if u own the tractor head , can police go in without a warrant?

ever notice when your stopped, be it for a traffic violation or inspection, they always ask "can I open your door?" I have twice refused and made the cop climb up on the step, they don't like it, but they don't have to.

Got stopped for a random last week, Nebraska trooper asked to look inside my cab, I asked what for, he said "just routine", when I said no it's not, for what reason, he said " never mind".

The only time I've ever had a problem with refusing a search of my vehicle is at a military base, where full inspections are the norm. Not thinking I refused an interior cab inspection at Kirkland AFB, they told me to turn around and leave. I said it's my home, not your, they said, it's our military base (while referring to the M-16 slung over his shoulder) not yours...I let them search after that.

 

Some of you guys just need to learn to say no to police. Before I ever give my license or ID I always ask to see the officer's ID and badge first. That's just a safety precaution. You have rights in this country, learn to use them. That cop is human just like you just doing his job just like you.

 

Ok... ok... probable cause is the thing of the past. Think about what prouble cause is... anything can be probable cause. A tail light out, is one of the easiest and best probable causes to pull someone over... as for searching a cab of a truck yes it can happen because a truck is not considered a dwelling place if a physical address is where u live. Im sorry to step on toes, but most DOT, police etc. Ask to look in my truck and know I do not care so they open the door look inside my truck then let me go.. its not about hiding anything. I would let a cop in my personal house too. Because ive been there and they are there if I need them.. so what im saying if you dont allow them to do their job, whwn your in trouble dont expect help from them and they do their job then.

 

Sometimes it's not about you hiding anything or "allowing them to do their job". It's about "them" (for lack of a better word) over stepping their bounds and looking "just to see what they can find". I would never let any law enforcement (which includes some relatives) look through my house just because they wanted to........

 

That's a very good thing to keep in mind. Police are people. Treat them well and generally they are going to treat you well.

I think Ridgeline has pretty well nailed it in terms of the level of protection professional truck drivers have. By agreeing to the terms and conditions of a CDL, and conducting interstate commerce, we consent to searches by qualified DOT inspectors. We aren't obligated to consent to searches by anyone not qualified as a DOT inspector.

The bottom line to me, as noted by Heisenberg, is that in any interaction with LEO's I always strive to be professional, courteous, and even have a sense of humor. I've found that I'm therefore not hassled or feeling hassled, and often come away with a positive experience and I'm sure they have too. DOT inspection are part of the terms and conditions of being a truck driver, so work with them to make a pleasant experience.