Virginia driving and drinking

I definitely won't even have one drink driving to or from Lockn. I will be @ Lockn from Thurs to Mon. However I know in most states they can site you for DUI riding a bike. Has anyone been stopped or questioned by cops while riding a bike @ Lockn? I plan on bringing my bike and but am a little worried about this. Would suck to get a DUI when I never drink and drive in the outside world.

you will not get a DUI for riding a bike at lockn. I guess if you were absolutely blotto, were careening down a hill, then hit and injured someone, then you could get a DUI at Lockn. But being drunk on a bike at a Grateful Dead festival is a low priority for the popo.

The DUI laws apply to state highways and so they don't apply to the Lockn' farm, as far as any criminal enforcement by official police.

The farm can have its rules about drunk biking but it will just be under rules about dangerous behavior, drunk or not.

You are liable if you get drunk (or not) and hurt someone, bike or no bike.

I suppose the cops could write someone for "drunk in public" or "disorderly conduct" on the farm because it is "quasi-public property" much like a shopping center. Anyway, it won't matter what you think the law is or ought to be in that situation; you will lose the argument. "Never debatable, always appealable" an old judge around here used to say.

But for first timers, the cops on site are cool and leave people alone; they aren't looking for trouble. Be nice to them.

While we are on the subject, the fire marshals go around the campgrounds looking for dangerous stuff or code violations, especially large propane tanks (discussed elsewhere) and last year I saw them giving a decrepit home-made RV rig the hairy eyeball.

You should always travel assuming you WILL be pulled over. Route 29 is full of speed traps where the speed limit changes back and forth. Guaranteed, the police like to stake out just on the other side of a reduced speed zone. The commercial zones along Rt 29 are reduced speed of course. There are an abundance of donut shops and other establishments along Rt 29 with 'law enforcement discounts'. Surely the police are aware of folks traveling to Lock'n Fest from one end of Rt. 29 to the other. Your VW van with a 'LOCK'N OR BUST' sign, Steelie/Dancing Bear/SkullF#/One Love bumper stickers and tapestries for window coverings is surely a 'mark' and they'll make up an excuse to pull you over. If it smells even remotely like weed or patchouli, they'll search every inch of your vehicle looking for it and/or call for a K-9 unit. Even if your not driving a VW van, best to be incognito to the extent possible.

Also remember that any speed in excess of 80mph (regardless of posted speed limit) in VA is 'reckless driving' and they can take your license and run you through the system. I came within a hair of getting hit for that a few weeks ago on the way to FloydFest. Don't give them an excuse to pull you over. If they do, don't do your Dennis Hopper shtick. Be nice. They'll know you're on your way to Lock'n, so don't make up a story about taking your disabled grandma backpacking in the Blue Ridge.

When you get to the festival grounds, assume there's a K-9 unit available. Two years ago, I made the mistake of driving out of the festival on Sunday to get to another area where my friends were packing up. When I went back in the gate, I became a training session for their K-9 unit and new recruits. I was offered a one-time amnesty if I declared and produced any illegal materials from my vehicle. I looked over at the dog, who looked back at me with a slight shaking of his head. A dog can sniff out a long line of cars real quick and you'll get pulled aside quicker than you can say OG KUSH. The offer of Amnesty can be revoked at any time if you get obstinate and/or have considerable quantities.