Locked Up Abroad

Not really, but I had my first real interaction with the local police in Zambia. The police routinely set up check points, in which all cars driving through are asked to stop and the police verify that you are up to date on your registration, taxes, and insurance. This is done through a series of stickers placed on the windshield of the car, so it usually requires no actual interaction and we are usually waived right on through. This time, while driving alone, I was asked to pull over. I knew there was no problem with my registration or taxes, so it's unclear why they asked this of me. They then asked for my drivers license, so I handed my international drivers license over. At this point I was asked to step out of the car and go speak with the other police officers.

The police officer informed me that I was supposed to carry my US drivers license in addition to the international drivers license, which I didn't have on me. This lead to some confusion. The police officer kept telling me that I needed to have my US drivers license. I kept repeating that while I understand the expectation, I did not have it on me. No amount of me telling me I needed it would change that fact, although they seemed to wish it would. Eventually, another police officer informed me I would have to drive to the police station. I told them I had no idea where it was, so they told me a police officer would ride with me.

I called Henry to let him know what was happening, and he encouraged me to bring the police officer with me to come pick him up. The police officer refused, and insisted we drive straight to the police station, even after talking to Henry. During this exchange, the police officer threw trash out of my car window. So while they are clearly sticklers for driving with a license, littering doesn't seem to be a concern.

The officer and I arrived at the police station, at which point she asked for my car keys. I replied by saying I didn't feel comfortable handing them over, and clearly I was complying with all of their requests. I didn't get asked for them again. I waited for a while while the police officer at the station completed a phone call. She again told me that I needed to have my US license. I explained that it was at my house and that my husband was trying to pick it up to bring it. I further explained that because I had the car, he was having to arrange a ride. I had tried to go pick him up myself, but the officer with me would not allow it. The police officer at the station told me I was released but needed to return to show my US drivers license. So I left.

Police Station

Since Henry was already on his way with my license and legal counsel from CBU, I just waited in the station parking lot. CBU staff carried my US license in and the entire thing was resolved.

Survived my first police interrogation.

Overall, the police were incredibly polite and respectful to me, for which I am thankful. It was my error for not also having my US license, however, I was surprised how important that was to them. Henry has had to show his license many times in the past, and has never been asked for anything beyond his international license. So I never thought it would be asked for. It also seemed like a lot of of trust in people following rules. If I had originally told the police I would drive to the station myself, I could have driven away with presumably no consequences. There was no documentation at that point. Additionally, once released to go bring my license back, it's hard to imagine anyone would have done anything if I had never returned. Regardless, I complied and everything was worked out.