This happened on September 10th, 2016. A benefit ride to raise funds for local wounded veterans organized by Sons of Liberty Riders for motorcycles from all over.
This was the fifth annual event and to be our fourth time riding with this group. In the three previous, we rode the Goldwing trike twice and the Slingshot once. We were looking forward to riding again but I still cannot sit the Goldwing for any extended time, so.... Slingshot is the pick again.
Understand that I consider the Slingshot a sport trike and not a true bike and it may not be accepted in any or all bike events. I approach the organizers and feel out the riders for any heartburn. I have no problem riding tail on the herd if accepted, or dropping a donation for the cause and cutting a ride to my own tune.
Two things you need to know. We seldom wear helmets unless we are leaving the state and we have a Bimini Canvas Top on the Slingshot. Getting ready to ride, @Guardian_Angel suggest we ride topless. We occasionally take the canvas off but have not removed the frame since week four of ownership. Okay, topless it is. Canvas and frame completely removed.
Day of event, we head into town topless, pass the event gathering and head up to Sonic for two Route44 Limeade Slushes to carry on the ride. Got the drinks and now heading back to donate and/or register to ride. Catch a stop light and from my left I hear, "Excuse me, but does that vehicle require you to wear helmets?" I look to my left and an Alabama State Trooper is doing the talking. He then says, "I'm asking because it's tagged as a motorcycle." Well, thanks to @rabtech, I told him, "No sir, not as the law is currently written." Light changes and I proceed on my way.
A half block later, @Guardian_Angel says, "He just blue lighted you!" I check the mirror, yep, he's on me. Pull into a parking lot and we compare notes. I pull out my print outs from those supplied by @rabtech from this site and the darkside. He digs up what he has. He states that he will not be writing a citation but thinks safety is a concern. After comparing notes, he contacts his Sergeant to determine what latest hash is. His Sergeant stated what we had already concluded. Things concerning helmets with the Slingshot are still muddy. The Trooper thanks us for talking with him and tells us to stay current with the helmet law and hopes we have a good ride.
Bottom line.... Riding topless can create problems unless you are prepared.
Somewhere there is a LEO who is only doing their job, don't argue with them. If they don't hear what you are saying, they won't read it in print. Don't provoke them by trying provide them with documents they have not allowed you to produce.
@Guardian_Angel snapped this shot while the Officer and I disgusted the helmet situation...
