A Cuban national, who has been residing in Germany for nearly three years, shared a delightful and surprising encounter with the local police. Stopped for cycling without lights, he ended up paying a hefty fine, but it was the courteous manner of the police officer that truly astonished him.
Known online as @yuniorflowcubano, Yunior recounted his first police stop experience in a video that quickly sparked discussions on social media. "I knew I was riding without lights and expected a fine, but what really shocked me was the way they spoke to me. Such politeness! They greeted me with 'Good evening, how are you?' and then politely asked, 'May we conduct a check, please?' No shouting, just calmness and respect," Yunior narrated.
He mentioned that the officers even took a moment to give him a brief lesson on road safety before issuing the fine. "In the end, I told them, 'Officer, just give me the fine because I'm convinced,' because honestly, I felt like celebrating it," he added with laughter.
Unexpected Encounter and Comparisons
The incident unfolded when Yunior was cycling home. Although he had previously ridden without lights at night, this time, a patrol car stopped him just a block away from his destination. "I thought, 'nothing's happened before, it won't happen now,' but there they were," he explained. The experience left him so amused that he later commented, "I left in good spirits, it felt like I received a university degree instead of a fine."
In his video, Yunior also responded to a comment comparing his experience to what he encountered in Cuba, writing, "It's nothing like how the police treated us in Havana," highlighting the stark difference between his experiences in Germany and his home country.
Reactions and Reflections
Responses poured in with one user stating, "Now that's a police officer, not a thug," while another joked, "With that smooth talk, I would've thought they'd let me go." Some applauded Yunior's humorous take on the situation: "It's great you share it this way, you were clearly impressed."
With a mix of humor and insight, Yunior concluded his video by offering advice to anyone planning to move to Germany or enjoying cycling: "Don't even think about riding at night without front and rear lights, or you'll face a hefty fine, my friend." What started as a scare turned into a positive experience that brought smiles.
Understanding German Traffic Regulations for Cyclists
How does the German police typically handle traffic violations?
The German police are known for their professionalism and courtesy when handling traffic violations. They focus on educating offenders about safety regulations and issuing fines where necessary, all while maintaining a respectful demeanor.
What are the requirements for cycling at night in Germany?
Cyclists in Germany must have functioning lights on both the front and rear of their bicycles when riding at night. This is a legal requirement to ensure visibility and safety on the roads.