victorialynn2 Posted January 24, 2018 Posted January 24, 2018 (edited) Getting close to heading to Oregon with the Jeepster project. Got pulled over in Texas today by 2 state troupers. I guess I look suspicious with the Tundra and a Tonneau cover and Oregon plates in Texas. They were checking me for drug running they said. Cover and Oregon plates... Their excuse was “obstructed plates” for which they gave me a written warning. The “Oregon” is obstructed. I can’t imagine getting searched with all the parts packed in there and in the Jeepster. I’d never be able to repack it myself. ?♀️ I have to take the plate cover off. Guess I’m a little too suspicious looking. Or maybe it was my passenger. Yeah, I’m going with that. ? Edited January 24, 2018 by victorialynn2 (see edit history) 2
Mike36 Posted January 24, 2018 Posted January 24, 2018 Hi Vic, I don’t think the stop was because you are suspicious looking, your truck with a covered bed might contain a horde of donuts! Drive safe on your trip home. Glad your task is nearing completion, and am sure you are also. 2
tripwire Posted January 24, 2018 Posted January 24, 2018 (edited) Did either of the officer's look like this guy? Edited January 24, 2018 by tripwire (see edit history) 1 2
46 woodie Posted January 24, 2018 Posted January 24, 2018 I have a good friend that is a Border Protection Agent and he said that it is common practice to pull over vehicles such as yours. He explained that literally tons of drugs are being shipped across the border every week. He also said the drugs they do find and seize are about 10% of what makes it north. Very sad situation. If they had suspected something was wrong when they pulled you over they would have called for a K-9. So don't get upset about it, just thank them for doing their job. 4
SC38dls Posted January 24, 2018 Posted January 24, 2018 Look at it this way - now you know you are a suspicious looking person. If you have a problem on the way home and AAA says it will be a few hours until they come dial 911 and report a suspicious looking drug carting truck and you will have help very quickly! On second thought .......... be be safe on the drive home, tell your riding buddy to stay alert. Dave S 1 1
victorialynn2 Posted January 25, 2018 Author Posted January 25, 2018 6 hours ago, SC38DLS said: Look at it this way - now you know you are a suspicious looking person. If you have a problem on the way home and AAA says it will be a few hours until they come dial 911 and report a suspicious looking drug carting truck and you will have help very quickly! On second thought .......... be be safe on the drive home, tell your riding buddy to stay alert. Dave S My riding buddy is two dogs. Lol. They are always alert. 1
nick8086 Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 Did either of the officer's look like this guy? He was not happy with me also.. Driving my car in the Hotel lobby ..
Xander Wildeisen Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 1 hour ago, victorialynn2 said: My riding buddy is two dogs. Lol. They are always alert. Make sure that they are always a little hungry on the trip. That way they have that look in their eyes. 3
auburnseeker Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 Only problem is you are headed to the wrong coast with that jeepster. Have a safe trip anyways. 1
bobg1951chevy Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 12 hours ago, victorialynn2 said: My riding buddy is two dogs. Lol. They are always alert. Be safe on your trip, V.L. 1
victorialynn2 Posted January 25, 2018 Author Posted January 25, 2018 1 hour ago, auburnseeker said: Only problem is you are headed to the wrong coast with that jeepster. Have a safe trip anyways. Yes sir, sorry about that. I’m trying to talk my son into buying it!
