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Road Law: Logbook Fact and Fiction
By Jeff McConnell and James Menella
This edition of Road Law is dedicated to the logbook. We hope it clears up some of the false information that's out there. Here's the truth:
True or False? When you're stopped at a scale house and the officer asks for your logbook, you always have 15 minutes to update it.
False: If you're behind in your log on the day you're stopped, you can't automatically update it on the spot, unless two things happen first:
(1) Your log is current for the last 6 days and
(2) The officer threatens to put you out of service because your log isn't current for the day.
True or False? You don't have to give your logbook to the officer when she asks for it because it violates your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
False: This is something we hear all the time and it's not true. Courts say that giving your log to an officer isn't "self-incriminating" because checking logbooks is very important to public safety.
So, whether you agree or not, the courts say that checking logbooks is one of the best ways to protect the public by keeping bad drivers off the road. So when an officer asks for your log, be polite and hand it over.
We invite you to send any questions or comments you may have regarding transportation law to Road Law, 1330 N. Classen Blvd., Suite 215, Oklahoma City, OK 73106; call (405) 272-0555, fax to (405) 272-0558. Or you can contact us through our Web site at www.roadlaw.net. We look forward to hearing from you.
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