Cruising Safety

Always carry identification in case you get hurt or arrested. Providing it may decrease your chance of spending time in jail and result in a summons instead.

Be aware that vice cops may be cruising to arrest you. Cops don't have to tell you they are a cop, even if asked. Don't count on proving the cop entrapped you. Talk with your lawyer if you think you were set up.

Make sure anyone you have sex with is over the age of consent.

Understand that many laws can be used against you, such as having sex where you might be seen by others, adultery, and prostitution.

Protect yourself and others against the risk of HIV and other diseases.

Be aware of your surroundings and the possibility of being beaten or robbed.

Before cruising, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

If Arrested

Stay calm and provide identification if arrested, but don't answer any questions without a lawyer.

Try to remember:

  • Details surrounding the arrest including everything you or the officers said or did before, during, and after the arrest.
  • The names, badge numbers, and descriptions of any officers who were present.
  • The details of the space, including where you and the officers were.
  • The names and descriptions of anyone else who was present.
  • Don't make decisions without talking to a lawyer first.

If you are not a United States citizen be aware a conviction or plea agreement may affect your chances of later becoming a citizen or put you at risk for deportation.

If you can't afford a lawyer, you may be entitled to a public defender free of charge. Ask to have one appointed before you make any statements to the police or in court as it is your right.

Find a good lawyer if you don't already have one. Your lawyer should be a criminal defense attorney who understands the laws and the courts where the arrest occurred.

Write down all the details as soon as possible and share them only with your attorney. Ask your attorney who else it is safe to talk to in confidence.

Make sure you understand the charges and discuss all possible outcomes with your lawyer, including the consequences of any plea or conviction, to include:

  • A fine
  • Jail time
  • Forfeiting property
  • Having to register as a sex offender
  • Effects on your military or immigration status
  • Consequences for your employment, licensing, or child custody
  • Tell your lawyer whether you have a relationship with anyone who you don't want to find out about your arrest.

Ask your lawyer

  • Is it possible to get the charges dismissed because of conduct by the police?
  • Will I have a criminal record? Are there programs to avoid one?
  • Could I get my record cleared at some point?
  • Will the record be sealed?
  • Do I need to take time off from work to go to court?
  • Contact Lambda Legal for help and information on finding an attorney.

Condom Use

Know what you feel comfortable with and remember that there are risks for sexually transmitted infections even with proper condom use. Bring your own condoms if you are looking for sex with condoms to ensure you'll have access to them and that their integrity has been maintained. Bring flavored condoms if any potential for protected oral sex.

For people looking to suck or to receive anal sex, it is perfectly acceptable to place an unopened condom near the edge of the glory hole for your sex partner to grab. For people looking to get sucked or to perform anal sex, it is also acceptable to have an unopened condom in view near your crotch when presenting yourself to potential partners. This signals your condom usage boundaries and will help identify compatible sex partners.

Check out Cruising Basics to learn more.

Updated October 14, 2026