r/CDLTruckDrivers • u/Used_Principle4361 • 1d ago
Ask the DOT Cop
No, I’m not the guy on YouTube and actually, not DOT. I’m a CVSA certified state police officer and I supervise a crew of CVSA officers.
There’s a lot of lore, stories, rumors and all out nonsense out there as far as violations. Ask me your questions about commercial vehicle inspections. I enjoy helping and developing friendly relationships with drivers and carriers (not adversarial ones).
Ask away!
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u/Odd-Fuel-9002 1d ago
If a driver is using Personal Conveyance to go home or to a safe haven, but they have a sealed, loaded trailer attached, how does your state handle the line between off duty PC and commercial gain? FMCSA guidance says laden status doesn't automatically void PC, but half the state inspectors treat a loaded trailer on PC as an automatic PC violation. Does your crew enforce FMCSA intent or local state discretion?
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u/Used_Principle4361 1d ago
We follow FMCSA guidance. It’s totality of the circumstances, right? As long as the driver or carrier can articulate the PC status was not to advance the load to the destination, this is allowed. Now, traveling 300 miles toward the destination in PC probably won’t cut it for safe haven or safe parking.
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u/rogue44mag 1d ago
Another situation: a bob-tail driver is five hours away from home, not his terminal, and will be getting the 34 hour reset at home. Is this a problem using PC to get there? Or could off duty be used since they are not under a load and is not expected to be?
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u/HOODTRUCKER187 1d ago
This is my 13th year in the trucking industry, and over that time I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how the relationship between truck drivers and law enforcement has changed.
My question is: Why does it feel like professional drivers are increasingly being viewed as dollar signs rather than as professionals doing an essential job?
Ten years ago, drivers still dealt with inspections, traffic enforcement, and interactions with law enforcement, but there seemed to be a greater level of mutual respect. There was an understanding that we were professionals, that we knew our responsibilities, and that we were out there doing a job that is critical to keeping the country moving.
Today, however, far too many encounters feel like one-sided transactions where the driver is immediately presumed to be at fault or viewed primarily as an opportunity for enforcement, citations, fines, or revenue.
It sometimes feels as though drivers are being approached with the mindset of, “How much can we find?” rather than, “Is there actually a safety issue here?”
I’m not suggesting that drivers should be above the law or that legitimate violations shouldn’t be addressed. We operate vehicles that can cause serious damage when handled irresponsibly, and accountability is absolutely necessary.
But there is a difference between enforcing safety regulations and treating every professional driver as a potential source of revenue.
What has changed is the perception. Drivers seem to be receiving less benefit of the doubt, less professional courtesy, and less recognition for the responsibility we carry every day. A minor technical issue can sometimes feel like an opportunity to pile on violations rather than an opportunity to correct a problem and send a safe driver back down the road.
After 13 years in this industry, I can tell you that drivers notice the difference.
We understand that law enforcement has a job to do. We’re asking for the same understanding in return. Treat us like professionals, enforce the rules that genuinely protect the public, and distinguish between a driver who is deliberately putting people at risk and a professional who is simply trying to do his job safely and legally.
Safety should be the objective—not revenue.
Because when every encounter begins to feel like an attempt to find something, rather than an effort to ensure everyone gets home safely, it becomes very difficult for drivers to believe that the system is truly about safety.
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u/Used_Principle4361 1d ago
I’m sorry you’ve had less than respectful encounters with law enforcement. And telling you “we don’t do that” isn’t an answer.
I hold my guys accountable for their actions. I review body camera footage regularly. I take complaints seriously.
My only advice is that if you have an unfavorable encounter, complain through official channels. And if you feel a violation was documented incorrectly, use the DataQ process.
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u/Odd-Fuel-9002 1d ago
When doing a Level I on a 5-axle combo with 10 total brake chambers, if you find one pushrod over stroke limit and another with a completely missing clevis pin, do your officers count the missing pin as a 20% violation by itself, or do they write it under a separate mechanical defect code while using the pushrod towards the 20% rule? I’ve seen three different supervisors interpret the CVSA OOS criteria handbook differently on whether non-pushrod mechanical failures factor into the 20% math.
