How to Prepare for a Traffic Stop
Throughout your time as a biker, you’ve learned a lot about taking on the open road. You’ve learned about the most important Honda Ruckus OEM parts and how to add them on to your bike, how to perform regular maintenance, the best times and places to drive, and much more. However, sooner or later you’re likely to see those red-and-blue flashing bulbs light up behind you. Therefore, the next thing you should take the time to learn (if you haven’t already) is how to handle a traffic stop when you’re on your bike.
Pull Over
The first step is, of course, to pull over to the side of the road. You’ll want to do so carefully, particularly if you need to move across multiple lanes to do so. Be sure to use your blinkers and go slowly to show the officer that you are, in fact, intending to pull over at the next safe opportunity and that you’ve noticed their presence.
Have Your Documentation Ready
Whether you’re behind the wheel of a car or prefer to face the road astride a big cruiser, there are some documents you’re required to have on you at all times if you happen to be driving. These generally include 3 important items:
- Your driver’s license
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
Though the registration and insurance can sometimes be checked digitally on the police officer’s end, it’s always best to have the proof on you just in case. This can be difficult when your primary mode of transportation is a bike, particularly if you happen to go out in full motorcycle riding gear. The best solution is to keep everything in a backpack, where it’s both easily accessible and safe while you’re on the move. A lightweight pack is an excellent space to store important documents like these while also providing you a place to keep small but important OEM ATV parts you might need for replacements during your outings. Regardless of where you keep your documentation, be sure to notify the officer that you’re retrieving it from that space rather than quickly grabbing for it. This helps keep the encounter predictable and surprise-free for both parties.
Be Patient
You have places to be and things to do, but the last thing you want to do when you’ve been pulled over is be rude or exude an air of impatience. Turn off your engine. Remove your helmet, flip up the visor or remove your eyewear, especially if asked by the officer you’re dealing with. Put the kickstand down. In short, prove to the officer that you’re not going anywhere until your interaction with them is done.
It never feels good to get pulled over, but sometimes it happens and it’s always best to be prepared when it does. Invest in a light backpack, saddlebags or a tank bag to keep your important documentation in while you’re on the move, and always remember that the officer pulling you over is simply doing his job. Complying with reasonable requests and being ready and able to hand over the necessary information is the best way to get these unfortunate encounters over with as quickly as possible.
