Whether you are a new motorcycle rider and considering joining a club or have been an Arizona motorcycle club member for years, it is important to understand your rights. Joining a motorcycle club can be an exhilarating and fulfilling experience, but it often comes with a unique set of responsibilities. From navigating local laws and engaging with your community, to protecting the brotherhood, being informed is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the road.
Understanding Your Rights as an Arizona Motorcycle Club Member
As a club member, you become part of a tight-knit community who often refer to each other as family. While the core values of each club may vary slightly, every motorcycle club has a strong commitment to loyalty, trust, and respect. When you are on the open road, knowing how to handle a roadside stop while protecting both yourself and your patch is essential. Whether on a solo ride or a club run, your conduct during law enforcement encounters can impact your entire club’s reputation. Every interaction with law enforcement should be approached with a calm and respectful demeanor.
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What to do when you have been stopped by police: R.I.D.E.R.
R – REMAIN CALM: When you’re pulled over, safely come to a stop, keeping your hands visible at all times. Keep your tone polite and respectful Remaining calm helps prevent the situation from escalating and help keep everyone safer.
I – IDENTIFY: You are legally required to provide basic information under Arizona Law A.R.S. § 28-1595. This includes your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. When reaching for these documents, let the office know what you are doing. This step can help reduce suspicion.
D – DECLINE SEARCH: You have a constitutional right to refuse consent to searches of your person, your motorcycle, or your belongings. If asked to search, clearly and calmy say: “I do not consent to a search.”
E – EXERCISE SILENCE: You have the right to remain silent. This means you do not have to answer any questions. Silence cannot legally be used against you; however, volunteering information can be. Staying silent prevents misunderstandings or statements that can be used against you later.
R – REQUEST FREEDOM: Once the officer has your documents and has completed their checks, you can respectfully ask: “Am I free to go?” If the answer is yes, calmy leave. If the answer is no, you are being detained. It is important to remain silent and do not resist.
If you are issued a citation, sign it. By signing, you are not admitting guilt, you are promising to appear in court or handle the ticket.
Report your stop to The Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs by taking their Motorcycle Profiling Project Survey. This survey is brief, does not require personal information, and helps to identify any profiling trends and can make a positive impact for the motorcycle community.
What to do if you have been arrested.
If you have been arrested in Arizona, it is very important that you affirmatively and clearly invoke your rights. Here is an example statement to read to an officer:
“Officer, I am exercising my right to an attorney and will remain silent. I do not consent to any search. If I am not under arrest, please tell me so I may leave. If I am under arrest, I wish to invoke my Miranda rights immediately.”
This example eliminates ambiguity and offers a direct assertion of your rights.
Your next step is to consult with an attorney before making any case decisions. At Grand Canyon Law Group, we know Arizona motorcycle laws and fight to protect your rights and freedoms. Our aggressive approach, led by former Arizona prosecutors, offers you an advantage of expertise when it comes to defending you. Contact us now by calling 480-568-6084 so we can serve you in your criminal case. We are available 24/7!
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Arizona Motorcycle Laws You Should Know
One of the many benefits of joining a motorcycle club is the ability to participate in group events. Arizona Motorcycle Club Members should be aware of specific rules regarding assembly and traffic.
Under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to freedom of association, meaning you can join a club, wear your colors or patch, and spend time with whoever you choose as long as the group is not organized to commit illegal activities. While Arizona does not have a specific law making a motorcycle club illegal, there is broad language regarding criminal street gangs under A.R.S. § 13-2321.
When you are participating in group rides and rallies, it is important to keep a few Arizona traffic rules in mind. Specifically, Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-903 and § 28-903.1 which restricts “lane splitting”, but allows “lane filtering” under certain circumstances.
In addition, Arizona Revised Statue § 28-701.02 defines criminal speeding as anything greater than 35 mph in a school zone, 20 mph over the limit in business or residential areas, and greater than 85 mph on any roadway. Penalties for criminal speeding in Arizona can include up to 30 days in jail, hefty fines, up to one year of probation, and points added to your driver’s license.
You should also be mindful of Arizona laws regarding driving under the influence. Arizona has a zero tolerance when it comes to DUI. Officers are trained to pull anyone over that appears to be even slightly impaired. An Arizona DUI offense can come with several penalties including mandatory jail time, permanent criminal record, license suspension and more.
Whether you are part of an Arizona motorcycle club, attending Arizona Bike Week, or just passing through, knowing the Arizona motorcycle laws can help you avoid police involvement.
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Protect Your Rights and Your Patch
As an Arizona motorcycle club member, you carry the reputation of the brotherhood on your sleeve and we are here to ensure that reputation is protected. At Grand Canyon Law Group, we don’t just know the statutes; we understand the culture, the community, and the tactics used to target motorcycle riders. If you’ve been stopped, profiled, or charged, don’t leave your future to chance, put former prosecutors in your corner. Contact us 24/7 by calling 480-568-6084. We’ve got your back so you can keep your eyes on the road.
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