Even without your consent, a DOT inspector CAN access your sleeper to determine that you have a legal mattress, adequate bedding and also that you have the restraint system for the bunk.
FMCSA § 393.76
Random Truck Search?
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by MercuryLine, Nov 15, 2019.
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FlaSwampRat, MGE Dawn, MercuryLine and 1 other person Thank this.
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I was pulled over twice in Missouri and asked if they could search. First time I said I don’t consent to searches and they were pissed but let me go. Second time was about a year later I said I don’t consent to a search and they called a drug dog. Dog walked around the truck and on the 3rd time around I saw the officer pull back on the leash real hard and the dog jumped on the truck then sat down. They informed me the dog alerted and put me in the police car while they went through the entire truck.
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A couple of summers ago they were chasing trucks down and doing roadside inspections all day long along Rte17 in NY . They arrested a driver who had a loaded hand gun and a controlled substance in his sleeper. After that they were really on the hunt that day. Later that day a DOT van pulled me over and did a walk around and opened my passenger door and asked what I had in the sleeper . I told him what I usually have in my sleeper “ two fat girls tied up back there!” He stepped in and opened the curtain and looked around . I smiled and laughed and he cracked a smile and let me on my way. I knew him , he inspected me before and was thorough, but decent. He said since I said that , he had to check in there. I have no fear of any cop checking my sleeper , I fly straight and have nothing to hide. I don’t like being hassled as much as anybody else but after 32 years being out here I learned it’s better to cover your ### and fly straight because LEO can and will pull you over at any time and it’s always best to be friendly , run a tight ship and don’t give them anything to chew on. Because chew on your ### they will if you give them a reason to.
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>Adequate bedding
So, if I want to sleep in a sleeping bag on the wooden plank under the mattress, that's not my choice, then? WTAF -
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I think it should be a bet sort of thing. Sure you can search but I got 5 large saying you or your dog won't find a thing. You want in?
Probably plant something then. Lol. I don't even care. Search away. Search MOFO! Just make it quick. My time is valuable and your wasting it. -
I would be inclined to not agree be searched.
But I probably would agree because in my mind I would think that he would just turn around and decide to give me a safety inspection and make up all kinds of stuff to write tickets for.
It's amazing how difficult it really is to just apply your constitutional rights. -
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You fit somebody's profile.
MercuryLine and Tx Countryboy Thank this.
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