Level 2 while driving as personal conveyance

So I dropped my empty trailer at the TA in Tye, TX and bobtailed to the sprawl-mart in Abilene for some groceries. On the way back, Mr. DOT was waiting on I-20 just outside of Abilene. I saw his brake lights come on as I was cruising by at 62, so I began easing over just as the blue lights came on.

Really nice guy, asked me if I was working hard. Told him that I _was_, but was now off-duty. He didn't bat an eye; said he was going to do a quick inspection and get me out of there. Lights, wipers / washer, horn, bring your papers back with you.

He did ask if my trailer was empty at the t/s, and I'm thinking that if I told him that I had a load it may have negated my claim to being off-duty.

In the end, I left with a clean level 2, all in the span of 15 minutes, and never a request to see my log book.

 

Hahaha! Fat-fingered the '2', I did.

 

Good question. Was I actually on-duty for the inspection? I'm thinking not, since I wasn't doing anything 'work-related'. Same as a routine traffic stop in your POV - license, registration, roadside inspection. I believe the 'incidental contact' rule applies, like if DOT wakes you up during your 10 to check on your welfare. Would be good to hear from someone that knows for sure, though.

 

Yeah, and spell check didn't catch it either. I want a refund!