Well, we've gone and done it. This last legislative session got the local constabulary interested and educated on our helmets. They're looking at us now. And they may stop you this season if they haven't before.

What does this mean? What can you do beforehand to ensure you ride away from an encounter with the thin blue line?

A few things you may want to consider…

	Ensure your registration on your bike is current. If it's not your bike, ensure the owner of the bike is available for the cop to verify you have permission to use it.
	Ensure your license is valid. If the cop wants to be a jackass, he can tow it if you've got a suspended license.
	Ensure you're endorsed to ride a motorcycle. I know some people think it's a freedom of choice issue, but don't even bother fighting this battle. It's a point of law. My opinion is those that want the safety course but aren't endorsed themselves are hypocrites. Our endorsement fee subsidizes those courses. GET YOUR ENDORSEMENT!
	Know your limits. Both in alcohol consumption and motorcycling ability.
	Pay attention. Don't give the cop an excuse to pull you over. It's better if they make up some bogus one which, while they can stop you for it, will raise a few eyebrows (e.g., I visually clocked you at 62 in a 60, or, your signal was too slow). If you wind up going to court, you may be able to get any and all charges dismissed if the initial reason for stopping you was unbelievable.
	As soon as a cop stops you, look for agency, name, car number, and badge number.

Now, you're stopped. Are you screwed? Not necessarily… Use common sense and courtesy towards the cop, it will help you. For more information on what to do when you're stopped, and what to do about it, visit the sites below…