Driver's License

[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

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......

[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.

[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).

[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

[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...

[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!

[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!

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.