Driver's License

[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).

[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.

[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...