victorialynn2 Posted January 25, 2018 Author Posted January 25, 2018 Last night I dreamt that I accidentally drove the Tundra and the car hauler with the Jeepster into a lake. The tundra sank but for some reason the Jeepster was partially floating and I was able to tie it to a boat dock. Then boats tied up near it were threatening to bump into it because of high winds. All this car stuff has been on my brain 24/7 for three years. I’m usually on my phone researching something about the cars if I have nothing else going on. I barely watch TV when it’s on because of this. I always have several things I’m trying to figure out how to accomplish. Sometimes I have strange dreams like this. Lol 1
39BuickEight Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 On 1/23/2018 at 10:21 PM, victorialynn2 said: Getting close to heading to Oregon with the Jeepster project. Got pulled over in Texas today by 2 state troupers. I guess I look suspicious with the Tundra and a Tonneau cover and Oregon plates in Texas. They were checking me for drug running they said. Cover and Oregon plates... Their excuse was “obstructed plates” for which they gave me a written warning. The “Oregon” is obstructed. I can’t imagine getting searched with all the parts packed in there and in the Jeepster. I’d never be able to repack it myself. ?♀️ I have to take the plate cover off. Guess I’m a little too suspicious looking. Or maybe it was my passenger. Yeah, I’m going with that. ? Yeah I can barely make out the word "Oregon" because of that obstruction I am secretly in love with the Jeepster. 1
victorialynn2 Posted January 25, 2018 Author Posted January 25, 2018 16 minutes ago, 39BuickEight said: Yeah I can barely make out the word "Oregon" because of that obstruction I am secretly in love with the Jeepster. So am I! 1
charlier Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 35 minutes ago, victorialynn2 said: Last night I dreamt that I accidentally drove the Tundra and the car hauler with the Jeepster into a lake. The tundra sank but for some reason the Jeepster was partially floating and I was able to tie it to a boat dock. Then boats tied up near it were threatening to bump into it because of high winds. All this car stuff has been on my brain 24/7 for three years. I’m usually on my phone researching something about the cars if I have nothing else going on. I barely watch TV when it’s on because of this. I always have several things I’m trying to figure out how to accomplish. Sometimes I have strange dreams like this. Lol You do realize you could probably start a new thread on automotive related dreams because I'd bet most of us have a few stories to tell. The "obstructed plate" excuse was just a ruse so the officers could get a close look at your Tundra since they probably own other brands of trucks and are curious. Several years ago I was pulled over outside of Memphis, TN when I was driving my beat up looking VW Pickup. The LEO was looking for drugs since that area had drug running issues between Tennessee and Arkansas at that time. The officer gave me a verbal warning about my speed being 5 mph over the posted limit. After I got back in my truck, I LMAO. FYI, the dealer license plate frame on my Tundra "obstructs" my plate as well (as do most dealer plate frames from most dealers). I guess it's only a matter of time until I get such a warning although I've had my Tundra for 6+ years without a warning so far. LOL. BTW, when you were in Texas did you have a chance to stop at the Toyota plant in San Antonio to see where your Tundra was made? If you are ever back in Texas you might consider taking the plant tour. I am told it is very interesting. 1
victorialynn2 Posted January 25, 2018 Author Posted January 25, 2018 2 hours ago, charlier said: BTW, when you were in Texas did you have a chance to stop at the Toyota plant in San Antonio to see where your Tundra was made? If you are ever back in Texas you might consider taking the plant tour. I am told it is very interesting. No, but I remember being told they are built there. Maybe that’s why he’s so at home here. Lol. It’s been a great truck for hauling and I wouldn’t have considered one if my son hadn’t have had it all ready to go for my needs and he was going to sell it at a loss because it had 300 miles on it. His need for it changed as he sold a business shortly after buying it.
SC38dls Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 6 hours ago, victorialynn2 said: Yes sir, sorry about that. I’m trying to talk my son into buying it! It would be great to keep it in the family but If your son is like most sons or daughters somehow the “buying” part gets lost in the negotiations ! My daughter was going to BUY our Volvo suv but the cash never made it into our account. At least she is safe and having fun with it. Dave S 1
old car fan Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 Yes, same with the Acura I got my girl,Her first car,so trying to teach a lesson in owning a car,cost come with it, you folks know.Tires, service ,ect,paying for it 1
Ed Luddy Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 10 hours ago, victorialynn2 said: Last night I dreamt that I accidentally drove the Tundra and the car hauler with the Jeepster into a lake. The tundra sank but for some reason the Jeepster was partially floating and I was able to tie it to a boat dock. Then boats tied up near it were threatening to bump into it because of high winds. All this car stuff has been on my brain 24/7 for three years. I’m usually on my phone researching something about the cars if I have nothing else going on. I barely watch TV when it’s on because of this. I always have several things I’m trying to figure out how to accomplish. Sometimes I have strange dreams like this. Lol Yep, so do I Vicki! Except it's a Toyota Sequoia with a Studebaker!! LOL. My worst dreams are that I'm being dragged back to work at my old job of over 35 years. 1
charlier Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 17 hours ago, victorialynn2 said: No, but I remember being told they are built there. Maybe that’s why he’s so at home here. Lol. It’s been a great truck for hauling and I wouldn’t have considered one if my son hadn’t have had it all ready to go for my needs and he was going to sell it at a loss because it had 300 miles on it. His need for it changed as he sold a business shortly after buying it. Tundras are good trucks. I have had mine for 6+ years and used it to tow my enclosed car trailer to a number of AACA Meets in numerous states. Sometime in the next few years Toyota will be updating the Tundra. Based on numerous Toyota Tundra owner surveys I have taken in the last year or so and it appears that the next generation of the Tundra may surprise the competition. You would not believe some of the very detailed questions they have asked me and some of the changes they appear to be considering. Should be interesting to see what the final product turns out to be. 1
victorialynn2 Posted January 26, 2018 Author Posted January 26, 2018 1 hour ago, charlier said: Tundras are good trucks. I have had mine for 6+ years and used it to tow my enclosed car trailer to a number of AACA Meets in numerous states. Sometime in the next few years Toyota will be updating the Tundra. Based on numerous Toyota Tundra owner surveys I have taken in the last year or so and it appears that the next generation of the Tundra may surprise the competition. You would not believe some of the very detailed questions they have asked me and some of the changes they appear to be considering. Should be interesting to see what the final product turns out to be. May I ask how long your trailer is? I have been wanting to look into what it is capable of in terms of pulling an enclosed trailer with the 5.7L V8.
