
Garmin GPS60
Recently I spent some time in Rwanda. I did the self-drive option, getting an excellent deal on a Land Rover Discovery from a company in Uganda. On the second half of the trip I headed West to Karongi, to spend some time in Kibuye getting a handle on their islands. Part of my trip also involved taking some of the harder roads, the dirt roads connecting major areas. Oddly enough I learnt a thing or two about how best to handle allegations of speeding.
On leaving Kigali I was pulled over, allegedly for speeding. The guy who pulled me over insisted that I was doing 80km/h and given that the speed limit was 60km/h I would need to pay a fine. In response I asserted that I was obeying the local speed limits would not be paying any such fine. The usual questions ensued – driver’s license, passport, international drivers license, vehicle registration papers, vehicle insurance papers, etc.
Whenever dealing with a cog in the machine of African law I insist that none of my documentation ever leaves my sight. Regularly I’ve been asked to leave my passport somewhere or someone has insisted that they need to take my passport away. In response I always note that as a legal document it clearly states that this should always accompany me and as such it never leaves my presence.
After navigating issues related to documentation the official insisted again that I was doing 80km/h and wanted to issue me a ticket.
If he had any kind of speed trap this would’ve made sense. This official, however, merely asked me to pull to the side of the road. I just crested a hill and started the descent upon spotting him. There was simply no way he could accurately assess the speed I’d been doing.
Fortunately I had my GPS unit out on my dashboard where it had a great view of the satellites. I insisted that not only was I obeying the speed limit but that given that my Garmin recorded my route along with my average speed that I can easily prove this. I would happily have the official accompany me to the next town where we could meet with local police authorities and verify that I was in fact not breaking the speed limit. Needless to say the official dropped the argument and let me go merrily on my way.
Have you experienced anything similar?