boat registration in Nh-1st time

[ITD]

Originally Posted by waukewanderer

ITD posted that "you need a boat license to boat in NH now". I have had a USPS boating certificate since 2000, but I don't have a NH boat license. Not being a full time resident of NH, I thought maybe I missed the passage of a new law that concerned me and every other boater in the Lakes Region, and I wanted more information so I could comply.

I'm relieved to know that I don't need to apply for a new boating license in addition to my boating safety certificate.

Thanks to those who took the time to check the facts, and post the correct information.

USPS United States Postal Service?????? Never mind, just kidding. I know, I know, power squadron.

It will always be a license to me since I need to carry it with me when I take my boat out and it looks like a license, so from henceforth I declare that when I say boat license you will know what I mean. If confused please refer back to this post. (Besides, these guys call it a boating license here: http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/index.htm fine print: Online boating license and certification course last modified: June 5, 2008) If they use both terms why can't I?


We need more snow.

[waukewanderer]

Originally Posted by ITD

If confused please refer back to this post. (Besides, these guys call it a boating license here: http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/index.htm fine print: Online boating license and certification course last modified: June 5, 2008) If they use both terms why can't I?

I'm not confused.

("Online boating license and certification course last modified: June 5, 2008") refers to the website management of all of the 50 states served on that site.

Alabama is the only state that specifically requires a boating license:

Alabama Boating Safety Course and Boat License Exam
Welcome to the official boating safety course developed for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This safe boating course lets you get your Alabama boating license online so that you can comply with Alabama boater license law.

Your Alabama boater safety certification will appear as a "V" class placed on your automobile driver's license. Or, if you do not have an automobile driver's license, you will be issued a "Vessel Only" license.



NH requires a Boating Safety Certificate:

New Hampshire Boating Safety Course and Exam
Welcome to the official boating safety course developed for the New Hampshire Department of Safety. By passing the online exam, you will be well-prepared to pass the proctored final exam that is required to fulfill your obligation under the law.

[Airwaves]

As is true with many in Skip's profession when trying to make a point he did not complete my sentance as written, he left out:

...especially if it was not issued in NH to begin with!

So Skip did not point out the key word in his posting:

RSA 270-D:13 (II) clearly gives authority to the State to revoke its issued certificate

Anyone see it? ITS

ITS issued certificate!

Certificates issued by NASBLA states or the USCGAUX or USPS can be revoked by NH? Not a prayer however, as I stated the priviledge to boat in NH can be recinded.

And just to remind those of you who have forgotten. An associate of mine who passed a Boatwise NASBLA course was told by the NH Marine Patrol that his CERTIFICATE was not valid in NH, so he went to Belmont and took a proctored exam. He was then told by the examination officer, a NH Marine Patrol officer, that his NASBLA approved Boatwise CERTIFICATE would certainly be accepted in NH. So the bottom line is the officers enforcing the law don't know the law!

Next time I boat in Alabama I will check with Skip to see if I have a boating license...because I don't, but I'll use Skip's name to prove I do! For those of you that don't understand the difference...too bad.

Waukewanderer be prepared to be flamed for daring to contradict the almighty Skip. Don't forget to bow your head when you think the name.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Seeker

Should you plan on registering at a town hall I would advise calling them first. My town hall has full access and does full auto/vehicle registrations but does not do boats because "it takes too much time".

The original poster doesn't list his town: Wolfeboro has steadily been losing the places where a weekend registration can be sought. Is it at zero now?

My BIL goes to Melvin Village Marine.

Raising the amount marinas receive for their time spent in recording registrations should fix that problem, which is the subject of another thread here. Five years ago, I'd mentioned that necessity here—which included the doubling of boats' registration fees—then doubling them again.

Originally Posted by Airwaves

"...So the bottom line is the officers enforcing the law don't know the law...!"

My professional—and occasionally intense—associations with this legal system has demonstrated that our system of Jurisprudence has put an extremely heavy burden on the individual law enforcement officer.

In addition to requiring expertise in an ever-changing legal environment (if or when warrants are required, and when other interpretations of The Founders' collective genius are affected), the officer must excel in "First-Responder" skills such as CPR.

Too often, he becomes the target and defendant in a civil lawsuit in either case.

[jeffk]

Your exact statement:

Originally Posted by Airwaves

While your boating privilege may be rescinded in NH for violating the law, NH can not rescind your certificate of accomplishment of passing a safe boating class especially if it was not issued in NH to begin with!

