Stops and Searches

[FalkTheHawk]

It is not my intent to start a controversial thread. I put about 15K miles on my Classic, so I'm not a noobie but still feel like one. My question is related to other posts on this forum that seem to have all been closed. I am wondering how common it is that Airstreams are stopped and searched by police when rolling or boondocking. Is this common?



If I have well concealed equipment on board that would escape a casual search is that sufficient or are they prying off the cabinets? if I choose to have some "Bud" (not beer) are they bringing in dogs? Being from NYC I don't really know what is common outside the North East. I see a lot on these forums about what is legal and the risk of forfeiture. Anything I possess at home is properly permitted or legal, but what is the real risk in say Texas or Montana. No legal opinions please, just how likely is a search?


Sorry to be controversial.

[Singularity]

This is a fact-dependent, scenario-based situation that can’t really be answered in a vacuum. Nobody can (or should) give you legal advice with that lack of information.

Any answer would vary impossibly from all the different reasons to pull you over, reasonable suspicion, probable cause, variances in the law from state to state and under the Fourth Amendment as defined by the US Supreme Court.

[kscherzi]

My trailer was searched only once. Going into Canada by customs. They said they were looking for guns, they were polite, and since I didn't have any guns I was on my way 20 minutes later.

If you're not doing or carrying anything that's illegal you'll probably never be pulled over and searched. If you plan on smuggling quantities of illicit stuff, you'll probably never make it to the end of your driveway. Murphy's Law.

[Hittenstiehl]

Falk I think you are on the wrong forum for this question. Are there legal q&a forums?

As aforementioned, to many "what it's to come up with good answers. Then you are dealing with varied state laws, federal laws depending on where you are.

If you are a legal posesser of Marijuana in your state and intend to travel within the US you need to research the actual various state laws where you will visit or travel thru. Search for legalities regarding that substance in their state. You need to be up on laws regarding interstate transport, possession, use permit to be carried and amount of allowances. Also check on reciprocal agreements between the states to see who support each others laws.

Federal and Private campgrounds will also differ. No state allows for being impaired while driving but each state have different tolerances.

Do you really want to stake your knowledge on a bunch of anonymous forum replys.

[Greenjeans]

From Texas, been RV'ing a long time. Live in N. TX travel to S. TX thru the ICE, Border Patrol checkpoints a couple of times a year. They always ask if I'm a citizen, then wave me thru. One time was different, instead he introduced himself to my parrot riding in the back seat of my truck. Coarse with all the technology they use along the road as you approach the checkpoints I'm sure they know who I am before I arrive. Probably required to ask the question.

Got back from camping in Glacier NP, Montana almost a year ago. No searches along the way.

My RV's never been searched.

[Greenjeans]

Noticed after I posted your from NY. Texas's population is over 30 million and borders Mexico. I'll bet you would have a higher probability of being searched in NY than TX. Partly because of 911, the number of police/ per population is probably greater in NY. Police in Texas have their hands full with the border.

Texas would also appreciate help with the border problem from other states. Thousands of men, women, children showing up daily with no money or food. Please send buses, food or clothing. Any help is appreciated.

[Dennis C]

I got stopped once driving across New Mexico by the White Sands Missile Range. The officer asked if we were American citizens, then waved us through after we answered. I haven’t ever had the Airstream searched. My biggest concern is gun laws in various states as I usually have a concealed handgun with me. I check the laws before entering a new state and I plan accordingly. I don’t carry anything else that might be illegal, so no worries there.

[Dennis C]

Originally Posted by Greenjeans

Noticed after I posted your from NY. Texas's population is over 30 million and borders Mexico. I'll bet you would have a higher probability of being searched in NY than TX. Partly because of 911, the number of police/ per population is probably greater in NY. Police in Texas have their hands full with the border.

Texas would also appreciate help with the border problem from other states. Thousands of men, women, children showing up daily with no money or food. Please send buses, food or clothing. Any help is appreciated.

I don’t think people who live outside of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, or California really understand the extent of the issue and the tremendous strain that illegal immigration places on border states.

I read a comment by Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot this week boasting how proud she was that Chicago welcomes illegal immigrants as a sanctuary city and that they had done so for nearly 600 immigrants in the last year. Texas is seeing 18,000 illegal immigrants enter the state per day.

The scale of the problem is unimaginable if you haven’t seen it first hand.

[Bill M.]

If I had not been to Texas for a couple of months last fall I would not understand the question.

I can not answer it but getting searched does seem like a possibility in some parts of the country. I have been checked inside several times and searched once going into Canada. Not any where else.

[aftermath]

Originally Posted by Hittenstiehl

...

As aforementioned, to many "what it's to come up with good answers. Then you are dealing with varied state laws, federal laws depending on where you are.

If you are a legal posesser of Marijuana in your state and intend to travel within the US you need to research the actual various state laws where you will visit or travel thru. Search for legalities regarding that substance in their state. You need to be up on laws regarding interstate transport, possession, use permit to be carried and amount of allowances. Also check on reciprocal agreements between the states to see who support each others laws.

