California - Pulled Over For Computer Check

[SoCal66]

Ok so this is a strange one.

I was with one of my co-workers yesterday in his super duty (2007) and he was pulled over by a CHP officer. When pulled over, the officers brought a scanning tool and and said they were inspecting all diesel trucks coming through. I was like, what the hell? My co-worker has nothing done to his truck, so no big deal. Took 5 minutes. This is the first I've heard of an inspection like this and it sure made me paranoid. Basically they're scanning for smog equipment tampering. The officer didn't even conduct a visual inspection under the truck for exhaust mods, he went straight to the plug-in port to plug in his tool. This was obviously not his first rodeo. Is this becoming standard practice???

We're both in the market for 6.7L that we would most likely mod. This experience though made me reconsider as the fines are pretty hefty, so I hear.

We were in Los Angeles, on a surface street. This is a non-commercial truck. Basically stock but with aftermarket wheels/tires.

Anyone else run into this?

[stroke11]

I dont see how you can get pulled over for just driving a diesel truck. I think i would have made him get a warrant if he wanted to enter my vehicle.

[SoCal66]

I'm right there with you. But with nothing to hide we decided it would be faster and a good source of future intel to just go ahead.

There were several officers on that street so it looked like this was an organized inspection rather than a CHP officer with a chip on his shoulder.

It definitely made me paranoid because I can't keep anything stock.

[Ren]

I will warn you... This kind of **** makes my blood boil!

Dont ever let them politely "inspect" your vehicle. Its thier job to dig up something wrong so the system has something to do.

Its not the point of having nothing to hide. Its the point of us still having a 4th amendment and us being secure in our person, papers, and travels.

Hate this nazi bull****.

They can go get a warrant.

[JIM_C]

Originally Posted by stroke11

I dont see how you can get pulled over for just driving a diesel truck. I think i would have made him get a warrant if he wanted to enter my vehicle.

Well, they can pull you over to dip your tank to look for tax cheats but this is effin ridiculous. If they're looking for smog equipment tampering then they should be pulling EVERY car over to check, not just diesels.
Sounds like a desperate attempt at raising cash for CA.
Did you roll coal on the CHP officer when you left? lmao

[SoCal66]

I agree this was a witch hunt. That truck couldn't roll coal if it wanted. Plus it's pretty inconspicuous compared to most California rigs, where guys have $15k in aftermarket.

Like said, this guy knew exactly where he was going and what he was doing so it MUST be taking place often.

[letitsno]

Wow they must have nothing better to do, no crime huh.
I get very irratated when streets are closed for block parties & parades.
Wife will have to bail me out of jail, well she might not also. LOL
What a waste of our time & money.

[SoCal66]

And for what it's worth, I agree this is BS and politely would have declined the inspection if it was my truck and I was driving.

BUT, I'm glad I witnessed what the procedure was so I'm aware for the future.

[Six0~Stroker]

Thats messed up

[drunk on diesel]

I believe I'd put a dummy OBD-II pigtail or put the 12v power wire on a hidden toggle switch and just play dumb. "Gee officer, I've never had to use that thing... not sure why it wouldn't work for ya "