It is surprising to me that a person who is associated with media presents their information so sloppily.

Your statement as written is a blanket denial of the ability of the state of NH to revoke any boating certificate. The statement is then modified by the word "especially" to imply special protection of certificates issued out of state.

In his response Skip clearly documents the ability of the state to rescind certificates issued in NH, thereby demonstrating the first part of your statement in error.

Skip then concludes his post by saying that, indeed, certificates issued by out of state agencies may not be revoked but their acceptance in NH can be rescinded. In essence you will still retain your out of state certificate but it will hold no value in the state of NH. You would be able to boat in Maine but not in NH.

Skip's statement is more accurate and contains more referenced facts than yours.

While the technical process of dealing with in and out of state certificates is different the outcome is the same; you would not be allowed to use your boat in NH.

I suppose that accurately depicting what others say is not a prerequisite for those with a predetermined agenda. Is this how the media works?

Is it also a characteristic of those in media to "need to be right" and to belittle and attack people (and their professions) who point out their mistakes rather than admitting their mistakes and moving on?

Just wondering?

[Lakepilot]

Skip,
\
I should have been more clear, but I was trying to be tactful. I won't. The criticism was directed to Airwaves not at you.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by Lakepilot

Skip,
\
I should have been more clear, but I was trying to be tactful. I won't. The criticism was directed to Airwaves not at you.

Thanks LP.....and Happy New Year!

And as always, thanks to you Jeff.....you're becoming our resident "Doctor Spock" here....extreme logic!

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by Skip

...you're becoming our resident "Doctor Spock" here....extreme logic!

I think you meant Mr. Spock, Dr. Spock is the baby doctor. (How often do you get to correct Skip? )

Happy New Year to Skip and everyone who visits this site during the year!

Don the Webmaster/Trekkie

[This'nThat]

Originally Posted by webmaster

I think you meant Mr. Spock.

Are you suggesting that Jeff might ... not ... be ... human?!

A suspicion long harbored by many, but at last confirmed by the WebMaster.

[trfour]

Skip is not one to wade in on a subject without having his brain at least 90% engaged.


Happy New Year to all.



PS come to think of it, 4% could be very painful for some early on New Years Day!

[wifi]

Live long and prosper....

[jeffk]

Originally Posted by This'nThat

Are you suggesting that Jeff might ... not ... be ... human?!

A suspicion long harbored by many, but at last confirmed by the WebMaster.

Better pointed ears than dirty diapers.

Happy New Years all.

Beaming up now.

[Ropetow]

Originally Posted by webmaster

I think you meant Mr. Spock, Dr. Spock is the baby doctor. (How often do you get to correct Skip? )

Happy New Year to Skip and everyone who visits this site during the year!

Don the Webmaster/Trekkie

Not really a Trekkie, but wasn't McCoy the doctor?

[TiltonBB]

As a long time reader (and occasional poster) on the Forum I appreciate the wisdom and reason that is always contained in Skip's posts. I know him only from the Forum, but I do appreciate the factual information he consistently posts. As we all have seen, many posters run a little wild with the facts but Skip's information is always very helpful and often very informative too.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by Skip

Thanks LP.....and Happy New Year!

And as always, thanks to you Jeff.....you're becoming our resident "Doctor Spock" here....extreme logic!

So you're saying jeff ought to change his avatar ....

[jeffk]

Fascinating.





Live long and prosper.

[TomC]

the "alternate universe" Spock:

[kjbathe]

Originally Posted by Airwaves

As is true with many in Skip's profession when trying to make a point...

Waukewanderer be prepared to be flamed for daring to contradict the almighty Skip. Don't forget to bow your head when you think the name.

Skip - I don't know what you did to get under the skin of HotAirwaves, but I wanted to thank you for your posts. I was also scratching my head about the only DMV presence being in Concord. I'm pretty sure all those other DMV locations aren't empty buildings.

HotAirwaves - Didn't I read a while back that you were no longer going to post to the forum? What ever happened to that plan?

[OCDACTIVE]

hey.. easy question.. I know what the reg. cost are.. However in another thread I read something about boat fees? what is this?

Also, I have my first boat (well under my name) this year and will also be reg it in the state of NH. I am a NH resident as well...

Is there excise taxes, extra boat fees etc for having a boat in NH? outside of the normal registration?

[jeffk]

When you register your boat there are 2 main costs called out on the form; boat fee and registration fee.

The boat fee is based on the type and age of your boat and declines as your boat gets older for 5 years then remains the same. Minimum $10.

