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if you ride through the state of Georgia, like to/from Daytona for Biketoberfest in October, keep in mind that the state of Georgia has implemented motorcycle-only checkpoints:
http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com...pose_Georgia_motorcycle-only_checkpoints.aspx
It would appear, at least to the casual observer, that these checkpoints are a way to spot safety issues with bikes.
However, any way you slice the pie, they are a form of discrimination.
Down in south Ga, I have not seen or been at any of such checkpoints. My guess is that most of them are in the northern half of the state. But I can't vouch for that.
Some suggestions for you, if you find yourself riding thru GA:
1. Have a current, valid driver's license (with a motorcycle endorsement shown on it--duuuhhh), valid, current insurance paperwork (preferrably a copy of the policy "declaration page") showing current proof of coverage (at least general liabilility), and proof of registration and/or a receipt for a current tag purchase. Make sure the info on the insurance paperwork is current and correct. It's probably overkill, but make sure the VIN numbers on your bike's frame match that on the above paperwork (i.e., if your bike is stolen or the paperwork is somehow incorrect with this info, a hwy checkpoint is NOT the time to find this out).
2. Make sure your tires are inflated properly, with respectable tread depths remaining.
3. Make sure you are wearing a helmet (they are required by law in GA), and that it is (at least) DOT approved. Make sure the DOT sticker is on inside of the helmet. No "novelty" helmets, please!
4. If you have custom handlebars, make sure they are not too high, per GA legal requirements.
5. Make sure you have a good, working headlight and tail light, and that your turn signals are also working. Check that your bike's tag is easy to see/read from the rear--and that the tag is current!!!
6. If you are riding, don't drink. If you are drinking, don't ride.
7. If you are stopped at a checkpoint (or otherwise, for that matter), don't be a smartass. Be polite, instead. If the attending trooper left his/her sense of humor at home, you'll be on your way again that much sooner.
8. I don't know what current GA law is for exhaust pipe limits, with regard to noise levels or other modifications. It's up to you to research this on-line, and have proof substantiating your pipes are street legal (in GA, thank you), if you don't have your bike's factory pipes on the bike, with the original baffles. They may (or may not) be checking for this, too.
9. Avoid flashing red or blue lights or LED kits on your bike (except for the obvious tail lamp modulators). Law enforcement is generally jealous of light shows that somehow duplicate their own.
Until the money for these GA motorcycle-only checkpoints runs out, I hope this info helps others passing through.....:doh:
http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com...pose_Georgia_motorcycle-only_checkpoints.aspx
It would appear, at least to the casual observer, that these checkpoints are a way to spot safety issues with bikes.
However, any way you slice the pie, they are a form of discrimination.
Down in south Ga, I have not seen or been at any of such checkpoints. My guess is that most of them are in the northern half of the state. But I can't vouch for that.
Some suggestions for you, if you find yourself riding thru GA:
1. Have a current, valid driver's license (with a motorcycle endorsement shown on it--duuuhhh), valid, current insurance paperwork (preferrably a copy of the policy "declaration page") showing current proof of coverage (at least general liabilility), and proof of registration and/or a receipt for a current tag purchase. Make sure the info on the insurance paperwork is current and correct. It's probably overkill, but make sure the VIN numbers on your bike's frame match that on the above paperwork (i.e., if your bike is stolen or the paperwork is somehow incorrect with this info, a hwy checkpoint is NOT the time to find this out).
2. Make sure your tires are inflated properly, with respectable tread depths remaining.
3. Make sure you are wearing a helmet (they are required by law in GA), and that it is (at least) DOT approved. Make sure the DOT sticker is on inside of the helmet. No "novelty" helmets, please!
4. If you have custom handlebars, make sure they are not too high, per GA legal requirements.
5. Make sure you have a good, working headlight and tail light, and that your turn signals are also working. Check that your bike's tag is easy to see/read from the rear--and that the tag is current!!!
6. If you are riding, don't drink. If you are drinking, don't ride.
7. If you are stopped at a checkpoint (or otherwise, for that matter), don't be a smartass. Be polite, instead. If the attending trooper left his/her sense of humor at home, you'll be on your way again that much sooner.
8. I don't know what current GA law is for exhaust pipe limits, with regard to noise levels or other modifications. It's up to you to research this on-line, and have proof substantiating your pipes are street legal (in GA, thank you), if you don't have your bike's factory pipes on the bike, with the original baffles. They may (or may not) be checking for this, too.
9. Avoid flashing red or blue lights or LED kits on your bike (except for the obvious tail lamp modulators). Law enforcement is generally jealous of light shows that somehow duplicate their own.
Until the money for these GA motorcycle-only checkpoints runs out, I hope this info helps others passing through.....:doh: