How to Behave as a Civilian at a Military Checkpoint or Roadblock?

Introduction

With the current war in Ukraine leading to the establishment of checkpoints and roadblocks, it is crucial to understand the correct behavior in these situations. Particularly at the very beginning of a crisis military checkpoints might be unusual and civilians are not sure how to behave correctly.

Table of Contents

For safe passage at Ukrainian military checkpoints: research routes, have IDs & documents ready, and travel during permitted times. Slow down, and follow signs & military instructions. Dress modestly, and avoid unauthorized photos/videos. Inform about medical conditions & kids. Drive away calmly.

Throughout the article, you will find dos and don’ts to keep in mind, special considerations for specific circumstances, and what to do after passing the checkpoint.

Use my personal experiences in Ukraine for your own behavior at military checkpoints in other countries. Military checkpoints follow worldwide similar patterns and structures.

This article does not represent any legal advice nor is it possible to consider every possible scenario and regional-specific rules and requirements. Please inform yourself prior to any travel plans and employ proper situational awareness and judgment.

Different Purposes and Types of Checkpoints and Roadblocks

Checkpoints and roadblocks are often used in the same context but it is important to understand their different purposes. Checkpoints are in place to check the identity of passing through traffic whereas roadblocks should limit or block access to specific areas.

Typical roadblocks in Ukraine were set up at the beginning of the war where the travel between different districts was limited to prevent traffic jams and to facilitate military actions and are still common near active war zones.

Not every checkpoint or roadblock is the same. During civil unrest and war in Ukraine, I encountered very different scenarios of checkpoints and roadblocks with more or less different risks and procedures.

Children Checkpoints – children in a war zone mimicking the work of the military and trying to process and cope with the war scenario.
Police Checkpoints – temporary checkpoints only by police forces with the purpose of searching for criminals or restricting access to a certain area
Border Guard and Customs Checkpoint – checkpoint before or after the border crossings with the purpose of restricting the number of type of vehicles at the border crossing, separating truck and car traffic flows, and searching for illegal goods and immigrants
Military Checkpoint – checkpoint to identify and restrict the free movement of enemy combatants in the form of small sabotage units (5-15 combatants) and to identify infiltration and reconnonce of potential spies.
Militia / Civil Society Checkpoint – checkpoint by locally organized resistance forces with the goal of identifying and preventing the infiltration of an area by enemy combatants and spies.
Enemy Combatant Checkpoint / Roadblock – checkpoint or roadblock by enemy combatants with different purposes depending on the military and security situation. The difference between checkpoint and roadblock is extremely important and a roadblock within a combat zone may use deadly force without any prior warnings.
None Combatant Checkpoint / Roadblock – checkpoint or roadblock by a group not officially authorized by governmental authorities. I went several times by car through a roadblock during the Maidan protests.

This article deals exclusively with military checkpoints. I am going to link specific articles about the other forms of checkpoints and roadblocks for more detailed information on the subject.

Before Approaching the Military Checkpoint

Research the location and route beforehand to be aware of potential checkpoints.
Ensure you have proper identification and relevant documents ready.
Avoid traveling during curfew hours or restricted times
Dress appropriately, avoid wearing camouflage or anything that may look military-related
Remove sunglasses and hats for clear identification
Turn off music or any other distractions
Remove your car dash cam or cover the lens with tape (I always forget that ended up with a confiscated memory card at a Ukrainian checkpoint)

Before you approach a checkpoint, it is important to do some research. Familiarize yourself with the location and route beforehand to be aware of potential checkpoints along the way. This will allow you to plan your journey accordingly and avoid any surprises.

Dressing appropriately and preventing any look that might look military-related is highly recommended. You do not want to look like you are posing a potential threat. You should not be surprised if your group of friends in your car all wearing camouflage clothes might create some very negative reactions from the checkpoint staff.

Additionally, ensure that you have your proper identification and any relevant documents ready. These may include your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance. Having all the necessary paperwork readily available will save you time and prevent any unnecessary complications during the process.

Finally, it is advisable to avoid traveling during curfew hours or restricted times. These restrictions are put in place to maintain order and security, so it’s best to plan your travel accordingly and adhere to any imposed regulations.

