Riding through GA on your way to Daytona?? READ THIS FIRST!!

[JC]

Looks like the Georgia LEOs have a new trick up their sleeve for anyone on two wheels, and they'll crank up the harassment just in time for bike week . If you  happen to ride through GA on your way to Daytona please make sure you have everything in order!!

The following is copied directly from the Georgia ABATE website:
 
http://www.abatega.org/state_director.htm

   
As many of you know, the State of Georgia received $70,000.00 from the NSTB
for Motorcycle ONLY Safety Check Points. They will stop all Motorcycles at these Check Points.

We were informed by unnamed sources that the Check Points would start in early March to coincide with The Daytona Bike Week Event. Most points of entry to Florida will be involved.

We are anticipating them to start March 3rd in order to take advantage of the additional flow of
Motorcycle traffic thru our State.

I was told that the officers conducting the safety check points have been trained in what to check for so be sure you, you paper work and your bike are in order.

We understand that this is just a way to increase revenues so do all you can to avoid adding to the state funds.

There are many who Trailer into Georgia and ride into Florida from here. You may wish to change your plans and trailer on through to Florida

[Michael K (Az.)]

DIC HEADS!!!

[Jess from VA]

Safety my ass!!

[John Schmidt]

There are a lot of decent backroads that go through Georgia and into Florida. I'd be taking a serious look at that before venturing on through. Either that or if you're trailering your bike, pull into north Florida and unload. Plenty of places to stay up there.

[eric in md]

yep im planning not to stop in georgia for nothing,,, anit getting any money of mine now . nope none

[Brad]

So we have Georgia and New York...who are the other three?

[Jabba]

I'll ride 500 miles out of the way to not go thru there.  Not that I am heading to florida.

I will not drop a dime in Illinois for the same reasons.  I fill up in Indiana or Wisconsin so I don't contribute a cent to that socialist ass, liberal state.

WTF is wrong with Ga?

Jabba

[MNBill]

Minnesota declared checkpoints Unconstitutional so here they have to find a legal way to stop you before they can check you for anything. Here they cannot even take the questioning beyond what they stopped you for unless they have reasonable suspicion, an example would be they stop you for speeding they can not ask to search unless they smell weed or see something illegal. 

[Titan]

Minnesota declared checkpoints Unconstitutional so here they have to find a legal way to stop you before they can check you for anything. Here they cannot even take the questioning beyond what they stopped you for unless they have reasonable suspicion, an example would be they stop you for speeding they can not ask to search unless they smell weed or see something illegal. 

That's terrific! This makes it much easier for all the drug toting scumbags, the ne'er-do-wells who drive uninsured, drunk drivers (unless the weave and get caught), the habitual offenders who's licenses have been suspended multiple times, and any number of other reasons the idiots shouldn't be on the road.

This should all help to make the roads a lot safer for your family!

[Michael K (Az.)]

Reeks a little too much of National Socialism for my taste.(Lit me zee your pepers pleeze!)

[G-Man]

Minnesota declared checkpoints Unconstitutional so here they have to find a legal way to stop you before they can check you for anything. Here they cannot even take the questioning beyond what they stopped you for unless they have reasonable suspicion, an example would be they stop you for speeding they can not ask to search unless they smell weed or see something illegal. 

That's terrific! This makes it much easier for all the drug toting scumbags, the ne'er-do-wells who drive uninsured, drunk drivers (unless the weave and get caught), the habitual offenders who's licenses have been suspended multiple times, and any number of other reasons the idiots shouldn't be on the road.

This should all help to make the roads a lot safer for your family!

You have got to be kidding me, Titan.  You believe it's OK to stop law abiding citizens and then interrogate and search them for absolutely no reason.........because some ELSE may be breaking the law?   

[Titan]

Minnesota declared checkpoints Unconstitutional so here they have to find a legal way to stop you before they can check you for anything. Here they cannot even take the questioning beyond what they stopped you for unless they have reasonable suspicion, an example would be they stop you for speeding they can not ask to search unless they smell weed or see something illegal. 

