Handing over your log book when off duty

People these days don't seem to think signs apply to them. Happens EVERY time the railroad closes the crossing in town here. The state posts a detour 8 miles back, instructing people how to get around. Sure, it's a little out-of-route, and yes, there are other, shorter alternatives...but the state posts the detour to follow the safest "truck route" for all of the truckers who don't like those hilly twisty narrow little curvy fun roads. Apparently, they don't think the "ROAD CLOSED" signs apply to them, because no sooner than one gets turned around another is right there asking how to get around. Some folks around here are nicer than me...I'll send people 8 miles back to follow the "official" detour that is marked...ESPECIALLY other trucks...and that's after I give them an earfull about needing to get their head out of their rear end and pay attention. I also won't let them turn into the parking lot here by the house...only 2 years old and is just 1" of asphalt over a chip & seal lot...won't last long if trucks turn in to spin around. Nope. Back up until you find another spot to turn around, and next time FOLLOW THE #### DETOUR!!!

I have very little tolerance for stupidity, especially from those people with whom I might be assumed to be associated (like "fellow" truck drivers dragging down the reputation of those in my chosen profession).

So yeah, if somebody pulls into an empty parking lot and proceeds to park in the ONLY spot marked "NO parking" while there are hundreds of available, legal spaces to occupy, then I'm all for whatever inconvenience you subject them to. However, if it was jam-packed when they arrived, they parked in the only spot left where they would fit, and went to sleep...and then everybody else completed their break and left while the guy is still working on his break...then I'd hope you would have a little more compassion for the guy's situation. Just because the lot is fairly empty at 8:00 AM doesn't mean it was that way at 3:00 AM when the guy rolled in.

 

He asked them to move, the trooper could of said nothing and let a wrecker hook up to move it for a minimum of $1000 tow bill. I think he was doing them a favor.

But then again, if you're dumb enough to park in front of a NO PARKING sign, well, it's all on you.

 

Happened to me while on my 10 hours break. I was parked in the customers yard and he asked for my logbook.

It was just 2 hours from when I started sleeping. Heard him knock on my door, I was so pissed I told him to comeback when I would start working. I just told him im off duty and closed the window. Never heard from him again.

 

First, in an interpretation (395.2 question 5) regarding phone calls:
Question 5: Do telephone calls to or from the motor carrier that momentarily interrupt a driver’s rest period constitute a change of the driver’s duty status?
Guidance: Telephone calls of this type do not prevent the driver from obtaining adequate rest. Therefore, the FHWA does not consider these brief telephone calls to be a break in the driver’s off duty status.
This may not apply directly to when an officer wants to see your paperwork, especially if he requires you to move your vehicle, but it gives you an indication of FHWA's viewpoint.

Second, from 395.8(k)2):
"The driver shall retain a copy of each record of duty status for the previous 7 consecutive days which shall be in his/her possession and available for inspection while on duty."
It is the old truck driver in me that would not take it too kindly if an officer just woke me up to harass me. Needing me to move, especially if I was parked where I should not be, is a different story. But knocking on my door while I am off-duty just to check my log book might get him politely told to pound sand. I would give him my ID and anything else that I was REQUIRED to give him, but that is all. RODS only need to be available for inspection when on-duty.

My $.02

 

I wouldn't even give him my ID. There is no requirement to have ID when you are sleeping in the bunk...ONLY when you are driving.

 

I'd really have to question a guy who needs ID while he sleeps.

 

So, the DOT officer goes into a truck stop/place of business and knocks on every truck door demanding to see the persons logbook.
After rousing 100 drivers, he goes 2 blocks down the road and waits. As each truck leaves the truck stop/place of business he stops them and asks for the logbook.
Those that have not notated the officer looking at the logs as being on duty-not driving and then staying the additional time to have started a new 10 hour break are cited and fined $1000.
Seems like a good way to increase the local coffers without much work.


What is wrong with this picture????

Any smart lawyer would make a good name for his/herself by getting the alleged offender off and an admonishment from the court to said Officer.

 

It's for when you wake up and can't remember who, or where, you are... you'll understand when you're older.