Federal and Private campgrounds will also differ. No state allows for being impaired while driving but each state have different tolerances.
...

This is it. When it comes to grass and guns things have changed a great deal in the last 20 years. You really do need to research the laws of the states you are traveling to and through. Washington is pretty liberal when it comes to marijuana but Idaho is NOT. If you want to travel through that state with your stash safely locked up somewhere you are still at risk for big trouble. Will the stop and search, I would guess no but then there is always the possibility and it can come with some huge consequences.

Anyone who breaks the law is taking a chance whether you agree with the law or not. How much of a chance are you willing to take? That is the question you need to answer.

[aftermath]

I was only searched one time. It was at the Canadian border and we were returning to the U.S. We picked up about a case of wine and knew we were over the "limit". The penalty was so small most people didn't ask or tell. We were asked and I told them we were over by about 4 bottles. The guy said it wasn't a big deal and not to worry about it but they had to check the trailer for other things. I pulled over where they told me and waited.
Another agent approached me and I repeated my story and told them where we had stored the wine. She jumped me in an angry and agressive manner and basically told me to step away from the trailer and that she would decide what was legal and what wasn't. Wow, I have never been treated so disrespectfully, ever. This wasn't a Canadian doing this, it was a US agent.

Upon leaving my trailer she mumbled something and told me I was clear to pass. Amazing experience.

[CBWELL]

In 20+ years of pulling a trailer we have never been stopped other than at the border, both going into the US and back home into Canada. Most times the US is looking for banned foods and firearms. When going back into Canada they are looking for firearms, liquor, tobacco or other prohibited items like certain fruits, vegetables or meat. If you are obeying the speed limits, not driving erratically, and not attracting attention, you will probably never be stopped! If you have nothing to hide, are friendly,, you should have no problems.

[Lily&Me]

Searched three times coming back into the US from Canada.

Maggie

[Ray Eklund]

Originally Posted by Dennis C

I got stopped once driving across New Mexico by the White Sands Missile Range. The officer asked if we were American citizens, then waved us through after we answered. I haven’t ever had the Airstream searched. My biggest concern is gun laws in various states as I usually have a concealed handgun with me. I check the laws before entering a new state and I plan accordingly. I don’t carry anything else that might be illegal, so no worries there.

*****
Did you have a weapon and said NO weapons were in your possession or within your vehicle, if you carried one somewhere concealed? They CAN disassemble your Airstream and Tow Vehicle... if you are caught with contraband. Yep... some of us were in the Military.

Do you have a Concealed Firearms Permit?

I have no reason to be worried at HIGH Secure Areas. Neither should you. It is posted. The question is direct by the guards. Not vague, at all.

I may look more suspicious than most entering... that has been an issue.

The well armed guards had us pull aside and park at White Sands, pop the hood, open doors, step out, took mirrors on rods to examine under our vehicle. My mother in law was with us. My wife's Dad worked at White Sands with those working on rockets, as well. She wanted to go to the museum.

It added to our visit very much.

There is a SIGN to read, before wanting to enter. This has been many years ago, but I doubt there has been any changes.

If you carry 'nothing illegal', why bring this up? Any Federal Complex entrance and Military entrance for those not with the bumper sticker... will be stopped and if anything is suspected... you will be searched. This is not a Denny's parking lot.

The Denver Federal Center will stop you if they think something is not... right. I was going to the Geological Survey Book Store. I was hopping I would be frisked... and it would make a good story.

Leaving Europe, I had a small suitcase I would pack Swimming Fins and mask in Mexico. Some large machine at the Amsterdam Airport detected some chemical, a group escorted me to the suit case and asked me to open it. Just my clothing.

My Mom had Dutch Chocolate packed in a suit case as well... she turned pale... she thought 'smuggling Dutch Chocolate' was illegal and I would be... arrested.

Driving from Alaska to Canada no problem. Driving from Canada to Alaska we were asked if we purchased any FUR Items at the USA Customs. We bought a Coon Skin Cap for a relative in Canada, that was all synthetic... that was OK. They recognized that the beater car was leased in Alaska. Others paid for the train ride... we spent our time driving around for much less. Neanderthals are frugal.

We all have stories. Many may be true.

[Shiny16]

Don’t break the law and you will have no worries. Your question is basically asking what can get away with. Also Don’t bring marijuana to a National Park.

[robert claus]

Only coming back into the US, and on the American side. The rules are clear there. We had the vaccination papers for our dog. If we hadn't, we would have been asked for them for sure.

[Dennis C]

Originally Posted by Ray Eklund

*****
Did you have a weapon and said NO weapons were in your possession or within your vehicle, if you carried one somewhere concealed? They CAN disassemble your Airstream and Tow Vehicle... if you are caught with contraband. Yep... some of us were in the Military.

Do you have a Concealed Firearms Permit?

I have no reason to be worried at HIGH Secure Areas. Neither should you. It is posted. The question is direct by the guards. Not vague, at all.

I may look more suspicious than most entering... that has been an issue.

