Can DOT Highway patrols search your truck

Don't cross the border.

You have no rights at that point. They do not ask to search, they just search.

 

One of the main reasons I don't cross the border anymore.

 

Like I said, the CAN use that as an excuse...its in the regs. However, doesn't mean they are under any obligation to check...it's at their discretion. If you are getting ignorant on the side of the road, they may want to "have a little look inside", and that gives them the power to stick their nose a little farther into the truck. Most of the time, though, if you acting reasonable with them, and you don't give them any reason to feel the need to look inside the truck, they generally won't pull that ace out of their sleeve.

As for your other belongings/contraband, out-of-sight, out-of-mind is a good rule of thumb to go by. If it's out where they can see it, they are probably going to see it, and depending upon what exactly "it" is, it could give them all the reason they need to perform a more detailed search of the truck.

 

I guess you missed the 5 drop part.

Nope, ask anyone that hauls Tyson.

If you run 500 to 700 everyday with bumping 4 docks. Save the big words, full of it is used more by truckers. I guess you never restart either?

 

No thanks....I value my sanity.....

 

To me Apology accepted!

I could see where the confusion existed with the names, lol

 

Now maybe i'am wrong but aren't bed restraints only required when running team or having a co driver i did not think a single driver needed them and i've never bin asked to check them in my 21 years.

 

Every new rig is supposed to have them....My rig has them for single bunk....

 

Not only can a LEO search your truck But the company can as well as shippers and receivers. So run with illegal stuff at your own risk .

 

The company can search THEIR truck. The company can also give consent to search THEIR truck to LEO's, customers, and whomever else they wish to give such consent. However, they cannot search MY truck without my consent, nor can they give legal consent to anyone else to search MY truck. The difference is who's name is on the title to the truck. That is not saying that a carrier cannot terminate your lease should you refuse to allow them to search your truck when they ask you to...but they cannot force their way into your truck against your will (if it is, in fact, YOUR truck).

Shippers and receivers also cannot legally force you to comply with a search. They have the right to prohibit you from entering the property if you refuse a search, but that is ALL they can do. They cannot detain you.

I have a general rule in which I do not consent to searches of my truck for any reason. If you cannot see it from where you are standing outside of the truck, you aren't going to see it. If I'm in a cooperative mood, I MAY open the driver's side door for you...while I'm sitting in the driver's seat...but that is as far as you'll get.