Just some of the stupid things I see

Had another one today. It was a baby truck compared to many's standards. Little Chevy 3500 box van with dual tires on the rear axle. Guy was 15 over in a 30 mph zone without a license. Registration listed the GVWR as well as the registered weight at 12,000 lbs. Low and behold when I check the VIN weight on the door, it's a handwritten VIN plate in blue pen with some characters scribbled out. This plate shows 9300 lbs. So I check a few databases that we use to determine vin weight, both data bases show 11000-14000 lbs. Clearly a CMV. So I decide to go one step further and contact the DMV and get a copy of the title that was submitted at the time of application. Funny it shows 12,000 lbs as well. A quick check of the federal databases for CMV inspections shows a 2008 inspection in another State for the same company that had the GVRW at 12,000 lbs. All of the violations I am looking at, are the same violations from 2008. No name and US DOT #, no medical card, no fire extinguisher, triangles etc. When the owner shows up, very defiant that his truck is under the guidelines. It appears as the owner has altered the VIN weight to circumvent the system. Guess we will see how it plays out in court. Some guys will do anything to get out of the regulations. Think this is the 5th or 6th truck I have gotten this way the last few years.

 

Well the GVRW for those vehicles is usually 11,500 lbs or more. 9300 lbs is usually the single tire on each side, so that threw the red flag up. Then the registration card confirmed it.

 

Had one yesterday that deserves his moment in the spotlight. Stopped a fella in a truck, strong odor of alcohol on his breath/person. Beer that is unopened in the cup holder. 8 almost empty whiskey bottles (pints and fifths), and a cocaine smoking device between the driver's door and seat with cocaine residue in it. Driver suspended/revoked/disqualified. Tags on truck switched, truck unregistered, uninsured, no IFTA. To top it off this guy is the owner of the truck. Taken for the breath test, .12 BAC. Checked before I secured, he is still in the county jail on a bond.