Here's a pointer to the fee schedule (not sure if it's current)
Boat fee

For the typical 20 odd foot cruiser on the lake it starts around $200 - $300 and declines to around $20 when the boat is 5 years old.

The registration fee is based on the length of your boat.

--- Up to and including 16 feet -------------------------- $12.00
--- 16.1 to 21 feet ------------------------------------------ $17.00
--- 21.1 to 30 feet ----------------------------------------- $26.00
--- 30.1 to 45 feet ----------------------------------------- $36.00
--- 45.1 feet and over ------------------------------------- $46.00

Additional costs in the registration fee totalcurrent?)
--- $5.00 fee per registration for the milfoil prevention fund
--- $1.50 fee per registration for the lake restoration and preservation fund
--- $1.00 fee per registration for the search and rescue fund
--- $5.00 fee per registration for the statewide public boat access fund

We are also charged an agent fee for each registration.

Further the boat fee portion, if paid to a town agent, stays with the town. If you mail it in to the state, the state keeps the fee. The registration fee portion goes to the state.

[John A. Birdsall]

It will always be a license to me since I need to carry it with me when I take my boat out and it looks like a license, so from henceforth I declare that when I say boat license you will know what I mean.

Just to throw a little more info. The Marine Patrol when he stops you wants to see your Boating Certificate and your Drivers license, and I am under the understanding that violations will go on your drivers license. So behave out there speeding will add points to your cost of insurance

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by John A. Birdsall

It will always be a license to me since I need to carry it with me when I take my boat out and it looks like a license, so from henceforth I declare that when I say boat license you will know what I mean.

Just to throw a little more info. The Marine Patrol when he stops you wants to see your Boating Certificate and your Drivers license, and I am under the understanding that violations will go on your drivers license. So behave out there speeding will add points to your cost of insurance

Will any other infraction now go against your Motor Vech. report as well?

I think this part will really flood the courts because everyone will be fighting them.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by OCDACTIVE

Will any other infraction now go against your Motor Vech. report as well?

I think this part will really flood the courts because everyone will be fighting them.

While a speeding conviction on Lake Winnipesaukee will be reported to NH DMV, the RSA as ammended by last year's legislature also states that any violation regarding RSA 270-D:2 (General Rules For Vessels Operating on Water) will also be reported to NH DMV, regardless of what body of water you are on!

You can read the applicable RSA HERE and pay particular attention to the last sub paragraph, XI.

[OCDACTIVE]

So if I am reading this right everything from the limits to the 150 ft rule will go on your driving record??? I am not trying to start any major arguement here but that is going to Flood the courts with people concerning the smallest infraction. While driving a car most all infractions have the ability to be monitored and are not as much up for interpretation. For example the 150 foot rule will be very difficult to prove in court because where is the evidence. I am not touching that which we shall not discuss, but this is going to cost the state more then it will earn from the violations. Just my opinion.

[Pineedles]

We are a nation of laws. We've got too many though now. No liquor on Sunday. No speeding on Winnipesaukee. No seatbelt on? Your breakin the law! Too many GD laws!

[trfour]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

We are a nation of laws. We've got too many though now. No liquor on Sunday. No speeding on Winnipesaukee. No seatbelt on? Your breakin the law! Too many GD laws!

One Bad Apple Goes And Multiplies Realistically how to take a more realistic view of any loss of ( Live Free Or Die ). Wake Up People. The only way that we can change things as they are, is to get behind our New President and PUSH! There are many more Critical things on our plate and planet that need our attention!!

As an Army Veteran OF The United States, I ask of you to help.
Love, Terry

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

We are a nation of laws. We've got too many though now. No liquor on Sunday. No speeding on Winnipesaukee. No seatbelt on? Your breakin the law! Too many GD laws!

I agree but what do you mean no liquor on Sunday?Is that in Conn.?

[Pineedles]

Yes, Connecticut is one of only 2 states that prohibit Sunday alcohol store sales. Our wonderful state gov't is debating the issue right now. I guess that's what brought it to mind. The idiots want to keep a ban on store alcohol sales on Sunday, but are considering allowing bar alcohol sales 24 hours a day at the casinos.

I get angry when I see Skip's signature "Ignorance of the Law is no excuse" when I see folks posting who don't understand the law and are expected to obey it. That's why I say there are too many laws already. Freakin country has too many lawyers already and the more laws we add the more lawyers. And We the People keep electing lawyers to office, who keep writing more laws. ARRRRRGGHHH! Brain is exploding.

