Knowing When to Stop For the Police

Jgolak Contributor

Member since 03 May 2017

JgolakContributor16 March 2018 20:19:02

198

We've been staying in Sosua for the past three weeks and so far having a great time. Lot's of great places to eat, drink, meet new friends, etc.

One thing new that I noticed is that I noticed (as opposed to east and south coast) is that the police here seem to always have their flashing lights on at night. So my big question for when we're able to drive here is how do I know when I should stop for the police?

I've been seeing them with their lights flashing and no one stops - in fact the motor conchos sometimes just seem to cut them off.

Any insight?

Thanks, JOHN

planner Dominican Republic Expert

Member since 27 December 2010

Dominican Republic Expert

plannerDominican Republic Expert16 March 2018 20:43:58

17669

Absolutely normal behavior. NO respect for emergency vehicles.

the tinker40 ViP

Member since 29 June 2017

the tinker40ViP16 March 2018 21:44:00

1236

It is normal, if they are speeding, move over to let them pass, don't stop for them. Sometimes I think that they just like the lights. It may also be a warning to potential wrong doers to be aware of their presence. Don't worry, if they want you to stop they will make it evident! We should really discuss this this over a libation or two. Contact me by cell or PM.

canuckonthemove Active member

Member since 26 February 2018

canuckonthemoveActive member16 March 2018 21:57:34

I have not been to DR yet (going for month of May) but I am assuming it is similar to Mexico and Brazil. They drive with lights on so the plublic will notice them and therefore think there are more police than there are.

Nosnownyc Active member

Member since 15 December 2017

NosnownycActive member16 March 2018 23:01:25

It's just the lack supervision and a cohesive patrol guide. No two ways about it if they want you , you will know !

UncleBuck Serial expat

Member since 06 June 2017

UncleBuckSerial expat16 March 2018 23:11:56

559

Could it be those MPOC trucks? It confused us as well. They always have their blue lights flashing.

Bob K VIP Member

Member since 25 June 2007

Bob KVIP Member17 March 2018 00:31:03

7675

Not only do the MPOC trucks drive with their lights on all the time they drive at 20 MPH blocking traffic an cause a hazard as everyone tries to pass them, many times without regard to safety.

Bob K

planner Dominican Republic Expert

Member since 27 December 2010

Dominican Republic Expert

plannerDominican Republic Expert17 March 2018 00:57:49

17669

Ambulance, fire trucks, police and MOPC they all do it and no one moves for them. No one cares here.

Astray Member

Member since 23 April 2017

AstrayMember17 March 2018 15:22:38

Unless its AMET, I never stop for police unless they pull next to me and flag me over. The military police may try to pull you over when they set up next to the road to shake you down for money, but these are not official stops and I have quit stopping for those as well. They normally have one big truck and its not like they are going to chase you.

Jgolak Contributor

Member since 03 May 2017

JgolakContributor17 March 2018 20:43:17

#10

198

Thanks everyone!

thecolonel Banned

Member since 06 November 2015

thecolonelBanned18 March 2018 11:23:58

#11

558

Never stop unless they absolutely force you.

cogi New member

Member since 08 August 2017

cogiNew member03 April 2018 13:12:32

#12

i was driving recently outside of Santiago and saw a couple national police trucks. There were a group of police standing on the side of the road and they motioned for me to pull over. The oldest one who looked like the boss came over and stuck his head inside my car , exchanging pleasantries while looking around my interior.
Then he asked for identification and i showed him my drivers license from Florida.
''Oh from miami '' he said and then he asked for some lunch money.
I gave him 100 pesos, he smiled and walked away after wishing me a nice day.

emetz55 Contributor

Member since 29 September 2017

emetz55Contributor03 April 2018 15:08:45

#13

100

I have been all over the country 20 times and I always see police with there lights on. I have never stopped except when they step out in front of you to do a license and insurance check. Just make sure you have your seat belt on or they will ask you for 200 pesos.