First 5 minutes out on the road and police car stopped me...

madcat2k1 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Karma :

Nasty experience this was. I got my bike just a few days ago, and my first experience on the road by myself (without the CBT instructor) on my local roads resulted in a police car behind me signalling for me to pull over.

Well I looked in my mirror and then took a look over my shoulder to make sure it was just me they were signalling to. So on the left was these double yellow lines, and I didn't pull over on them, so after 3 minutes of waiting somewhere clear I pulled to the side. I sat there, waiting for about 30 seconds and shut the engine off.

I was nervous as hell so I was all shifty and I think he thought something was weird. After all the formal crap out the way he said he was looking for someone with the same description as me who's been stealing motorcycles, or something to that effect.

Um, lol? Am I just being paranoid or something. I've got a helmet on, a pretty standard jacket, etc. I think I looked like God knows how many other bikers out there, maybe a little on the "smaller" side though. That was basically it but the bit that got me piss worried was pulling over. I mean I wasn't sure exactly the best time, or best location. He asked me why I took so long to pull stop....I didn't know what to say other than "I'm new". He was pretty polite though but me + police aren't exactly the best friends Smile

So what I want to know is should I have just stopped like on any side of the road (even 2 yellow lines) for the police or do they understand you wait until it's safer.
____________________
CBT: Passed - (3/4/07)
DAS Passed - (17/7/08)

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

Should have shouted "You'll never take me alive copper" and dived down the nearest alleyway. Standard procedure.

madcat2k1 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Stop as soon as you think it's safe to do so. If it's taking a while, signal to them that you are intending to stop, either by giving them an 'ok' hand gesture or flashing your left indicator a couple of times.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

madcat2k1 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

If they comment on how long it took to stop, tell them exactly that "I was waiting for a place where it looked safe to do so.". Although your answer was a good one too.

Since when they stop you on the bike it is usually going to be to dispense a bollocking for something or other, the 'safety concious rider' a good one to fire across their bows early doors.

When taking to the police, especially if they are going to bust your arse, you've got to think how things would sound if they were read out in court.

It's like if you're stopped for speeding. Their first question is almost always "Right, how fast were you going there?". Well, You don't really want to tell them, for one thing you don't know what reading (if any) they have on their machine. "I don't know" or "I wasn't paying attention." is a bad move and asking for the phrase 'without due care and attention' to be bandied about.

However, say you answered "I'm not certain, I was giving my full attention to the road ahead.", different kettle of fish.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

keyser soze · Scooby Slapper Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Karma :

the longest i've had the fuzz flashing at me to pull over was almost 10 miles. lol well that was how far it was to the motorway services and i wasn't going to stop till i was feeling safer. like with camaras around to watch the plod. i did know a lorry driver who had the blues pulled on him, so he put a sign in the window saying "follow me to the police station".

madcat2k1 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Karma :

Stinkwheel: Cheers, I'll remember your adivce.

Keyser: LOL that sign bit is so funny. I bet that winds the cops up Very Happy

____________________
CBT: Passed - (3/4/07)
DAS Passed - (17/7/08)

Feasty · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Karma :

I always think the best place to pull over if motioned to by the police is the most inconvienient place! That way they'll be holding up all the traffic and spend less time yabbing about whatever they pulled you over for... Wink

The one and only time I got pulled was on my moped for overtaking on a junction, didn't help that I overtook a cop on a bike moments before! The traffic was at a standstill though as it was morning rush-hour into town.
I just pulled over into the empty bus lane hoping a bus would come along very soon and get stuck behind us!! It didn't and I got the usual telling off.... Rolling Eyes