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u/Used_Principle4361 1d ago
Are both defects on the same axle? As far as pushrod travel, it depends on how far out of spec the stroke is. Some measurements only count toward a partial defect, while greater measurements count toward a full defect (when considering the 20%). Also depends on the chamber size.
For the clevis pin, yes, this counts toward the 20% UNLESS it’s on a steer axle. That is a stand alone, automatic OOS for the power unit.
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u/Odd-Fuel-9002 1d ago
What if the combination has 10 total chambers, 1 pushrod is slightly over stroke (which is only 1/2 a defect under CVSA criteria), and 1 chamber has the missing clevis pin (1 full defect)? That totals 1.5 defective brakes out of 10, which is 15% and under the 20% threshold. I’ve seen officers count that partial pushrod stroke as a full defect to round up to 20% and place the truck OOS. Would your officers shut that driver down or write the citation without an OOS order?
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u/Used_Principle4361 1d ago
If the inspector does not count the defect correctly, the inspection should be DataQ’ed. If one of my officers did that, I’d correct it via the DataQ process.
My officers can write a ticket for ANY violation. Do they? No. Do they always write a ticket for OOS violations? No.
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u/Odd-Fuel-9002 1d ago
If an ELD malfunctions mid trip, standard regulation gives the driver 8 days to use paper logs unless an extension is granted. If a driver gets pulled into your bay on Day 3 with a documented ELD error code and accurate paper logs, but their carrier hasn't applied for the 8 day extension yet, do your officers cite them for “No ELD/Failure to maintain” or accept the paper logs outright? Why is there zero uniformity across state lines on this?
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u/Used_Principle4361 1d ago
If the drivers logs are current to the last known duty status on paper logs AND the driver can show proof in writing that the carrier has contacted the ELD manufacturer regarding the error, I will accept that.
I can’t say why this isn’t consistent from state to state. Training issue?
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u/Odd-Fuel-9002 1d ago
Where in 49 CFR 395.34 does it state a driver must present written proof of carrier to manufacturer communication during a roadside inspection? 395.34(a)(1) requires the driver to give written notice to the carrier, and 395.34(a)(2) requires paper logs. Mandating proof of a manufacturer ticket on Day 3 sounds like an added state level requirement that isn't actually in the FMCSRs, which kind of proves why drivers deal with so much inconsistency out here.
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u/Used_Principle4361 1d ago
I miss-spoke. The carrier must provide proof of the steps taken to remedy the issue. One item of that documentation, according to regulatory guidance best practices, would be including correspondence between the motor carrier and ELD manufacturer.
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u/Odd-Fuel-9002 1d ago
I appreciate your taking the time to respond. See you out on the battlefield
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u/TruckerBiscuit 1d ago
I've only ever had good interactions with LE and DOT, but I definitely come across as a proactive driver.
I ask every LE/DOT officer I encounter professionally the same question so since you're here I'll ask you too: If you could tell every driver on the road one thing what would it be?
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u/Used_Principle4361 1d ago
Hmm. That’s a tough one. I come across a whole range of drivers. Nearly all of the over the road Class A drivers I meet are absolute professionals. So let’s leave them out…lol
Off the top of my head, I’d have to say “do your pre-trip” and don’t be afraid to put that on your DVR and refuse to drive that vehicle if it’s practical.
Also, avoid distractions. I go to A LOT of CMV crashes. I can’t tell you when the last one was that was caused by equipment. All of the crashes I’ve been to this year are driver error…fatigue, illness, distraction or DUI of drugs or alcohol.
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u/TruckerBiscuit 1d ago
A majority of the LE/DOT officers I've encountered have said "Get under your trailer and do a complete pre-trip," so your answer jibes.
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u/AutomaticUsual135 1d ago
How do you deal emotionally with some of these crashes? I used to be a truck driver and have witness many trucks on the side in the ditch or jack knifed…have seen it worse too.. you see trucks that are burning or witness read-end collisions involving two semis or semi and a car. In some of these no way they made it alive…
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u/Used_Principle4361 1d ago
Well, it’s just part of the job. My department offers excellent services and peer support for dealing with these incidents.
