You can't refuse a DOT inspection but...

First rule of thumb don't give them an excuse to go search your truck in the first place, be as co - operative as reasonable possible , be polite, obey instructions and you may very well get a break.

 

Do you always try to imagine the worst possible outcome, and try to come up with lame plans to thwart it?
Even with no evidence that it is actually happening?

I've been out here over 7 years and have never had a problem with DOT in any way.
They have always been respectful and professional in every way, just as I have been to them.

 

I will quit before a cop goes through my sleeper with the curtains closed. It’s disrespectful to a driver even though 90% of us have nothing to hide. I’ve never had it done but I’ve heard they make a complete mess.

 

This sounds more like an interdiction stop than an inspection. I seriously doubt that any DOT officer would ever do that without some underlying circumstance like plain smell or plain sight doctrine of the 4th amendment. That being said, their authority doesn’t give them Carte Blanche to tear your things up, and there is recourse you can take legally if your items are damaged.

 

Who owns the stuff the officers pulled out of your truck. You or the officer.
Perhaps you would make a bigger problem for yourself!

 

I have been quizzed bout my book pretty hard and asked if I had any radar detectors or contraband. I couldnt tell anything was touched at all front or back. Most of the time my bird dog was in plain sight they were just lookin to hard. As far as paper incrimination I was a firm believer in burning the evidence

 

The only times that I have had an inspection in the cab was when I was crossing into Canada. Happens roughly every other time. Different country, different rules.

 

Perpetuation ...

 

Madison Wisconsin, had a major disagreement with the inspector. I told him I have not had an inspection over 20 years, and now you want to harass me with a level 1 inspec. ? after I went off on him, he says, " are we going to do this or not" my reply " Yes".