[Wolfeboro_Baja]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

And We the People keep electing lawyers to office, who keep writing more laws. ARRRRRGGHHH! Brain is exploding.

I feel your pain!

[sa meredith]

Yeah....Here's what we should do:
Buy liquor in Conn. on a Sunday, drive to NH with no seat belt on, and then speed across lake Winni at 60MPH, while drinking the liquor (which, of course, was purchased, in Conn., on a Sunday). That'll show 'em!

(a littled bored at work, and felt like posting something...this was the best I could come up with)

[Pineedles]

sa, the way I feel today I might do that! Idiots at work are driving me crazy and I just might pull that bottle of scotch out of my desk and take a slug or two or ten.

One clarification before everyone jumps down my throat. I was not criticizing Skip's signature, it is a common saying and therefore I have no problem with him posting it as his signature. What bugs me is that it is TRUE.

[Lakewinn1]

Is there anything new on the proposed (pending legislation) for upping Boat Rgistration Fees this year?

[steadyon]

Here is the latest
Amendment to HB 205-FN-A

Proposed by the Committee on Resources, Recreation and Development - R

Amend the bill by replacing section 2 with the following:

*2 Lake Restoration and Preservation Fee. Amend RSA 270-E:5, II(a) to read as follows:

(a) [$5] $7.50 for each registration specified in paragraph I. The fees collected under this subparagraph shall be paid into the lake restoration and preservation fund established under RSA 487:25.

Amend the bill by replacing all after section 4 with the following:

*5 Commercial Vessels; Penalty and License Fees. Amend RSA 270-E:22 and RSA 270-E:23 to read as follows:

270-E:22 Commercial Vessels; Penalty.

I. Any person who shall use any commercial vessel or commercial outboard motor on any public waters in this state without a certificate of inspection, or shall act as captain, master, pilot, engineer or operator on any such boat or launch without having passed an examination administered by the department and having been [examined and] certified by the department in that capacity, or shall so act when his or her certificate has been revoked or suspended, or who shall violate any rule adopted by the department with reference to the inspection, equipment, or operation of such vessels or launches, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person.

II. The commissioner, after hearing, may revoke or suspend the certificate of any captain, master, pilot, or engineer of any commercial vessel for violation of RSA 270 or the rules and regulations prescribed thereunder.

III. All licenses to operate a commercial vessel shall expire [the second December 31 following] 5 years from the date of issuance.

IV. A person who possesses a valid license issued by the federal government shall be deemed to comply with this section.

270-E:23 License Fees. There shall be paid to the commissioner for every [general] certificate of captain, master, pilot, or engineer, [$4] $15[; and for every limited certificate of captain, master, pilot, or engineer, $2]. A [general] certificate shall entitle the holder thereof to act in the capacity named on any vessel of the class described in the certificate[; a limited certificate shall entitle the holder to act in such capacity only on a particular vessel named in the certificate]. Only one certificate shall be required to entitle the holder thereof to act in any or all of the above capacities on any motorized vessel permitted to carry a maximum of 25 persons. If a person fails the examination required by RSA 270-E:22, I, the person may retake the examination for a fee of $10 paid to the commissioner. The fees paid for re-examinations and for certificates issued under this section shall be deposited in the navigation safety fund established under RSA 270-E:6-a.

*6 Addition to Boat Fee. Amend RSA 487:25, I to read as follows:

I. The fee of [$5] $7.50 collected under the provisions of RSA 270-E:5, II(a) shall be paid to the director of the division of motor vehicles. The director of the division of motor vehicles shall pay over said fee to the state treasurer who shall keep the fee in a special fund to be expended by the department of environmental services. The department shall use $.50 of the fee for lake restoration and preservation measures, exclusive of exotic aquatic weed control, [$1.50] $3 of the fee for the control of exotic aquatic weeds, and [$3] $4 of the fee for the milfoil and other exotic aquatic plants prevention program. The department shall deposit the [$3] $4 into a special account within the lake restoration and preservation fund which shall be used to administer the milfoil and other exotic aquatic plants prevention program. The special fund shall be nonlapsing. All funds received under this section are continually appropriated to the department for the purposes of this subdivision.

*7 Registration Fees. RSA 270-E:5, I is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:

I. The registration fees for commercial, private, and pleasure vessels, including rentals and airboats shall be as follows:

(a) Up to and including 16 feet $12

(b) 16.1 feet to 21 feet $17

(c) 21.1 feet to 30 feet $26

(d) 30.1 feet to 45 feet $36

(e) 45.1 feet and over $46

*8 Effective Date.

