Follow these tips to ensure you’re being responsible and courteous
Pokémon Go created something of a frenzy when it debuted more than three years ago. The mobile app was deemed hazardous by many because not only were people not paying attention while walking around town catching their favorite pocket monsters, but they were also driving while playing (and causing car accidents along the way). Obviously, you shouldn’t play Pokémon Go while driving at all. But if you’re chauffeuring some teenagers or your friends, here are some tips to follow when cruising the streets while they play.
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Do: Park in a legal spot near a Pokéstop/Gym
Many Pokéstops and Gyms are located in places like parks or businesses. Thankfully, a lot of these locations have parking lots or spots available. If you can reach a Pokéstop or Gym from your car while parked legally, that’s great! If not, you’ll have to park the car, get out, and walk over to it.
Don’t: Park wherever you want
You might be tempted to park in an accessible spot or in a location that’s not meant for parking just so you can reach that Team Rocket Pokéstop. Don’t do this. First, it’s illegal if you don’t have a permit to park in a specifically designated area. Second, you’re just being a jerk to those who may actually need the spot. Park your car legally and walk the extra 20 steps!
Note: The middle turn lane of a road is not meant for stopping to swipe a Pokéstop or to catch a rare Pokémon. Do not — I repeat, do not — stop your car there for any reason other than emergencies.
Do: Put your emergency lights on if stopped on a roadway
Sometimes you may be able to park or stop on the side of a road and allow other drivers to pass you. In this instance, be sure to put your emergency lights on or turn your vehicle off so others know that they can pass you. If you simply stop on the side of the road with your vehicle on, people may not know what is happening and could get frustrated if they’re just idling behind you.
Wait to check on your Pokémon until you’re parked safely!
Don’t: Block other vehicles when playing
As mentioned previously, you may be able to reach a Pokéstop or Gym from a certain parking spot. If someone else is parked there, do not block their car with yours so you can reach it. (Especially if it’s a raid event where you could be sitting for extended periods of time.) Park nearby and walk over to the spot or wait until that person leaves the golden spot.
Do: Get out of the car and play
The whole purpose of Pokémon Go is to get up and moving. You’re rewarded from walking by hatching eggs and getting weekly prizes. Therefore, if the weather is nice and you’re able to do so, get out of the car and walk around. Take your dog or some friends with you! If you’re in an area with a bunch of Pokéstops or Gyms, you’ll probably be able to reach more of them by walking around. Not to mention, you’ll be helping the planet by cutting down on idling vehicle emissions or starting and stopping your car multiple times to travel short distances.
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Don’t: Trespass to catch a Pokémon
This rule is included in the game and should be taken seriously. Sometimes, you’ll see a really rare Pokémon or a Team Mystic Gym with an open slot in an area that you can’t reach. When driving, pay attention to the road signs and anything that says “Private Property” or “No Trespassing.” Getting arrested is bad enough, but imagine having to explain to your family at Christmas that you were arrested because of Pokémon Go.
Morgan has lived all over the USA and in Europe. Now residing just outside of Philly, Morgan often spends time at local sporting events, testing the limits of her caffeine tolerance levels, and playing board games with their wife. See more articles by Morgan.