Inform yourself in advance about the rules and guidance by the authorities in cases when your journey is delayed and you are running the risk of violating the curfew time. Act accordingly well in advance of the deadline. Understand that many facilities like petrol stations or hotels are closed well before curfew deadlines.

As You Approach the Checkpoint

Slow down and follow all road signs.
Switch on your warning signs to indicate to the following traffic your intention to stop.
Switch off your car headlight and turn on your vehicle’s interior lights if it’s dark.
Keep your vehicle’s front windows rolled down
Keep hands visible at all times.
Avoid sudden or suspicious movements.

As you approach a military checkpoint or roadblock, there are certain actions you should take to ensure a safe and efficient process. First and foremost, slow down and pay close attention to all road signs in the vicinity. These signs will provide you with important instructions and guidance as you navigate through the checkpoint.

Switch on your warning signs to indicate to the following traffic your intention to stop. This is particularly important if it is already dark or during foggy weather to prevent car accidents.

If it is dark outside, switch off your vehicle lights and turn on your vehicle’s interior lights to ensure that you and the military personnel can clearly see each other. This simple act will help prevent any confusion or misunderstanding during your interaction.

It is essential to keep your hands visible at all times. This signals to the military personnel that you have no ill intentions and are complying with their instructions. Keep your hands on the steering wheel or in plain sight on the dashboard to demonstrate your cooperation.

Avoid making sudden or suspicious movements. Any abrupt actions may be misinterpreted and raise suspicions among the military personnel present. Stay calm and composed, and follow their instructions without hesitation.

Interacting with Military Personnel

Always remain calm and respectful.
Follow all instructions promptly and without question.
Do not argue or challenge the soldiers.
Do not take pictures or videos.
Communicate clearly and avoid raising your voice.
If you don’t understand something, ask politely for clarification.

Maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor is of utmost importance when interacting with military personnel at a checkpoint. Regardless of the circumstances, always remain composed and treat the soldiers with respect.

Follow all instructions promptly and without question. The military personnel are there to ensure security and order, so it is crucial to comply with their directives. By doing so, you not only contribute to your own safety but also help maintain a smooth flow of traffic through the checkpoint.

It is essential not to argue or challenge the soldiers. Engaging in confrontations will only escalate the situation and create unnecessary tension. Instead, communicate clearly and avoid raising your voice. If you don’t understand something, politely ask for clarification. Clear communication will help facilitate a smoother process for everyone involved.

Documentation and Inspection

Present your identification and any requested documents without hesitation.
Be prepared for a potential vehicle inspection.
Do not interfere with the inspection process.
Understand that delays can occur, and be patient.

When asked, promptly present your identification and any requested documents without hesitation. This demonstrates your willingness to cooperate and follow the procedures in place. By being prepared and organized, you can help expedite the process and minimize delays.

Be prepared for a potential vehicle inspection. The military personnel may ask to search your vehicle to ensure security and safety. It is important not to interfere with the inspection process and to follow their instructions accordingly. Cooperating fully will contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the inspection.

Understand that delays can occur at checkpoints, especially during peak hours or when there is a significant influx of traffic. Patience is key in these situations. While waiting, you can take the opportunity to reflect on the importance of these security measures and the role they play in maintaining safety.

If You Are Asked to Step Out of Your Vehicle

Move very slowly to the indicated inspection area
Wait until you get attended by dedicated search personnel.
Do so slowly and keep your hands visible at all times.
Stand where instructed and avoid wandering around.
If you’re carrying a bag, place it down gently and step away if asked.

In most cases, you will be asked to drive your vehicle to a separate inspection area. Drive very slowly to the area, stop the engine, and wait for further instructions.

Depending on the circumstances you might need to wait for some time before the inspection. Do not simply drive away if you are not followed by the person who instructed you at the stop sign. The inspection of a vehicle and further investigations about yourself are typically performed by a different group.

Dos and Don’ts at the Checkpoint

There are certain actions that are advised and others that should be avoided when at a military checkpoint or roadblock. Let’s take a look at these dos and don’ts:

Dos:

Keep your emotions in check. It is understandable to feel nervous or anxious at a checkpoint, but it is crucial to remain calm and composed.
Inform someone of your route and expected time of arrival. This ensures that someone knows about your travel plans and can raise the alarm if necessary.
Dress modestly and avoid wearing anything that could be seen as provocative or affiliated with certain groups. This helps create a respectful and non-confrontational atmosphere.

