Military and paramilitary checkpoints are a defining feature of conflict zones, occupied territories, and post-coup environments. For civilians travelling by vehicle, how you approach and navigate a checkpoint can be the difference between passing through unhindered and triggering a dangerous confrontation. Understanding the expectations of checkpoint personnel and following predictable, non-threatening procedures reduces risk significantly.
Why Checkpoint Behaviour Matters
Checkpoint personnel are often young, armed, stressed, and operating under unclear orders with limited information. They may have experienced violence recently. Their primary concern is identifying threats. Your behaviour in the first few seconds of an approach establishes whether you are perceived as a threat or a civilian seeking to pass through.
Erratic, unexpected, or non-compliant behaviour — even if innocent — can rapidly escalate a checkpoint encounter. Calm, predictable, compliant behaviour communicates that you are not a threat.
Before You Encounter a Checkpoint
Preparation Before Travel
- Research current checkpoint locations and conditions — speak with local contacts, NGO security officers, or UN personnel about the current situation on your route.
- Carry all relevant documentation in an easily accessible location — not buried in a bag you cannot reach quickly.
- Know the language of the controlling force at least for basic phrases: "civilian," "no weapons," "journalist" (or your relevant status), "going to [destination]."
- Brief all vehicle occupants on checkpoint procedures before departure — everyone should know the protocol.
- Carry only what you need to explain your presence — items that could be misinterpreted should be left behind or carefully stowed.
Documentation to Have Ready
| Document | Notes |
|---|
| Passport or national ID | Always carry original — copies may not be accepted |
| Vehicle registration | Original document |
| Driving licence | International permit if travelling cross-border |
| Travel permission | Some zones require movement permits from controlling authority |
| Organisation ID | For journalists, NGO workers, medical personnel |
| Invitation/assignment letter | Supporting document for your stated purpose |
Approaching a Checkpoint
Visual Identification
- Identify the checkpoint as early as possible — slow down when you see signs, barriers, or personnel ahead.
- Do not turn or reverse once a checkpoint is visible — this immediately raises suspicion. Continue forward slowly.
- Turn on headlights during the day if in a conflict zone — it increases visibility and signals your approach as non-threatening.
- Look for signs indicating where to stop — flags, barriers, personnel hand signals.
Slowing and Stopping
- Reduce speed progressively — do not brake suddenly.
- Stop at the designated point or where directed by a hand signal from personnel.
- Turn off the engine if directed, or if you will be stationary for more than a moment — an idling vehicle can be interpreted as a flight risk.
- Put both hands on the steering wheel — visible and still.
- Do not reach for anything until instructed to do so or until personnel approach and the situation is clear.
⚠️ In many conflict zones, approaching a checkpoint too fast or stopping too suddenly has resulted in civilians being fired upon. Slow, progressive, predictable movement is the standard throughout the approach.
At the Checkpoint
When Personnel Approach Your Vehicle
- Wind down the window before they reach the vehicle — having the window up can look defensive.
- Greet personnel in the local language if possible — "good morning/afternoon" is a good start.
- Keep hands visible at all times — on the wheel or the door frame.
- Wait to be asked before reaching for documents — say "I have my documents" and wait for the instruction to retrieve them.
- Retrieve documents slowly and deliberately — take one item at a time, explain what you are doing ("this is my passport").
Answering Questions
When asked about your identity, purpose, and destination:
- Answer clearly, briefly, and truthfully.
- Identify yourself: name, nationality, who you are travelling with.
- State your destination and purpose in simple terms.
- If you represent an organisation, state its name and your role.
- Do not volunteer information beyond what is asked — additional information can create additional questions.
- If you do not understand a question, say so — gesturing confusion is safer than guessing.
Vehicle Searches
If personnel ask to search your vehicle:
- Consent and cooperate fully — physically resisting a vehicle search in a conflict zone is extremely dangerous.
- Unlock all compartments when asked.
- Explain the contents of any bag or container before it is opened — "this is a medical bag" or "this has photography equipment."
- Keep track of your documents and valuables — politely note if items are being retained without explanation.
- Keep all passengers seated and calm during the search.
Vehicle Occupant Conduct During Checkpoints
| Do | Don't |
|---|
| Keep hands visible | Reach into bags suddenly |
| Stay in the vehicle unless instructed to exit | Exit voluntarily |
| Speak calmly when spoken to | Argue, joke, or be sarcastic |
| Follow all instructions | Ignore or question instructions on the spot |
| Look forward and be still | Make sudden movements or gestures |
| Maintain respectful body language | Act aggressive or defiant |
Problematic Checkpoint Scenarios
If Asked to Pay a Bribe
Informal "fees" at checkpoints are common in many regions. This is a complex situation:
- Refusing may create confrontation
- Paying establishes you as a target for future extortion at the same checkpoint
- Consider whether small amounts are preferable to extended detention in your specific context
- Do not produce large amounts of cash visibly — carry small currency accessible separately from your main funds
If Detained
- Stay calm — express confusion or distress but not aggression.
- Ask why you are being detained — in simple, non-confrontational language.
- Ask to contact your embassy or organisation representative.
- Request written documentation of your detention if possible.
- Do not sign anything you do not fully understand.
- Cooperate with reasonable requests but do not confess to anything.
- Mentally note the time, location, names if visible, and what was said.
If Your Vehicle Is Damaged at a Checkpoint
Document the damage, note personnel details if possible, and report through official channels (embassy, ICRC, local human rights organisations) when safe to do so.
Post-Checkpoint Actions
After clearing a checkpoint:
- Do not accelerate rapidly — slow departure is as important as a slow approach.
- Drive to a safe distance before discussing the experience with fellow passengers.
- Brief your organisation or family on the checkpoint encounter — this information is valuable for others using the same route.
- Note checkpoint details: location, time, controlling force, approximate number of personnel, what documentation was requested, any significant interaction.
Quick Reference
| Stage | Key Action |
|---|
| Pre-travel | Research checkpoint locations; prepare documentation; brief occupants |
| Approaching | Slow progressively; headlights on; do not turn or reverse |
| Stopping | Stop at designated point; hands on wheel; window down |
| Personnel approaching | Greet; hands visible; wait for instruction before reaching for docs |
| Questions | Brief, truthful, simple answers — do not over-explain |
| Vehicle search | Full cooperation; explain bag contents before opening |
| If detained | Calm; ask why; request embassy contact; document mentally |
| After clearing | Slow departure; brief contacts; note details |