Driver's License

[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.

[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.

[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.