I. Section 7 of this act shall take effect July 1, 2015.

II. The remainder of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

[Wolfeboro_Baja]

Referring to steadyon's post of the text of HB-205, I don't see anything in that bill text to indicate an increase in boat registration fees.

Here's a link to the bill text at the NH General Court's website; I presume it is the most recent version of the bill but I can't be sure. This link does show boat registration fee increases plus it lists the effective date as 60 days after passage for the entire bill (whereas the text provided by steadyon indicates some portions are effective 7/1/2015 and the remainder is effective 60 days after passage).

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legi...09/HB0205.html

[steadyon]

Hi,
the section that I posted is the amendment to the bill.
I did not post the bill and the amendment, the rest of the text is as introduced which is the link that you had posted.
hope this makes sense.
thanks

[Wolfeboro_Baja]

Yes, it does; thanks steadyon!! I was going to post an "Oops, my bad" earlier this morning but didn't get a chance to until now.

I guess that's what I get for presuming the General Court's website was up-to-date with amendments to bills!!

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by John A. Birdsall

I am under the understanding that violations will go on your drivers license. So behave out there speeding will add points to your cost of insurance

Are you certain of that?? The reason I ask is I was just ticketed for speeding on my snowmobile and was informed by the Fish & Game officer that this does NOT go against your license whatsoever as it is considered a Fish & Game offense. However if you fail to pay the ticket it will in fact affect your license. DUI on a snowmobile will definitely go on your drivers license the officer told me. I realize a boat may be different, but just want to make sure.

FWIW;

Dan

[OCDACTIVE]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Are you certain of that?? The reason I ask is I was just ticketed for speeding on my snowmobile and was informed by the Fish & Game officer that this does NOT go against your license whatsoever as it is considered a Fish & Game offense. However if you fail to pay the ticket it will in fact affect your license. DUI on a snowmobile will definitely go on your drivers license the officer told me. I realize a boat may be different, but just want to make sure.

FWIW;

Dan

Yup.. i read it as well.... That was one of the biggest sticking points for the MP and the financial costs of having to fight them.

[RI Swamp Yankee]

Originally Posted by John A. Birdsall

... The Marine Patrol when he stops you wants to see your Boating Certificate and your Drivers license, ...

Does NH require a drivers license to operate a boat? If not then he can't ask for it.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by RI Swamp Yankee

Does NH require a drivers license to operate a boat? If not then he can't ask for it.

As we have discussed previously, it is always wise to carry a legal secondary form of identification when boating in New Hampshire. By law, any law enforcement officer has the right to have you produce a driver's license or other legal form of identification to ensure the person(s) he has articulable reason to be in temporary custody is indeed the person claimed.

From RSA 270:12-b Disobeying an Officer:

...(c) Knowingly refuse, on demand of a peace officer or agent of the director, to produce some means of positive identification such as a driver's license, passport, or other document, or to verify his identity by some other means so that the identity of the operator or person otherwise in charge of a vessel can be determined with reasonable certainty by such peace officer or agent of the director...

Accordingly if you can't prove who you are and the officer can articulate that he has reasonable belief that you are being deceptive, then that officer can take you into custody until your actual identity can be established. And if you have been deceptive or evasive the offense is a misdemeanor.

You can read the entire text of RSA 270:12-b HERE.

[Lakegeezer]

Originally Posted by Skip

Accordingly if you can't prove who you are and the officer can articulate that he has reasonable belief that you are being deceptive, then that officer can take you into custody until your actual identity can be established. And if you have been deceptive or evasive the offense is a misdemeanor.

I read the text and am not a lawyer, but it seems to me that if you produce your boaters certificate, do not act invasive and show your face, the officer has all he legally is entitled to. Your face is on file at the state where you got your license, and most likely with DHS. They can transmit your mug shot to the officer if he really needs the ID. If they don't have the technology on board, they have to do with that they got. I, for one, am NOT carrying my drivers license on my boat. I've seen a wallet go into the drink before and you know the saying... "fool me once, won't get fooled again".

[fatlazyless]

Here's a dopey question for someone who knows the answer. I've lost my wallet-sized NH boater license, but do have the 8 1/2 x 11", NH boater education certifcate that shows that I passed the course with a great big score of 98, (wow!), and I keep in it a glass and wood picture frame screwed to the inside of a large door on my boat. I figure, that if stopped. I just open the door and point to the framed certificate and totally astonish the MP that I got a 98, especially after violating the east-west-north-south, spar marker passage rule, or something.

