would be considered odd/suspicious, if for some reason I were to be asked for ID while riding, as Barb was when she reported dangerous drivers, and I produced a photocopy of my license instead of the real thing.

[Running Mommy]

Probably not, usually ID in the context you're describing has to be government-issued.

Southernbelle, I like your idea of carrying an expired DL in your seatbag. Then you have your government ID but you never have to worry about getting caught with your ID not in your wallet... (I was recently buying dinner goodies for bf's birthday, mousse cake was outside in the hot car, and was prevented from buying champagne bc my id was in my bike wallet. I'm 27 for heaven's sake -- not anywhere near underage. Let's say I was slightly put out).


In AZ our DL's are good for like 30 years, so it would be quite awhile before I'd get a new one! :D

[SouthernBelle]

In most states traffic infractions are "quasi-criminal" in nature. Fines and jail time are punitive. Here in Tennessee driving on revoked is an automatic 2 days in jail.

[chickwhorips]

In AZ our DL's are good for like 30 years, so it would be quite awhile before I'd get a new one! :D

I got mine when I was sixteen and vowed I wouldn't get a new one till I got old so I always had that picture, well I moved and had to give it up. I thought it was a good idea, but I know people who's IDs wore out on them after a few years.

I use to carry my DL with me until I got my road ID. I kept forgetting to put it back in my purse. Now I wear my road ID and take my cell phone in case of emergency.

[aicabsolut]

Stop and identify laws do not mean you are required to show photo identification. You must provide your name. Of course, it isn't going to do you any good if you lie, but you don't have to have your ID on you. However, if you DO have it with you, it might be wise to show it. In contrast, in Europe, you are required to carry an official ID around with you, and this applies to visitors. You may be stopped for any reason and asked to produce identification. Not that I've ever seen this done, but it's legal.

As for conduct on your bicycle and criminal activity, the two don't have to be related. Perhaps a perp was seen on or with a certain bike. Perhaps you're in street clothes riding around on your commuter and something about you matches the description of someone they are looking for in your area. Those are legit reasons to stop you under suspicion of criminal activity, and it has nothing to do with whether you broke any traffic laws or whatnot. Traffic laws are not civil infractions, but they are crimes in that they involve fines or other punishments and are enforced by the government. They aren't civil actions just because you won't get carted off to jail for running a stop sign.

[solobiker]

I have always carried one backpacking, but never riding unless I have my whole wallet to go to the store. I probably should as I often ride alone. I do carry my cell phone and some money.

[crazybikinchic]

I carry expired DL in saddlebag along with road ID on ankle. If I go down, there are no gaurantes that my bike will be close to me, so I want ID with contact info on me, and ID on my bike so that it will get back to me.

[Mr. Bloom]

For those who wear ID on your shoe, keep in mind that in an accident, shoes are often separated from the body...particularly when the shoes are locked in...

That's why I bought the ankle ID...

[boy in a kilt]

I carry some form of ID. Usually my DL or my military ID. One is as good as the other. Plus my mil ID has my Geneva Convention Category in case things get really weird.

I also wear my dog tags. They have my blood type and a red tag saying I'm allergic to penicillian.

Also, I have my cell phone with my home phone programmed under "home" the idea being if all else fails and they need to find someone to scrape up the pieces, they might check my phone.

[smilingcat]

[to self] how odd i haven't posted yet here[end to self]

I wear my road ID on wrist, shoes do get separated many a time. Having it on your bike really doesn't help from personal experience. In two major wrecks, NOBODY BODERED TO CHECK ON MY BIKE. Me and my bike were SEPARATED. My first major wreck, I was still conscious and I could talk. Second one, one of the guys rode with me back to the car. Standard procedure in the club when someone bonked or was having a really bad day. He managed to get my personal information to the paramedics.

So, now I ride with road ID, carry about $20.00 and a cell phone. Also leave my route information to my partner at home. she also knows when I should be back home. I stopped carrying my DL cause I forget to put it back in my purse.

Oh after a ride, I wrap my road ID on the handle bar so I'm reminded the next time I go for a ride.

smilingcat

[Crankin]

For most of the riding season, I use a small shoulder bag purse that came with a small zipper wallet that is just big enough to hold essential credit cards, insurance card, and cash. So, I just take that out of my purse and stick it in my jersey pocket. In the early spring and fall I use a bigger purse and wallet, so before a ride, i have a routine: I know I need 3 cards-- license, Blue Cross card, and credit card, along with my cell phone. When I get those out of my wallet, I also take some cash, although i always have 5-10 dollars in my bike bag. I have a wrist road ID that i wear when i am riding alone or with a group. I don't wear it when I ride with my husband or my very close friends who kow how to contact my husband.
There have been a couple of times I've left my license, etc in a jacket pocket, but they have always been during winter sports-- hiking, snow shoeing, or x country skiing when I go throught he same procedure.

[ChickWithBrains]

What is the down side to carrying an ID?

I always carry a little cash. I carry a credit card, in case something happens where my $20 is insufficient. I carry my ID both to be able to use the credit card *and* in the event that my unconscious self ends up in an ER. I carry all these and my cellphone in a plastic bag in my jersey pocket -- this way they are on me, don't get sweat upon, and I know they will be discovered if I'm an unfortunate crash victim. I also have my husband's number under the label "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in my cell -- a more and more common convention.

Keep your ID on you, not your bike. In our ER, the only accessories that have ever come with an injured pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, or etc. has been a helmet to illustrate damage. Never the saddlebag or seatpost pouch, never the computer, never the ID from the bike. The cops might have those, but getting the info to me so I can find a next of kin is near impossible.

Keep an ID on you -- any kind -- if not because of the law, because it will help you and those you love in case of badness.

[bacarver]

The advice to keep the license, insurance card, emergency information, etc. with you (in jersey pocket or elsewhere on your person) is right on. When emergencies occur, people kick into fast gear, and the shortest distance between points A and B rarely includes methodically checking all the equipment for cards and personal belongings.
The idea here is to keep it simple and make it easy for others.
I think I'll get some bright theme buttons so I can close one of the pockets on each of my jerseys.
After all this work, I don't want the cards to slide out.
Barb