MV Driver and Law Enforcement

[Conduit]

Hey you fuckos, we're almost there!!!

Question: I'm driving a MV and am curious about my liability now that we're seeing how strict the law enforcement is this year. So, if I'm driving a the MV and I get pulled over to be searched, what happens if there is someone on the MV in possession of anything illegal? I'll be in a separate compartment from the passengers so I won't be able to monitor everyone's actions while on board. I'm I at all responsible? Also note worthy, I do not drink so there will be no open beverage in the driver area and I'll also have my license on me at all time.

Can't wait to see you guys!!!

Conduit

[Elderberry]

I haven't heard any stories of MV's getting pulled over on playa. But should it happen, I'd assume the rules would be the same as if you were driving your car and pulled over and the police found the passengers with contraband. (whatever consequence that might be) Hopefully you won't set a precedent.

[FIGJAM]

Someone posted that YOU get sited for each and every violation on the vehicle!!!

[DrewDubious]

Someone posted that YOU get sited for each and every violation on the vehicle!!!

Same as defaultia. Pretty wack IMO.

[BoyScoutGirl]

From the latest Jack Rabbit Speaks:

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH OPEN CONTAINER ON MUTANT VEHICLES?

Keith, a 7-year art car owner/operator, wrote us a helpful email about operating a mutant vehicle on playa, based on his direct experience (and not all in a good way):

"WHAT IS OPEN CONTAINER ON AN ART CAR?
If the art car has NO separated cabin from the rest of the vehicle (e.g. a floating bed) then technically there can be no visible open container on the vehicle. This gets very tricky with certain vehicles especially if the driver's SEPARATION is somewhat subjective and if the driver relies on someone else to allow people aboard. Also throw in the factor of a guest pulling out their drink (or other substance) of choice out of view of driver and/or first mate, and then you have a ticket waiting to happen.

And guess what? The driver can get written up separate, cumulative fines for every different substance that is found on the vehicle. Each person possessing the substances also gets written up for what is individually found.

And while if you cooperate, you just usually get a ticket, getting caught can end your Burn, especially if the substance found is drug based, because of special Federal laws procedures pertaining to certain forms of possession. If they cannot identify the substance and don't trust your description, or you cannot or will not provide ID, you are in for a ride to Reno.

WHAT IS LEGITIMATE PROBABLE CAUSE?
That is any obvious alcoholic beverage with a label, or any obvious drug use, but also the SMELL of any obvious drug use. That will get you boarded and searched. But it could and has also been stretched to when someone is drinking out of a plastic/glass type receptacle that is typical of a bar environment (martini glass) and is displaying inebriation.

Depending on the agency, they usually search the rest of the vehicle (or call in the agency that can). Many past citations from past years are related to these issues. Obviously it doesn't always go down the same way but there are certain procedures law enforcement uses."

[Conduit]

From the latest Jack Rabbit Speaks:

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH OPEN CONTAINER ON MUTANT VEHICLES?

Keith, a 7-year art car owner/operator, wrote us a helpful email about operating a mutant vehicle on playa, based on his direct experience (and not all in a good way):

"WHAT IS OPEN CONTAINER ON AN ART CAR?
If the art car has NO separated cabin from the rest of the vehicle (e.g. a floating bed) then technically there can be no visible open container on the vehicle. This gets very tricky with certain vehicles especially if the driver's SEPARATION is somewhat subjective and if the driver relies on someone else to allow people aboard. Also throw in the factor of a guest pulling out their drink (or other substance) of choice out of view of driver and/or first mate, and then you have a ticket waiting to happen.

And guess what? The driver can get written up separate, cumulative fines for every different substance that is found on the vehicle. Each person possessing the substances also gets written up for what is individually found.

And while if you cooperate, you just usually get a ticket, getting caught can end your Burn, especially if the substance found is drug based, because of special Federal laws procedures pertaining to certain forms of possession. If they cannot identify the substance and don't trust your description, or you cannot or will not provide ID, you are in for a ride to Reno.

WHAT IS LEGITIMATE PROBABLE CAUSE?
That is any obvious alcoholic beverage with a label, or any obvious drug use, but also the SMELL of any obvious drug use. That will get you boarded and searched. But it could and has also been stretched to when someone is drinking out of a plastic/glass type receptacle that is typical of a bar environment (martini glass) and is displaying inebriation.

Depending on the agency, they usually search the rest of the vehicle (or call in the agency that can). Many past citations from past years are related to these issues. Obviously it doesn't always go down the same way but there are certain procedures law enforcement uses."

Thanks for posting this... I read this posting which was the catalyst for my question. I'm not sure I even want to risk it...

[theCryptofishist]

You've already put a lot of money into it. Why would you want to put in more for anyone who's so selfish that s/he'd still ride with contraband after being informed of your rules/

[MrBeardy]

[quote="jkisha"]I haven't heard any stories of MV's getting pulled over on playa. But should it happen, I'd assume the rules would be the same as if you were driving your car and pulled over and the police found the passengers with contraband. (whatever consequence that might be) Hopefully you won't set a precedent.[/quote]


I'd count on having your mutant vehicle pulled over and participants searched. Unless the cop presense is being blown out of proportion, it seems pretty possible this time around....hopefully things are just hectic because there aren't many people out there yet, and once we all arrive, the cops are as awesome as they always have been and only roust those that are asking for it...

[MrBeardy]

Case in point:
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/s ... -should%2F

[DrewDubious]

Don't you have to consent to having your vehicle searched?

[Conduit]

It's such a bummer that I'm even thinking about this topic but I'm a responsible guy with a good reputation and a career and I don't want to be arrested even if the charges are dropped down the line.

The MV that I agreed to drive isn't mine however I been sober for 8 years and will be sober the entire week of BM. I thought it would be fun to drive an MV and volunteered to take a driving shift from a camp that was searching for drivers. As it stands today, I'm really hesitant to take the shift at this point even though I would be breaking a commitment that I made.

One thing I do know for sure, I'm not on the playa yet nor have I had a chance to speak to any law enforcement officer about my concern. I guess I'll feel it out next week. I'm just bummed that this is even a concern of mine... Thank you guys for chipping in on the dialog...

[BoyScoutGirl]

Conduit, it's good you're thinking about this. I agree that it would be a bummer if you backed out on your volunteering, but your reputation and your career are more important, hands-down. Why not talk with the camp about it? You can ask what procedures they have in place, what experiences other drivers have had. Maybe the camp can get a volunteer to help check people as they attempt to board? Or maybe the mutant vehicle driver area is completely separate from the rider area?