That's terrific! This makes it much easier for all the drug toting scumbags, the ne'er-do-wells who drive uninsured, drunk drivers (unless the weave and get caught), the habitual offenders who's licenses have been suspended multiple times, and any number of other reasons the idiots shouldn't be on the road.

This should all help to make the roads a lot safer for your family!

You have got to be kidding me, Titan.  You believe it's OK to stop law abiding citizens and then interrogate and search them for absolutely no reason.........because some ELSE may be breaking the law?   

Not exactly what I said. Interrogate and search wasn't mentioned at all so the use of those terms were your own. But we've been living with simple driver's license/DUI checkpoints for many years and I don't have a single problem with that type of an operation. And I don't know why it would bother any law abiding driver to have to show that he's driving with a valid license and insurance. Sorry if it bothers you but I couldn't care less if I have to go through a checkpoint. I think I've had to endure such a thing about 3 or 4 times in the last 10-15 years.

[Serk]

Sorry if it bothers you but I couldn't care less if I have to go through a checkpoint. I think I've had to endure such a thing about 3 or 4 times in the last 10-15 years.

At what point would it bother you? If you had to endure such a thing annually? Monthly? Weekly? Daily? Every 20 miles?

[3fan4life]

We've been living with simple driver's license/DUI checkpoints for many years and I don't have a single problem with that type of an operation. And I don't know why it would bother any law abiding driver to have to show that he's driving with a valid license and insurance.

Maybe the good people of Minnesota have more respect for constitutional rights than the people of some other states do. You know illegal search and seizure, probable cause, the fourth amendment and all that "silly crap". 

If everyone who passed through one of these checkpoints that was found to be breaking the law was prosecuted then "maybe" it wouild be OK to have them.  The fact is that local police have their hands tied when it comes to illegal immigrants. For a multitude of reasons they simply aren't prosecuted for driving without a license or without insurance. So a person residing in this country illegally gets a free pass while a legal citizen pays.

Besides, you are totally missing the point here. The point is that only people riding motrocycles are being targeted by these checkpoints. This is blatant harassment of an individual solely because they chose to ride a motorcycle.

If allowed to continue where does it end?

[hubcapsc]

Sorry if it bothers you but I couldn't care less if I have to go through a checkpoint. I think I've had to endure such a thing about 3 or 4 times in the last 10-15 years.

At what point would it bother you? If you had to endure such a thing annually? Monthly? Weekly? Daily? Every 20 miles?

For me, weekly would probably get old, and daily would definitely be annoying...

I think they get a certain number of  abreeniated people off the street that way... perhaps there's a better way?

-Mike "don't like motorcycles only at all"

[Titan]

Sorry if it bothers you but I couldn't care less if I have to go through a checkpoint. I think I've had to endure such a thing about 3 or 4 times in the last 10-15 years.

At what point would it bother you? If you had to endure such a thing annually? Monthly? Weekly? Daily? Every 20 miles?

A rhetorical question.

[Serk]

Sorry if it bothers you but I couldn't care less if I have to go through a checkpoint. I think I've had to endure such a thing about 3 or 4 times in the last 10-15 years.

At what point would it bother you? If you had to endure such a thing annually? Monthly? Weekly? Daily? Every 20 miles?

A rhetorical question.

It was meant to be... 

[Michael K (Az.)]

Sir? Pleeze! Your pepers!!

[fudgie]

BUT....its racism if you have to check a illegal for his papers.......

Last I knew you were allowed not to speak at check points. Answer no questions. Hand them paper work and then be on your way.

Other bikers are good at letting you know that a check point is ahead. Flip a b!tch and go a different route. I doubt they will have a check point on the interstate. This could be hersay also. They talk about check points in SD esp in RC but yet to see or here of any.

[Michael K (Az.)]

