Q: I've heard it's suggested to not leave identifying documents in your car, in case someone breaks in. But Idaho law requires owners pulled over to provide their vehicle's registration and proof of insurance.

I've always carried those documents in my wallet, but Idaho's registration form is rather large. I've found out how to reduce its size on my computer and print a smaller copy. If I was stopped, could I be cited for providing that smaller copy instead of the original?

A: That depends on the officer. Is that answer good enough?

No? Well let's delve into this question a little more.

According to Idaho code 49-427, the registration card issued for a vehicle, "shall, while the vehicle is being operated upon a highway, be in the possession of the operator or chauffeur or carried in the vehicle and be subject to inspection by any peace officer."

So technically, you need to have the original on hand. The officer could use his or her discretion, but I'd advise to err on the side of caution and keep the original in the vehicle.

Registration forms don't carry a lot of information, other than your address, that a thief might be interested in anyway.

If that doesn't put your mind at ease, carry your papers with personal information with you when you leave your vehicle. Just remember to put them back when you're driving again.

Q: I've been pulled over many times for no reason. Officers have told me I threw out a cigarette or some lame excuse like that. Is it against the law for officers to pull innocent people over and lie about the reason?

You might guess I'm not happy with law enforcement and won't ever help them if asked.

A: Reader, I had to trim your entire question and statement, as I didn't feel it appropriate.

While I don't personally know how you've been treated by law enforcement officials, I can say that officers don't stop people for simply doing nothing.

They're busy enough dealing with an overabundance of traffic violators. And being pulled over for throwing out a lit cigarette is warranted, as littering burning material is a crime - not an excuse to pester you.

I will say that if one officer has constantly stopped you, your complaint might be founded and should be relayed to that officer's superiors.

Finally, I'll add that failing to assist an officer when asked for help is a crime that could lead to arrest. That law's under Idaho code 18-707, which applies to you if you're a male 18 or older.

Officer down

Please put these officers, killed in the line of duty, and their families in your prayers. God bless these heroes.

• Officer Jarrod John Martinez, California Highway Patrol

• Officer Timothy Q. Brenton, Seattle Police

• Trooper David Lane, New York State Police

Be safe, I'll talk to you next week. E-mail your questions to policemandan@yahoo.com.

Dan Bristol is the Heyburn chief of police.