Q: In California, can an officer discipline a bicycle driver for not having an ID when he showed him his driver's license?
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A:
No, in California, a police officer cannot discipline a bicycle rider for not having an ID if the rider has already shown a valid driver's license. Here's why:
1. Bicycles are not motor vehicles under California law, so bicycle riders are not required to carry a driver's license while riding.
2. California law does not require bicycle riders to carry any form of identification while riding.
3. If a bicycle rider is stopped by a police officer and the officer asks for identification, showing a valid driver's license is sufficient to identify oneself, even if it's not required for riding a bicycle.
4. Disciplining a bicycle rider for not carrying an ID, especially after they have shown a valid driver's license, would be improper and potentially a violation of the rider's rights.
It's important to note that while bicycle riders are not required to carry identification, they are still subject to traffic laws and can be cited for violations such as running stop signs or riding on the wrong side of the road. However, the lack of a specific bicycle ID is not a citable offense when a valid driver's license is provided.
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