bobg1951chevy Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 These dealer issued license plate frames have been a burr in my saddle for a long time. Not only are we advertising for the dealer for free ....... we have also opened ourselves up to the "cop pull overs", with a potential citation as a "reward". 1
victorialynn2 Posted January 26, 2018 Author Posted January 26, 2018 4 minutes ago, bobg1951chevy said: These dealer issued license plate frames have been a burr in my saddle for a long time. Not only are we advertising for the dealer for free ....... we have also opened ourselves up to the "cop pull overs", with a potential citation as a "reward". Come to find out Texas updated the law and that cop was out of line. I found the statue. The law states “(b) alter or obscures 1/2 or more of the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered…” the state of Texas updated the law because some agents decided to interpret the law like this one.
JACK M Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 I wont stir things up to much as Toyotas are now being built in the US. But I have never owned a foreign car since I grew up. A couple of Junkers in my misspent youth. Now home electronics are a different story as I doubt any are made here anymore. 1
charlier Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 3 hours ago, victorialynn2 said: May I ask how long your trailer is? I have been wanting to look into what it is capable of in terms of pulling an enclosed trailer with the 5.7L V8. So as not to go off topic on this thread I will answer your questions via private messages. 1
old car fan Posted January 26, 2018 Posted January 26, 2018 Scary towI would not do it.Be safe and slow 1
kevin1221 Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 On 1/23/2018 at 10:21 PM, victorialynn2 said: WOW....that’s really getting picky about obstructing the Oregon lettering. The state of Florida cracks down on this stuff occasionally. I have been a General Manager at a new car dealership for almost 30 years. Every few years the state cracks down on drivers with “obstructed” plates. We have gone to a narrow frame on the top and bottom to avoid disgruntled customers. Odd thing is it appears your tag frame is one of the narrow designs currently available. Glad you made it home safe. Kevin On 1/23/2018 at 10:21 PM, victorialynn2 said: On 1/23/2018 at 10:21 PM, victorialynn2 said: 1
Grimy Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 "Obstructed license plate" was the Probable Cause to pull you over for the real reason, to check your vehicles out for drugs. That license plate "obstruction" was totally specious and would have been laughed out of almost any court (except maybe as a "furriner" in Georgia, or in many other states if you had California plates!), yet the written warning serves as their "evidence" that they had reason to pull you over in the first place. That also means that you committed no traffic violations while they were following you and trying to find a reason for the stop. No problem, it's all good! 1
victorialynn2 Posted January 27, 2018 Author Posted January 27, 2018 (edited) 40 minutes ago, Grimy said: That also means that you committed no traffic violations while they were following you and trying to find a reason for the stop. No problem, it's all good! It also means they can stop us for no reason and question how we live our lives. Reminds me of stops I’ve seen in movies of communist countries. What about our freedoms? I don’t agree with drugs at all, but I also don’t like that they get away with harassing honest citizens. And what if they search when I have a ton of car parts. Who is going to pack it back up when I can’t? That’s the the real issue. I shouldn’t have to explain why I am in Texas and why my passenger is, or how long we have been here. Kind of reminds me of a police state. All of that being said, I’m over it, but if they would have searched through all the parts and made a mess after someone had to pack it up for me, I would have raised hell. Edited January 27, 2018 by victorialynn2 (see edit history)
Robert G. Smits Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 Your dogs also may have been a factor. Several years ago we were put through a 45 minute search of our luggage and van crossing into Canada. Later one of the agents told us that out German Shephard triggered the search.
