IFTA BEST PRACTICES LAW ENFORCEMENT GUIDE BY IFTA LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE

Table of Contents A. INTRODUCTION B. VEHICLE SCREENING C. ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS D. SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this guide is to outline jurisdiction “best practices” this guide will help generalize enforcement practices to help create uniformity throughout the IFTA jurisdictions.

INTRODUCTION It should be noted that this guide is a recommendation for best practices and will not necessarily be the best recommendation for all jurisdictions. Key variables in determining if the guide will apply to the jurisdictions include but are not limited to: 1. Legislation 2. Resources 3. Authority

INTRODUCTION The guide’s intent is: 1. For law enforcement personnel. 2. To be a continuing guide with additional changes as information and technology changes.

VEHICLE SCREENING General a. Road side enforcement will access if a vehicle is in need for a compliance or fuel inspection. Road side enforcement officers should be trained through their agency on how to screen vehicles and determine if they are in need for inspection and how to stop the vehicle in a safe manner according to the jurisdictions laws, policy and procedures.

VEHICLE SCREENING General continued: b. Road side enforcement shall check the vehicle for any IFTA identification and decals. The road side enforcement officer shall determine if the vehicle they have qualifies for IFTA credentials.

VEHICLE SCREENING General continued: c. Documentation received from the driver of the vehicle needs to be validated and the vehicle in question needs to be verified by checking the vehicles serial numbers and the GVWR against the paperwork and credentials being provided to the officer.

VEHICLE SCREENING General continued: d. Road side enforcement will conduct a fuel inspection on the vehicles in question by conducting a specified test in accordance with each jurisdictions policy and procedures and statues for conducting the fuel tests.

ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS Fuel Tanks: a. Road side inspector needs to locate the fuel tanks and search for any other type of hidden reservoir that could contain dyed or alternate fuel. b. A fuel sample should be obtained from all tanks for testing.

ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS Fuel tanks continued: c. If a fuel sample contains red dye, or is suspected to contain red dye, the sample needs to be clearly marked and contained as evidence according to the jurisdictions laws, policy, and procedure.

ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS Document Identification and Validation a.The enforcement officer shall determine if the vehicle is a qualified motor vehicle and check all supporting documentation provided by the driver for legitimacy. b.The enforcement officer shall check the IFTA account through the Clearing House system if the jurisdiction has the availability, or contact the base jurisdiction to verify if the account is in good standing.

ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS Revoked Carriers or Fictitious Documents a. The enforcement officer shall determine if the qualified motor carrier is suspended or revoked and take appropriate action according to the officer's jurisdiction laws, policy, and procedure. b. Citations may be issued in accordance with the jurisdictions statutes.

SUMMARY This guide is a suggestion of practices from the IFTA Law Enforcement Committee. The committee understands that each jurisdiction has their own unique legislation and is not attempting to alter legislation. The committee wants to stress that SAFETY is the top priority for road side officers and caution must be adhered to at all times. It is also important for the road side officer to give clear and concise direction so that the driver can understand and complete tasks that are asked.