Driving late at night, I regularly encounter checkpoints.

At first I believed that they flag down suspicious vehicles, but now I speculate that they check every n’th vehicle. Or something.

Usually it will be a dark location. No lighting, no signs, no other indication that there are guys with guns, just a weak flashlight shining at you. This indicates that they want you to stop.

The problem with this is the flashlight’s batteries are usually dead, and therefore theres usually little/no light visible. As if its bad enough to have to dodge drunk drivers at night, now this!

After you stop the car, someone will come over to you and request your licence. If he finds your vehicle interesting, he may wish to investigate it further.

This will involve the poking around your car a bit.

Trivia: one time they seemed to become fascinated with my box of Kleenex. They actually stuck their fingers into it and started rooting around. I wanted to tell them that I had one hell of a flu, but I suspect that they have realized the error of their ways by now.

Tips: If pulled over, speak English - I know this is crazy but it actually makes them treat you with respect.

Sigh.

All in the name of security I guess.