Grimy Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 21 minutes ago, victorialynn2 said: It also means they can stop us for no reason and question how we live our lives. Reminds me of stops I’ve seen in movies of communist countries. What about our freedoms? I don’t agree with drugs at all, but I also don’t like that they get away with harassing honest citizens. Not "no reason at all"-- you (or your vehicles) met some kind of local profile for drug mules, but they weren't about to compromise those criteria by telling you that. I'm much more familiar with aviation security profiles, and have contributed to their refinement. Profiles work two ways: (1) to identify possible lawbreakers by articulable-in-court criteria, and (2) to EXCLUDE people whom they know something about, enough to trust to a degree (e.g., parents traveling with young children). I tend to think that a truckload of car parts enroute from TX (just across the line from a Source Country) to OR might have been considered a good place to stash a good-sized shipment of drugs BECAUSE of the difficulty in searching such a load incident to a stop. You clearly were able to allay their suspicions in your interaction with the officers, or they would have detained you while they called for a drug-sniffing dog. In 2012 I donated the transport of a donated 1930 Pierce-Arrow and a major load of parts from California to the Pierce-Arrow Museum at Hickory Corners, MI. I'll bet I had four or five instances of state police cruising alongside and eyeballing the rig closely before continuing down the road--but was never stopped. Good thing, because I was overgrossed by about 3,000 lbs! 1
victorialynn2 Posted January 27, 2018 Author Posted January 27, 2018 (edited) The officer admitted after he checked me out that the “profile” was Oregon plates and the truck with a covered bed. They couldn’t/didn’t ever see the parts as they were under the bed cover. He said he trusted me and wouldn’t ask me to show him what was in there. I said “I don’t even have any speeding tickets” and he said “You still don’t”. Edited January 27, 2018 by victorialynn2 (see edit history) 1
Grimy Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 2 minutes ago, victorialynn2 said: The officer admitted after he checked me out that the “profile” was Oregon plates and the truck with a covered bed. Good for you--you sweet-talked him out of his profile! 1
victorialynn2 Posted January 27, 2018 Author Posted January 27, 2018 Just now, Grimy said: Good for you--you sweet-talked him out of his profile! I just don’t look like a criminal. I’ve been stopped a few times without tickets. LOL
Grimy Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 Actually, your surprise, mild indignation, and compelling story told in a way that's genuine, are exculpatory.....
victorialynn2 Posted January 27, 2018 Author Posted January 27, 2018 8 minutes ago, Grimy said: Actually, your surprise, mild indignation, and compelling story told in a way that's genuine, are exculpatory..... Ah... well that is a good discription of how I felt. I asked if he wanted to see my POA to prove why I was in TX. Haha I guess I just know there are so many ways for me to prove my situation that I don’t worry about it. Between the paperwork, photographs and various websites, my life is pretty well documents for better or worse!
Grimy Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 2 minutes ago, victorialynn2 said: Ah... well that is a good discription of how I felt. I asked if he wanted to see my POA to prove why I was in TX. Haha I guess I just know there are so many ways for me to prove my situation that I don’t worry about it. Between the paperwork, photographs and various websites, my life is pretty well documents for better or worse! Good thing they didn't see your with-sunglasses avatar photo! :-) 1
Grimy Posted January 27, 2018 Posted January 27, 2018 And in the business, we call the POA, photos, etc. "backstopping" .......
victorialynn2 Posted January 27, 2018 Author Posted January 27, 2018 37 minutes ago, Grimy said: And in the business, we call the POA, photos, etc. "backstopping" ....... What is that?
victorialynn2 Posted January 27, 2018 Author Posted January 27, 2018 (edited) 43 minutes ago, Grimy said: Good thing they didn't see your with-sunglasses avatar photo! :-) I had them on (I have to drive with them even when it’s cloudy as my eyes are very sensitive). I lifted them and said “Do I look like I do drugs?” , or something to that effect. I guess I was a bit indignant. ? Edited January 27, 2018 by victorialynn2 (see edit history)
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