State of Georgia may utlize federal grant for motorcycle-only checkpoints during Daytona Bike Week   

More Info
Contact the Governor of Georgia today!
 
The state of Georgia was the only state to receive a grant in the amount of $70,000 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create motorcycle-only checkpoints (MOC). The grant will be used to conduct one or more roadside motorcycle-only checks in accordance with what was outlined in the Request for Applications. The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) will oversee the day-to-day operation of the program.

The program in question is the Motorcycle Law Enforcement Demonstrations Grant (DTNH22-10-R-00386). Although the grant has been closed to new applicants as of August 13, 2010, you can view the grant notice here.

On October 26, 2010, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) sent a letter to former Governor Sonny Perdue requesting he suspend the implementation of the grant until questions raised by the motorcycling community are addressed. The former governor did not respond to AMA's letter. Therefore, the AMA sent another letter, dated February 15, 2011, to Georgia's newly-elected Governor Nathan Deal. To see AMA's letter, click here.

The AMA cautions riders traveling through the state of Georgia that the GSP may mobilize the MOC before, during and after Daytona Bike Week. Initially begun in New York State, the process involves setting-up checkpoints for which only motorcycles are pulled over and subjected to a series of inspections. The NHTSA program would also collect information on high-motorcycle-crash-incident areas and citations would be issued for any violations discovered.

In addition to the letters submitted to the past and present governors of Georgia, the AMA has questioned the potential discriminatory and legal nature of this program and submitted a list of questions for clarification to the New York State Police. To date, New York authorities have not responded. The AMA also sent a letter to the NHTSA Administrator David Strickland urging him to suspend the grant program until questions have been addressed. To view AMA's letter, click here. To view Administrator Strickland's response, click here.

Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) along with some of his congressional colleagues sent a letter, dated September 30, 2010, to the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. The congressional letter urged LaHood to suspend the grant program that would expand the highly criticized practice of creating motorcycle-only checkpoints by law enforcement agencies. The AMA strongly supports this important letter.

In addition to Sensenbrenner, Reps. Tom Petri (R-WI), Walter Jones (R-NC), Aaron Schock (R-IL), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), Paul Ryan (R-WI), Denny Rehberg (R-MT), Lee Terry (R-NE), Ron Paul (R-TX) and Joe Wilson (R-SC) signed the letter.

To see the congressional letter, click here.

The AMA believes that the primary source of motorcycle safety is in motorcycle crash prevention and not in arbitrarily pulling over riders and randomly subjecting them to roadside inspections. The NHTSA should focus on decreasing the likelihood of crashes from occurring in the first place. The methods used in New York State remain highly suspect and no public money should be applied to promoting such a program without first addressing questions from the motorcycling community.

Specifically, how do MOCs increase the safety of motorcyclists? Where do the selected states draw their authority to conduct MOCs? Will "probable cause" be required to stop a motorcycle under the terms of this grant program? If so, what will constitute "probable cause?" What types of infractions were recorded by New York law enforcement officials at these checkpoints? What criteria will be used to determine if the MOCs are successful? And, do states have the jurisdiction to inspect vehicles registered in another state?

To send a prewritten message to Governor Nathan Deal urging him to suspend the MOCs which unfairly target motorcyclists, please copy the below language and paste it in the "Please write your message," by clicking here. You must also complete all required fields before submitting. For the Category field, please select Transportation.

Thank you.

[Bobbo]

BUT....its racism if you have to check a illegal for his papers.......

Assuming someone is illegal based on looks is racism...

Besides, carrying a D/L is more common than citizenship papers.

[Jess from VA]

The reports from NY are that these stops are comprehensive, all paperwork and full inspection, and last a minimum of 45-50 minutes..... if you pass.  I say bullshit!

If you want to go after gangs or loud pipes or ape hangers or helmets, then do so.... but leave the rest of us out of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As Sir Serk pointed out this is Federal sugar money, and State fire and police always need extra funding, so it is hard to blame a State for trying to get extra money for it's people in hard times.  