Don’ts:

Do not take photos or videos without permission. Respecting the privacy and security of the military personnel is essential.
Do not use your mobile phone unless instructed to do so. Cell phone use may interfere with the communication systems in place and be seen as a potential security risk.
Do not exit your vehicle unless asked to do so. The military personnel will give you clear instructions if it becomes necessary for you to step out of your vehicle.

Special Considerations

There are certain special considerations to keep in mind when traveling through military checkpoints or roadblocks:

If you are traveling with children, it is vital to keep them calm and ensure that they follow all instructions given by the military personnel. Stress the importance of remaining calm and respectful to create a safe environment for everyone involved.
If you have any medical conditions that may require special attention or consideration, it is advisable to inform the military personnel. Have your medical documents handy to provide any necessary information or verification.
If you are a foreigner in Ukraine, always carry your passport and any necessary visas or permits. This will help ensure a smooth process at the checkpoint and prevent any unnecessary complications.
Be aware of travel restrictions where some areas may be off-limits to civilians.
Stay informed about potential military actions around your travel route and be prepared for a situation when you find enemy combatant checkpoints/roadblocks.

After Passing the Checkpoint

Drive away calmly and avoid speeding.
Do not stop immediately after the checkpoint unless instructed.
Reflect on the experience and share information with others for their safety.

Once you have successfully passed through the checkpoint, it is important to continue driving calmly and avoid speeding. Adhering to traffic regulations and maintaining a safe driving speed is crucial for your own safety as well as the safety of others on the road.

Unless instructed otherwise, do not immediately stop after passing through the checkpoint. Keep driving until you have reached a safe and appropriate area to bring your vehicle to a halt. This will help maintain a smooth flow of traffic and prevent congestion near the checkpoint.

Take some time to reflect on your experience at the checkpoint and consider sharing information with others for their safety. This could include discussing the procedures, guidelines, and behavior expectations at these checkpoints. By sharing your knowledge, you can contribute to the safety and well-being of others who may encounter similar situations.

Inactive Military Checkpoints

The majority of military checkpoints in Ukraine are not active. Some are dismantled. Others appear still fully functional with warning signs, concrete barriers, and other facilities. Many drivers adopted the habit of ignoring the traffic signs and driving through the checkpoint without stopping and other measurements described above.

Activate your warning signal to indicate to the following traffic your intention to respect the checkpoint signs
At night switch off your light and switch on the inside light of your vehicle.
Follow traffic signs, and stop your vehicle at the indicated place. Continue driving if you do not see any military personnel instructing you otherwise.
Do not park and leave your car in the area around an inactive military checkpoint. There might be minefields around the checkpoint that are not immediately visible.

Inactive military checkpoints are particularly dangerous at night and in foggy situations as your following traffic might not break in time and might cause an accident.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is vital to understand and adhere to the guidelines outlined in this article when approaching a Ukrainian military checkpoint or roadblock. By researching the location and route beforehand, having proper identification and relevant documents ready, and avoiding traveling during restricted times, you can ensure a smoother and safer journey.

As you approach the checkpoint, remember to slow down, follow road signs, and keep your hands visible at all times. Interact with military personnel calmly and respectfully, following their instructions promptly. Present your identification and requested documents without hesitation, and be prepared for potential vehicle inspections.

Dos and don’ts should be followed at the checkpoint, such as keeping emotions in check, informing someone of your travel plans, and dressing modestly. Avoid taking photos or videos without permission, using your mobile phone unless instructed, and exiting your vehicle unless asked.

Special considerations should be taken into account, such as keeping children calm, informing personnel of medical conditions, and carrying necessary documentation for foreigners in Ukraine.

After passing the checkpoint, drive away calmly, avoid immediate stops unless instructed, and reflect on the experience to share information with others.

By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, we can contribute to a safe and efficient process at Ukrainian military checkpoints and roadblocks.

Additional Resouces

CABINET OF MINISTERS OF UKRAINE RESOLUTION dated December 29, 2021 No. 1456 Kyiv On Approval of the Procedure for Checking Documents of Persons, Inspection of Things, Vehicles, Luggage and Cargo, Office Premises and Housing of Citizens during the Implementation of the Legal Regime of Martial Law
(The resolution text is in Ukrainian language)

Rules for Ukrainian Roadblocks