I had a frustrating experience the other day, and thought it might be helpful to someone else if I shared it here. (Actually, I started writing it on a facebook group, then realized that to get the whole story out, it should be here instead.)
I was pulled over for a traffic stop on my way home on Tuesday. Getting pulled over is always a bit frustrating, especially when you don't know you'd actually done anything wrong. (In New Hampshire, if you're on the freeway and an officer has someone pulled over on the side of the road, you are required by law to move to the far lane when passing them. I didn't know that, and was subsequently pulled over.) The issue that came up, though, was the expired date on my drivers license.
I was pulled over for a traffic stop on my way home on Tuesday. Getting pulled over is always a bit frustrating, especially when you don't know you'd actually done anything wrong. (In New Hampshire, if you're on the freeway and an officer has someone pulled over on the side of the road, you are required by law to move to the far lane when passing them. I didn't know that, and was subsequently pulled over.) The issue that came up, though, was the expired date on my drivers license.
Before New Hampshire, and before Europe, I lived in Washington State. My drivers license "expired" the day before the kids and I flew back to the states...except it didn't, actually expire. According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, "Your driver license remains in effect under the same conditions as a
license with 'military,' even after the expiration date has passed." When I renewed my license the last time, I didn't know I could ask for "military" instead of an expiration date.
The problem was/is that the officer had never heard of this. Washington isn't the only state that does this. Virginia does, too, or at least did several years ago. Apparently, the person on the other end of the radio hadn't ever heard of this, either. The officer said that he should write me a ticket for having an expired license and tow my car. If he had I would have been seriously pissed...especially since my license is still valid!
My solution for this is that I'm going to keep a print-out from the Washington State DOL website in my car, and likely bookmarked on my phone, as well. This isn't the first time it's caused problems. I had issues renting a car when we first got here, as well. Even though I'd verified with the rental company that it would be alright, the desk personnel tried to deny my rental.
Yes, I could just pay the fee and renew my license online, but the point is that I shouldn't have to, and I legally don't have to. Hopefully, though, I can spread the word a bit, and law enforcement officers, at least, will get the message.
I am sorry you have had a bad experience with the police in your new state of residence. When moving to a new place it is difficult to know the new rules like moving over a lane for the safety of those on side of the road. How lucky that it was that you were here in the USA and not in a country where you could be in serious danger for a minor infraction.
ReplyDeleteNow as for how reasonable their department was on checking the status on your "expired" license, try not to be too overwhelmingly upset with the perceived intelligence, or lack of, or their willingness to help in this case with research on the internet as to its validity . . .Try to be a little understanding. Why should One state know the laws of another? Many cops have enough trouble keeping track of the changing laws of their own.
How much more difficult is it for you to renew your license on the internet as you suggest to remain within the boundaries instead of carrying a printed copy off the internet of the rule so you can continue to dance on the edge? Is it that important to try to show the difference of the letter vs the spirit of the law?
In the end it is important to understand we are all on the same side. "They" are charged to keep us safe. We are responsible to follow the rules. It is not much different than being part of your military family. By knowing how to present in each situation together we can make each other's job easier without feeling bullied or controlled.