Shutdown by DOT

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by CJH1977, Oct 15, 2007.

  1. Muleskinner

    Muleskinner <strong>"Shining Beacon of Chickenlights"</strong>

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2008
    Messages:
    977
    Thanks Received:
    484
    Location:
    Land of the Chicken Truck.Southern IL
    0

    A ticket for a scanner is one you can beat if you are able and willing to fight it.FCC rules state (Unless this commie Homeland deal has changed them) that anything that comes over the air waves is yours unless its used in the commision of a crime...The sin for your non criminal comes in if you REPEAT what you've heard to anyone else.For years I carried a print out of this with me just in case I was ever hassled for it but never needed it. I'm sure with a little research you could find it and print it out to carry with you.It MIGHT make a difference to an officer standing beside the road talking to you.
     
  2. THE NEW GUY

    THE NEW GUY Bobtail Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2008
    Messages:
    5
    Thanks Received:
    0
    Location:
    Jacksonville, FL (when I can get home)
    0
    This thread's pretty interesting. I'm brand new to this industry, so the more experiences I can draw from, the better. Keep it coming, people, keep it coming.:biggrin_25514:
     
  3. Tip

    Tip Tipster

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2006
    Messages:
    2,294
    Thanks Received:
    292
    Location:
    ON STRIKE
    0
    EAT logsheets? That's rather extreme. There's a better way, a way to hide pretty much anything you want in a truck. You can even put it on the dash in plain sight, if it'll fit. Think USPS, FedEx, or UPS.
     
  4. Mark Kling

    Mark Kling Technology Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2007
    Messages:
    10,935
    Thanks Received:
    4,216
    Location:
    Statesville, NC
    0
    Pls note par (f)(1)

    http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regu...p?rule_toc=764&section=395.8&section_toc=1942

    1. is your trainer going to pay your fines? (about $100 per logbook violation)

    2. Have you called your safety dept?

    3. Have you called your state DOT?

    log legally and if any questions, call your local DOT. They are most helpful.

    Your trainer is riding a thin line on the logs. Hope he has a big checkbook. If you get stopped and an audit done... if the DOT is not happy you may be sitting 10 hrs or 34 hrs to become compliant.

    Log correctly. Your trainer is wrong... and if he does not agree then you have the FMCSA webpage (listed above). You might want to let your safety know about your concerns also.

    Make sure your log book and your trainers agree with each other also...

    good luck...
     
  5. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2007
    Messages:
    18,951
    Thanks Received:
    8,981
    0
    Sorry, but you are not correct.

    You cannot beat a law that is CLEARLY stating the rules. If the law states that you cannot have a scanner in a commercial vehicle, then you plainly cannot. FCC rules do not over rule state laws.

    Now in private vehicles the rules are different.
     
  6. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2005
    Messages:
    48,377
    Thanks Received:
    221,900
    Location:
    Baltimore, MD
    0
    He's right. FCC regs are Federal, so the states are subject to at least that. But they can choose to go above and beyond Federal law if they feel so inclined, and many often do.

    All of a sudden, Kommifornia comes to mind.
     
  7. cap1022

    cap1022 Bobtail Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2008
    Messages:
    25
    Thanks Received:
    8
    Location:
    lafayette, in
    0
    Keep stuff off the dash. It's not that hard to do really. I have never been shutdown by the D.O.T. fined once,(logbook was behind, pulled over in a flatbed load not secured properly, rookie mistake.) treated shabby once,(she,was in a real bad mood) thats it. And trust me, I've been pulled around back, pulled over, waived in, and had every level of inspection. It's all about appearance, And attitude. For over 20 years I've heard these horror stories about the D.O.T. and I have to wonder what brings it on. I've found that treating the officer with the same level of respect that he treats me usualy works. I do not volunteer info, I don't talk to just make conversation, I keep my answers short and to the point. I listen to what he, or she is saying, so I can get out of there. That's whats worked for me. I think having a cluttered dash, with even a small amount of paperwork on it gave this cop a reason to look, not that its right, or even legal. Avoid it, keep your dash clean.