DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF CLOTHING OR CLUB MEMBERSHIP IS ILLEGAL
The Unruh Civil Rights Act (C-C Section 51 et seq) provides that “All personswithin the jurisdiction of this state are free and equal, and no matter what their sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin or blindness or other physical disability are entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges or services in all business establishments of every kind whatsoever.” Any person whose exercise or enjoyment of rights secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States has been interfered with, or attempted to be interfered with may institute and prosecute a civil action for injunctive and other appropriate equitable relief, including the award of compensatory monetary damages. The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Cohen V. California 403 US 15 (1971) that individuals have the constitutional right under the First Amendment to wear clothing which displays writing or designs. In addition, the right of an individual to freedom of association has long been recognized and protected by the United States Supreme Court Thus, a person’s right to wear the clothing of his choice, as well as his right to belong to any club or organization of his choice is constitutionally protected and persons or establishments who discriminate on the basis of clothing or club membership are subject to lawsuit.
Miscellaneous Motorcycle Laws
State Funded Rider Education
- Available for all eligible applicants.
- Required under age 21.
- May waive skills test for successful completion of rider ed.
Daytime Use Of Headlight
- Required by law for vehicles manufactured during or after 1978.
- Modulating headlight permitted.
Passenger Seat
- Required if carrying a passenger.
Passenger Footrests
- Required if carrying a passenger.
Helmet Speakers
- Single earphone only.
Mirror
- Required by law.
Periodic Safety Inspection
- Random inspections, required by law.
65 MPH Speed Limit
- In effect on designated rural interstate highways.
What to Do If You’re Stopped by the Police
To fight police abuse effectively you need to know your rights. There are some things you should do, some things you must do and some things you cannot do. If you are in the middle of a police encounter, you need a handy and quick reference to remind you what your rights and obligations are.
Think carefully about your words, movement, body language, and emotions.
Don’t get into an argument with the police. Remember, anything you say or do can be
used against you.
Keep your hands where the police can see them.
Don’t run. Don’t touch any police officer.
Don’t resist even if you believe you are innocent.
Don’t complain on the scene or tell the police they’re wrong or that you’re going to file a
complaint.
Do not make any statements regarding the incident. Ask for a lawyer immediately upon your arrest.
Remember officers’ badge and patrol car numbers.
Write down everything you remember ASAP.
Try to find witnesses and their names and phone numbers.
If you are injured, take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible, but make sure you
seek medical attention first.
If you feel your rights have been violated, file a written complaint with police department’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.
- What you say to the police is always important. What you say can be used against you, and it can give the police an excuse to arrest you, especially if you bad-mouth a police officer.
- You must show your driver’s license and registration when stopped in a car. Otherwise, you don’t have to answer any questions if you are detained or arrested, with one important exception. The police may ask for your name if you have been properly detained, and you can be arrested in some states for refusing to give it. If you reasonably fear that your name is incriminating, you can claim the right to remain silent, which may be a defense in case you are arrested anyway.
- You don’t have to consent to any search of yourself, your car or your house. If you DO consent to a search, it can affect your rights later in court. If the police say they have a search warrant, ASK TO SEE IT.
- Do not interfere with, or obstruct the police— you can be arrested for it.
IF YOU ARE STOPPED FOR QUESTIONING
- It’s not a crime to refuse to answer questions, but refusing to answer can make the police suspicious about you. If you are asked to identify yourself, see paragraph 2 above.
- Police may “pat-down” your clothing if they suspect a concealed weapon. Don’t physically resist, but make it clear that you don’t consent to any further search.
- Ask if you are under arrest. If you are, you have a right to know why.
- Don’t bad-mouth the police officer or run away, even if you believe what is happening is unreasonable. That could lead to your arrest.
IF YOU’RE STOPPED IN YOURCAR/BIKE
- Upon request, show them your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. In certain cases, your car can be searched without a warrant as long as the police have probable cause. To protect yourself later, you should make it clear that you do not consent to a search. It is not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search.
- If you’re given a ticket, you should sign it; otherwise you can be arrested. You can always fight the case in court later.
- If you’re suspected of drunk driving (DWI) and refuse to take a blood, urine or breath test, your driver’s license may be suspended.
IF YOU’RE ARRESTED OR TAKEN TOA POLICE STATION
- You have the right to remain silent and to talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police. Tell the police nothing except your name and address. Don’t give any explanations, excuses or stories. You can make your defense later, in
court, based on what you and your lawyer decide is best. - Ask to see a lawyer immediately. If you can’t pay for a lawyer, you have a right to a free one, and should ask the police how the lawyer can be contacted. Don’t say anything without a lawyer.
- Within a reasonable time after your arrest, or booking, you have the right to make a local phone call: to a lawyer, bail bondsman, a relative or any other person. The police may not listen to the call to the lawyer.
- Sometimes you can be released without bail, or have bail lowered. Have your lawyer ask the judge about this possibility. You must be taken before the judge on the next court day after arrest.
- Do not make any decisions in your case until you have talked with a lawyer.
IN YOUR HOME
- If the police knock and ask to enter your home, you don’t have to admit them unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
- However, in some emergency situations (like when a person is screaming for help inside, or when the police are chasing someone) officers are allowed to enter and search your home without a warrant.
- If you are arrested, the police can search you and the area close by. If you are in a building, “close by” usually means just the room you are in. We all recognize the need for effective law enforcement, but we should also understand
our own rights and responsibilities — especially in our relationships with the police. Everyone, including minors, has the right to courteous and respectful police treatment. If your rights are violated, don’t try to deal with the situation at the scene. You can discuss the matter with an attorney afterwards, or file a complaint with the Internal Affairs or Civilian Complaint Board.