Nonetheless, I have heard there are already lawsuits filed on these, and I will be looking for such suits to contribute money to.  There are simply insufficient good reasons for federally funded mandatory 100% motorcycle stops anywhere in this country.  I have a novel idea, how about using this money to deport illegal aliens (you know, the Hispanic looking people)............ this we do have a big problem with.


Papers please!!!!.................................... uhhh sorry dude, I only have a pipe.  (Firesign Theater)

[Michael K (Az.)]

Firesign Theatre HA!
Nick Danger: Third Eye!

[art]

Sounds just like being searched at the air port just because some a hole might be doing something wrong.  ilegal search an seasure .Someday they will require a passport to go from state to state.Just when you thought you where living in a free country

[fudgie]

I think its more dangerous having a drunk biker stop then it is to let him continue riding!  (Sarcasm font on)

[Jess from VA]

Sounds just like being searched at the air port just because some a hole might be doing something wrong.  Illegal search an seizure .  Someday they will require a passport to go from state to state. Just when you thought you where living in a free country. 

Actually, they are quite different.  On the plane, one guy could bring down a multimillion dollar plane with everyone aboard, and then the airline may have to deal with 100+ lawsuits/claims.  If an unsafe bike doesn't get inspected, maybe he falls down and injures/kills himself and maybe a passenger.

[thumper]

I live in Georgia and ride every chance I get.  The roads here in the north Georgia mountains are some of the best in the country and I feel very lucky to have access to them.  I've contributed a little money to the local LEOs but it was deserved and money well spent.

I've been riding here for over seven years and have gone through one roadblock (cars and bikes).  They checked for a motorcycle endorsement on my license and my insurance card and sent me on my way.  A minute maybe two.

[Willow]

If you want to go after gangs or loud pipes or ape hangers or helmets, then do so.... but leave the rest of us out of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With all due respect, Jess, if you choose to give your nod of approval when they go after "gangs", loud pipes, ape hangers, helmets, or other thinly disguised excuse to harass motorcyclists, there'll be no one to stand with you when they get around to the excuse they use to harass you.

Wrong is wrong.  It's not mitigated by whether they're not bothering me.      

[Bobbo]

It is interesting that some here who cheer Arizona indiscriminately stopping Hispanic people and asking them to prove citizenship are upset that motorcyclists are similarly stopped.  Both are simply fishing expeditions in the hopes of finding a lawbreaker.  I consider both an infringement on peaceably going about your life.  I don’t want to steer this thread towards immigration, but thought it was an interesting observation.

[Lyn-Del]

I have a question .........

I keep hearing about these checkpoints checking for DL/endorsement, insurance, and registration.  Here in Texas, we don't have "registration" papers to be carried.  Our cops just check for license and insurance.

If I were to be stopped in a "registration" state, what would happen?

[Jess from VA]

If you want to go after gangs or loud pipes or ape hangers or helmets, then do so.... but leave the rest of us out of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With all due respect, Jess, if you choose to give your nod of approval when they go after "gangs", loud pipes, ape hangers, helmets, or other thinly disguised excuse to harass motorcyclists, there'll be no one to stand with you when they get around to the excuse they use to harass you.      

Willow, I concur with your point.  My point was to go after something that can be seen and identified... as probable cause or reasonable suspicion, one at a time, not a 100% inspection.  Go after known, observed criminal or regulatory violations, on a case by case basis, not all motorcyclists.  No subterfuge, actual violations.... is what I'm saying.

In States like VA with an annual safety inspection, my attitude is that my current sticker shows I have already passed a rigid inspection, and unless they have cause to believe (actually see) where I am unsafe or illegal, they should have to affirmatively show why my VA inspection sticker is invalid.  Full faith and credit, and privileges and immunities clauses.  

What is really stupid is that there is money for this at all, given that we are looking a wholesale cuts in G spending (hopefully).

Wrong is wrong.  It's not mitigated by whether they're not bothering me.