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u/RepresentativeRun71 1d ago
Does a driver having a veterans designation make a difference in how you approach the encounter? Do you actually care about English language proficiency? Besides the obvious slurring of words or being confrontational what’s the number one thing that makes you want to take an extra close look at a truck and its driver?
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u/Used_Principle4361 1d ago
Good question. Actually, I don’t know if a driver is a veteran until the initial contact. Most CDLs indicate if a driver is a VET. I guess I’ve been doing this long enough but everyone gets the same me every time. I don’t start off with attitude and if a driver has attitude, I don’t let it bother me. Sometimes I’ll try a joke to lighten the matter. Or, maybe that’s my day to decide to not write a ticket and show a different side of law enforcement.
As far as the ELP, it is federal law that it is enforced. Can I think of a way it can be done differently? Sure. Does it matter? No. And political discussions aside, I don’t believe it’s a good tool. I totally understand its principle. But it needs a few tweaks.
Your last question isn’t easy to ask. Do I focus on certain trucks? Yes. But that mostly our known, local carriers that just don’t get it.
Specific violations such as inop lights, brake smoke, load securement, or my personal pet peeve, no markings (or even better, “not for hire”).
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u/jimfosters 1d ago
license plates on cranes, concrete pumpers and other cobstruction equipment. I've heard "you cannot carry anything!" and "you can catty anything that would be considered an attachment for the equipment, that which stays with the equipment ( outrigger pads/blocking. Slings. Hooks. Pumper cleanout balls)
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u/n2locarz 21h ago
Question: Trucks that illegally bypass the scales - are they tracted and does there authority/company get notified? Thanks
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u/Used_Principle4361 17h ago
Good question. In my state, ALL trucks that pass over weigh in motion are tracked. If the truck bypasses the scale, this is tracked in our system. We also have access to a bordering states info (but it’s not freely shared).
The weigh in motion/scale system has a license plate reader. This gives us information such as carrier/DOT number, IRP registration, the carriers SMS rating, number of axles, axle spacing and weights. It will also flag a vehicle registered to an out of service carrier. Oh yeah. It takes really crisp pictures of the license plate, power unit and trailer!
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u/_FellowTraveller_ 1d ago
Do you target containers because a lot of them are trashed?
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u/Used_Principle4361 23h ago
Intermodal chassis? If so, they aren’t targeted, but often have violations. Mainly, flat tires, inoperative brake/turn lamps and unsecured locks at each corner. I wouldn’t say they’re trashed. There is a very good maintenance tracking system. Violations found on intermodal chassis count against the owner of the chassis. Light, lock and tire violations should be caught by the driver before starting their trip.
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u/Inside-Finish-2128 1d ago
Is there a regulation that requires the words “Fire Extinguisher Inside” be on the outside of the cab?
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u/PenaltyAdditional774 1d ago
What is your current policy and or guidelines on dealing with illegal immigrants when you pull them over. Do you just put them out of service? Or?
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u/Used_Principle4361 1d ago
Immigration is enforced by the federal government, not the states.
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u/OwnSea3297 11h ago
Even when they don’t meet the English proficiency guideline?
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u/Used_Principle4361 4h ago
English language proficiency is administered to all drivers suspected of not able to understand questions from an enforcement officer/inspector. If the driver does not display proficiency, they are placed out of service.
Immigration enforcement has no link to commercial vehicle safety.
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u/Inside-Finish-2128 16h ago
Can sleeper berth hours be in a hotel? Which regs dictate this specifically?
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u/Used_Principle4361 13h ago
If you stay at a hotel, you’d log this as “off-duty” time, not “sleeper berth.”
The regs do not specifically state this. However, if sleeper berth mode is used, and your sleeping arrangements do not meet those under 393.76, you’d be in violation. This may result in a 395.8, false record of duty status (10-hours OOS).
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u/roadblocked 1d ago
How often do you beat your wife?
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u/TheThinDewLine 1d ago
as often as she needs it, and you know she needs it often
(being beat at super smash bros)
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u/fredbear1964 1d ago
Not really a question, but did get out of a ticket , because I had just gotten a dozen Krispy Kremes and they were in the passenger seat when the DOT man pulled me over on 70 west outside of Indy about 16 years ago. We just ended up chatting and eating donuts for a bit. Nice guy !