But Officer.....this sailboat is only 11' 11 3/4" in length, and the rudder does not get added into the measurement, so....therefore...it does not require a registration......& thanks very much for stopping me!

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

but do have the 8 1/2 x 11", NH boater education certifcate that shows that I passed the course with a great big score of 98, (wow!), and I keep in it a glass and wood picture frame screwed to the inside of a large door on my boat. I figure, that if stopped. I just open the door and point to the framed certificate and totally astonish the MP that I got a 98, especially after violating the east-west-north-south, spar marker passage rule, or something.

That's fine for your sailboat FLL but what about for your 9 other boats?

[Skip]

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

I read the text and am not a lawyer, but it seems to me that if you produce your boaters certificate, do not act invasive and show your face, the officer has all he legally is entitled to. Your face is on file at the state where you got your license, and most likely with DHS. They can transmit your mug shot to the officer if he really needs the ID. If they don't have the technology on board, they have to do with that they got. I, for one, am NOT carrying my drivers license on my boat. I've seen a wallet go into the drink before and you know the saying... "fool me once, won't get fooled again".

Good points....and things always go a lot smoother if everyone (the operator & the officer) cooperates during a stop.

Couple of points.

The law is clear (RSA 270:12-b) and if the officer asks for a positive means of identification you must produce it to comply.

Now in the real world there would be many circumstances where the officer may be completely satisfied with a glance at your boater license, or feel comfortable after a series of questions that you have established your identity to him/her. There are many ways an experienced officer can determine your identity on scene if you are being cooperative. And the key word here is coperative.

That said, be prepared to produce your driver's license or have that information available if you are going to get a summons.

Why?

Because if you are speeding on Lake Winnipesukee, or if you commit a violation of any of the general boating requirement contained under RSA 270: D-2 while on Winni or any other body of water in New Hampshire the offense will be reported back to NHDMV. In order for the information to be recorded accurately the officer will need to obtain key information (including driver license number) to be recorded on the summons itself.

Also, there is no ability to transmit photos to most NH law enforcement officials real time in the field. It's coming, but it is still a long way off. Officer's do have the ability, via radio or phone, to verify information like height, weight, hair color and partial social security number information with a cooperative individual.

Given the example in your post, a cooperative individual can usually supply the officer with enough information, under normal circumstances, to satisfy the State's legal requirment.

Once again, it all hinges on the circumstance of the stop and the demeanor of the individual being stopped.

[RI Swamp Yankee]

Good points Skip. What happens if someone doesn't have a drivers license? I have known people that just never got one!

[Skip]

Originally Posted by RI Swamp Yankee

Good points Skip. What happens if someone doesn't have a drivers license? I have known people that just never got one!

The law provides for other means of identification besides a license.

Remember, it is a discretionary call on the part of the officer as to what he needs to reasonably verify your identity. The RSAs give him substantial latitude in determining what he needs as proof.

And again, it usually ends up going to a person's demeanor as to how far the search for identity will go. Being combative or argumentative will most likely mean you receive the most scrutiny. If you feel you are being wronged, then save it for an appropriately filed complaint to the officer's superiors or for your case in court.

Honestly, most officers out there are just doing their job, and will be as brief and unobtrusive with you as they possibly can. After the stop you have plenty of time and a multitude of options to pursue, if you feel that is necessary.

But the time to argue the case is not during the stop.....

[Shedwannabe]

Originally Posted by Skip

The law provides for other means of identification besides a license.

Remember, it is a discretionary call on the part of the officer as to what he needs to reasonably verify your identity. The RSAs give him substantial latitude in determining what he needs as proof.

And again, it usually ends up going to a person's demeanor as to how far the search for identity will go.

Now this is on the land...but I was stopped for speeding in Sanbornton recently...which is VERY RARE for me, cause I'm usually THE slowest driver on the road (but the cop don't know that) and I hadn't brought my wallet with me, so he asked me for my license and I said "I don't have it with me" - he looked at my registration, checked it out, and said "Keep your speed down next time. Have a good day"

Perhaps I am more famous than I thought...I didn't know the officer, but maybe he knew me.....

Actually, I think it was because my wife was in the car - she has NEVER been given a speeding ticket despite having been stopped way more times than I ever have. I guess her good speeding karma rubbed off on me that day.