Of course, I entirely agree.  My point was that the vast majority of riders have no violation to discover (not just me).

Another (consistent) leftist approach to governace .... punish everyone, for the sins of the few.

What I would like to see is widespread publication of times and places of all such Federally funded inspections, and groups setting up five miles out warning and giving alternate directions, together with planned 10,000 bike jam ups at such inspections................. active nonviolent interference.

[Jess from VA]

I have a question .........
I keep hearing about these checkpoints checking for DL/endorsement, insurance, and registration.  Here in Texas, we don't have "registration" papers to be carried.  Our cops just check for license and insurance.  If I were to be stopped in a "registration" state, what would happen?

In VA, unlike anywhere else I have lived, proof of insurance is never sought in a moving violation stop (except maybe in an accident).  

In theory, if you are legal in your home state, you should be good anywhere..... but in practice, when you travel interstate, you should carry some proof of vehicle ownership (as well as current license, proof of insurance, valid inspection, etc).  I don't think I'd carry my original title, but maybe a copy.  Registration shows you (or family mbr) are the vehicle owner, AND your license plate is current. 

And actually, I'm not sure an out-of-state cop can righteously ticket you for an expired plate. 

[Lyn-Del]

Here in Texas now, they run your plate and know if the inspection and insurance are current.  We have annual inspections as well. 

I'd be uncomfortable carrying even a copy of the title, don't know why.  Just because it's "not the way I've always done it" I guess.  I've ridden in 49 states without it so far, so far so good

I'll ponder that some.  Won't be making it to GA this year.

[Stanley Steamer]

Here in Texas now, they run your plate and know if the inspection and insurance are current.  We have annual inspections as well. 

I'd be uncomfortable carrying even a copy of the title, don't know why.  Just because it's "not the way I've always done it" I guess.  I've ridden in 49 states without it so far, so far so good

I'll ponder that some.  Won't be making it to GA this year.

We have electronic insurance verification in GA.....our "registration" is a card they give us when we pay for our tag....basically just the receipt for the tag that lists the "registered owner"...no carrying Titles around....

[Lyn-Del]

Seems that registration should be obvious if the bike owner is the same as the rider.  But I forget, logic is apparently no longer permitted

[Jess from VA]

Well in TX with their computers it is obvious, but how is that MI cop to know you own your bike if you have is no registration to show?

If your plate stickers are facially valid, current plates are shown.

How do you show (prove) vehicle ownership out of state?

Nobody is going to try to negotiate a Xerox copy of a title (which I think is better proof, than say the original handwritten bill of sale, if you got one)

[Daniel Meyer]

How do you show (prove) vehicle ownership out of state?

Why would I have to? We don't have to own the vehicle we are driving/riding.

[shortleg]

  He came in honking wildly and stopped on a dime.
The only problem was the dime was in Mr. Racoco,s pocket.
     Firesign
         Shortleh[Dave]

[Jess from VA]

How do you show (prove) vehicle ownership out of state?

Why would I have to? We don't have to own the vehicle we are driving/riding.

Agreed.  I'm only talking worst case scenario where you are far from home and being harassed; for instance by a rookie cop who doesn't believe the story that TX has no registration, or at some Federal harassment inspection. That is all.

[MNBill]

I think the MN court decision was based on a checkpoint at a rest area during SD bike week. Drugs were found and bikes were taken. Even before the decision MN had strict regulations on roadblocks, every fifth vehicle, blue vehicles etc so no one could be picked out. There was also a limit how long people could wait.

Now people must be stopped for violations of the law then checked out. In the case of drunk drivers they are not that hard to spot, so I am not worried about MN having any more drunks than other states.

Bobo you need to check into your accusations more, Arizona is the same as MN, you must stop someone for a VIOLATION OF THE LAW, that is unless you want to lose millions in a lawsuit for discrimination, your career and retirment, and don't even think that your buddy Osama (OBAMA) doesn't have his lawyers all over this one to use against Arizona in court.