WHAT TO DO IF PULLED OVER BY AUTHORITIES IN THE UNITED STATES

Anyone Can Get A Ticket ANY Police, State or City Officer who has reason to believe that a commercial motor vehicle is not safely loaded or is of illegal measurement has the authority to stop the vehicle and inspect it.

Pre-Trip Inspection One way to protect yourself and your company from violations is to conduct a thorough inspection before you begin your trip.

Pre-Trip Inspection Vehicle overview Check engine compartment Start engine and inspect inside of cab Turn off engine and check lights Walk-around inspection Check signal lights Start engine and check brake system

Begin Trip Make sure to obey all posted speed limits and traffic laws to avoid being pulled over unnecessarily.

Police Stop What do you do?

Don't Panic Calmly and safely pull over to the right side of the road. As long as you are legally operating under FMCSA guidelines you have nothing to fear.

Have all proper documentation in a secure place with easy access. Be Prepared Have all proper documentation in a secure place with easy access.

Necessary Documents Certificate of Registration Hours of service records (log book) Registration papers (cab cards, permits, etc.) Proof of insurance (MCS-90) Driver’s license documents and any related certificates

Necessary Documents Special permits for oversize and overweight loads, if required Hazardous materials shipping papers, if required Fuel tax permits Bills/Invoices, etc. showing content and origin of agricultural products, if required Evidence of financial responsibility

Stay Inside Do not get out of your truck unless asked to by the officer and keep your hands in clear view. Many officers are injured in the line of duty and sudden moves could be perceived as threatening behavior.

Be Respectful Refer to the officer as “officer” or “sir” when addressing him. Even if he raises his voice, he is still just trying to do his job and keep the highways safe for everyone. Upsetting him further will just make the situation more difficult for the both of you.

DO NOT OFFER “GIFTS” NEVER attempt to offer any gifts to an officer in the United States. This could result in serious penalties for you and/or your company.

Video Taping Many of the patrol vehicles are now equipped with video equipment. Both audio and video are being recorded.

If a Ticket or Report is Issued Do not attempt to dispute the Ticket or report with the officer. Notify your Company and make sure you follow the instructions in the paperwork.

IMPORTANT Be sure to note the specified date by which the ticket or report must be handled.

Thank You Thank you for your time and attention throughout this presentation. If you have any further questions, please visit the FMCSA website at: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov or http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/español Created by: http://www.scpr.com