Almost happened this weekend and as I rode past, I realized that I wasn't quite sure what to do if he had actually pulled me over.

I'm familiar with the procedure in a car. Pull to the side of the road when safe to do so. Turn off the vehicle. If it's dark out, turn on the interior lights. Put my hands at 10 and 2 and wait for instructions.

But on the bike ... Do I stay on the bike? Do I get off the bike? Obviously I shut it off.

I guess my main question is, what can I do when I get pulled over to put the officers mind a little more at ease?

Thanks ...

 

I'm no LEO but when I have been pulled over I just find a safe spot to get off the road, shut the bike off, leave my hands on the grips and await instruction. If you're carrying inform the officer as soon as he approaches that you're legally armed and do not intend to move until he tells you to.

 

This! ^^^^^

 

Works better for you and the officer if you:

Keep your hands in plain sight and comply with the officer's commands.
If you're legally carrying a firearm, inform him/her immediately (it's the law in some states).

IF you have an issue with the officer, standing beside the road having and argument that you're not going to win AIN'T smart, so button up and address the issue later on with an attorney or in court.

The end.

I will add that the last time ('98) that I was pulled over, I acknowledged the officer by turning on my 4-ways and continued about 1/8th of a mile to where there was a safe place to get off of the 4-lane road we were on that had virtually no shoulder.

 

Yep, I learned that one the hard way many long years ago. I now keep it "yes sir, no sir" if I'm stopped at the roadside and If I'm wronged, my Lawyer will get a call later.

You turn into a roadside Perry Mason and the charges will just keep piling up. You're not allowed to do that; not up here in any case.

In saying this, I don't mean to sound like I have an issue with being pulled over. Its a job they do and they do it pleasantly, in my experience at least.

 

As a retired LEO, do the above but leave the jiffy/kick stand up (so you have to balance the bike.) But, you can go a step further. If you're riding after dark, and there is a well lighted area ahead (close off-ramp..) I'd slow, turn signal and head there. If the Officer activates more lights or you get a blip of siren, pull to the shoulder and stop. When asked why you didn't pull over/stop right away, you can explain that you were heading for the well lighted area, off the freeway for everyone's safety.

Ray

 

Wow! My experiences/actions are much different, and I get stopped a lot. In spurts, every decade or so when new LEOs come on the force.

My last stop, about a year ago, was by a LEO wearing street clothes and driving an unmarked, except for the flashing lights in the grille, pickup truck. While they are using the computer in their car/scooter to check on me I put my stand down, step off my scooter, and remove my helmet. When they get around to approaching me, I ask "what's this about"?

Since I never deserve the stops, they are on a fishing expedition, I find humor in their reasons.

 

Last time I was pulled over I was a young punk on a sport bike, running 108 in a 55. Respect got me a long way in that situation. I admitted fault, kept my hands on my grips, informed I was carrying and told the LEO that I wanted him to pull my weapon out. Plenty of "yes/no sir" were said.

All in all it was a fantastic $124 ticket. Shook the officers hand and thanked him for not throwing the book at me. (Jail, lawyer fees, loss of license, loss of bike, impound fees)

We live in a small community so I still see him occasionally and we always exchange pleasantries.

 

Last time I did not pull over immediately for a NYS Trooper, his immediate question was, "Why didn't you stop immediately?"

I had to explain that my ex-wife had run off with a NYS Trooper. I thought he might be that Trooper and he was trying to give her back.

 

lol, that's funny