The well armed guards had us pull aside and park at White Sands, pop the hood, open doors, step out, took mirrors on rods to examine under our vehicle. My mother in law was with us. My wife's Dad worked at White Sands with those working on rockets, as well. She wanted to go to the museum.

It added to our visit very much.

There is a SIGN to read, before wanting to enter. This has been many years ago, but I doubt there has been any changes.

If you carry 'nothing illegal', why bring this up? Any Federal Complex entrance and Military entrance for those not with the bumper sticker... will be stopped and if anything is suspected... you will be searched. This is not a Denny's parking lot.

The Denver Federal Center will stop you if they think something is not... right. I was going to the Geological Survey Book Store. I was hopping I would be frisked... and it would make a good story.

Leaving Europe, I had a small suitcase I would pack Swimming Fins and mask in Mexico. Some large machine at the Amsterdam Airport detected some chemical, a group escorted me to the suit case and asked me to open it. Just my clothing.

My Mom had Dutch Chocolate packed in a suit case as well... she turned pale... she thought 'smuggling Dutch Chocolate' was illegal and I would be... arrested.

Driving from Alaska to Canada no problem. Driving from Canada to Alaska we were asked if we purchased any FUR Items at the USA Customs. We bought a Coon Skin Cap for a relative in Canada, that was all synthetic... that was OK. They recognized that the beater car was leased in Alaska. Others paid for the train ride... we spent our time driving around for much less. Neanderthals are frugal.

We all have stories. Many may be true.

I do have a concealed carry permit. Many states offer reciprocal carry privileges. Some do not. That’s why I check before I travel to other states.

I brought it up in response to the question posed at the beginning of this thread. I don’t have any fear of being searched because I don’t carry anything illegal.

[Ray Eklund]

We both have 'open carry' when Off the Grid Boondocking. No NFS employees questioned common sense in Bear prone areas. No BLM officer questioned our holstered weapons. I have never been convicted of anything. Although I do not report picking up loose change in parking lots as income.

We need not Conceal in Public Places in town. We both have Colorado Concealed Permits. Now expired, as I have not looked since moving.

Two years in the US Army makes one wise as to what can happen to those who think a sunny day is safe... anywhere. They were not considered toys or play things to brag about in public places, as well.

Tent Campers are more at risk in the forests of western Montana and the high country of Idaho. Black Bear are all along the Front Range of Colorado. Storing dirty baby diapers in your garage, in Roxborough Park, Colorado is not a good idea... we had a neighbor who discovered that when the garage door was open.

Some do carry weapons that legally are not allowed from prior convictions. You asked a odd question EXPECTING RESPONSES... so sit back and take what comes.

There is no 911 Off the Grid in remote areas. If you do not holster some protection... you are no more at risk as someone who does not. But, when you need something other than a metal ski pole to protect yourself from harm... a bit too late to be polite.

After 64 years of handling weapons... I have not fired one round in fear. Target practice, yes. Anyone can carry Arrows and a Bow... they are also effective for protection... if you are really, really good. We are not.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

How likely is a search? There are searches that folks have documented happening. The information provided is rarely very complete. Typically one is left with far more questions than answers when reading the posts that turn up in various places. Connecting cause to the search is rarely straightforward.

Would I welcome a "disassemble your vehicle and leave it in pieces" sort of search? No I would not be real excited about that happening to me. I *do* acknowledge that when you cross a boarder they can indeed do that sort of search. I still cross boarders. My *guess* is that some boarder searches are purely random, the 85th vehicle that day gets a look. I also would *guess* that some searches are prompted by more than random chance.

To the other side of the question: If you are depending on this or that method of hiding this or that, understand that there are few truly unique ideas. Most of my bright ideas would be utterly destroyed by that cute beagle they just took over to check things out. Do they use beagles at land boarders? never seen one. I've seen a *lot* of them going through airports.

Under exactly what circumstances can you reasonably be searched? Welcome to "why you need to talk to a lawyer". Make sure he's one that practices in the state you are in. Also make sure he specializes in the correct area of the law ( a patient attorney or a divorce lawyer are not what you are after ..... ).

Speaking of this sort of thing, we're headed back home. I've modified our route to avoid spending time in New York State. The "why" I'll leave as an open point. I simply want to avoid possible problems. Net result, NY will not get to tax any of my wild spending .....

Fun

Bob

[Bill M.]

We do have protection from "illegal search and seizure". I expect the border patrol stations can search you if they want, But,,I suspect a highway patrolman or local sheriff in the USA would have to have either your permission to search or to have a reason that could be probably cause. I was in a vehicle that got stopped and searched once. We were coming back from a costal fishing trip and the highway patrol pulled us over. They were looking for bank robbers in a similar vehicle. They asked to see in the coolers with the cold fish. The driver gave them permission to check what they wanted to. They checked everybody's ID.

My answer to the original question is that I do not think it is common at all for Americans to be searched while rolling or boon docking with a trailer. I think it almost never happens, But my guess is that if they did search it would be for a reason and that they would probably find what they were looking for.