Ban Hidden Compartments in Cars? Ohio

[Dave2]

Oh, hey, if you bought you car used I wonder if you're liable for who the previous owner hired to do the installation?

Of course you are, unless you can prove you didn't add it. They probably couldn't convict you in court, but then they don't bother with that anyway, they'll just confiscate the car. Since the lawyer fees to get it back probably average around $30,000, it's unlikely they'll have to give it back. It's the new "freedom." Hiding your OWN PROPERTY in your OWN PROPERTY is a crime.

Oh, good point. That'll be a nice little racket for them... 1) Confiscate a car for having an illegal compartment (doesn't matter which one; all cars have lots of hidden hollow places to save weight. 2) Sell it at the next police auction. 3) Repeat with the new owner. Ohio could drop all their taxes with this law!

[Jumping Frog]

Oh, good point. That'll be a nice little racket for them... 1) Confiscate a car for having an illegal compartment (doesn't matter which one; all cars have lots of hidden hollow places to save weight. 2) Sell it at the next police auction. 3) Repeat with the new owner. Ohio could drop all their taxes with this law!

Especially if they patrol I-90, I-80, and I-70 looking for out of state plates. Then they are fundraising from elsewhere and the people don't vote in Ohio.

[txjim42]

When I first read this I immediately thought that someone clearly has a hidden compartment between their ears...

[Dave2]

When I first read this I immediately thought that someone clearly has a hidden compartment between their ears...

I might have to agree.

[speedsix]

...and you can find it by tapping their temples and listening for the echo...

[justherenow]

They were going to vote on this last week but they have gave it until I want to say June 11th now (i could be wrong on that date, I know June something close to 11) so that some wording can be changed. Its still a bull law they want but they are working to make it more friendly to law abiding citizens (not just us armed ones).

[cheezit]

I have been working on cars for a number of years. At one time I was doing it for L.A Co sheriff dept. They would bring in cars to inspect from time to time. I have found evrything from Coke to weed in door panels, fuel tanks, behind /in/under seats and yes a few hidden compartments.
Yet a nother useless law taking up tax payer money when there are better things to be looking after.

[VMI77]

I have been working on cars for a number of years. At one time I was doing it for L.A Co sheriff dept. They would bring in cars to inspect from time to time. I have found evrything from Coke to weed in door panels, fuel tanks, behind /in/under seats and yes a few hidden compartments.
Yet a nother useless law taking up tax payer money when there are better things to be looking after.

It's a revenue enhancement law.....it gives them a legal reason to confiscate the vehicle.

[Heartland Patriot]

I have been working on cars for a number of years. At one time I was doing it for L.A Co sheriff dept. They would bring in cars to inspect from time to time. I have found evrything from Coke to weed in door panels, fuel tanks, behind /in/under seats and yes a few hidden compartments.
Yet a nother useless law taking up tax payer money when there are better things to be looking after.

It's a revenue enhancement law.....it gives them a legal reason to confiscate the vehicle.

I'll go out on a limb here and say that they use this law as an "add-on". That way, IF they find anything such as drugs in the vehicle, they confiscate and make money on it...

[VMI77]

I have been working on cars for a number of years. At one time I was doing it for L.A Co sheriff dept. They would bring in cars to inspect from time to time. I have found evrything from Coke to weed in door panels, fuel tanks, behind /in/under seats and yes a few hidden compartments.
Yet a nother useless law taking up tax payer money when there are better things to be looking after.

It's a revenue enhancement law.....it gives them a legal reason to confiscate the vehicle.

I'll go out on a limb here and say that they use this law as an "add-on". That way, IF they find anything such as drugs in the vehicle, they confiscate and make money on it...

Having lived in the RGV, on the coast, and known various shrimpers and boat owners, I've heard that the "secret compartment" law has been used by the Feds to confiscate boats even when no drugs are found. I will also note that while Shrimp Boats have been confiscated because someone in the crew was found with drugs in their possession, when huge stashes of cocaine have been discovered on planes owned by major airlines, the planes are NOT confiscated. Other kinds of confiscations I've read about, such as confiscations of cash, where no drugs are present, and where there is no suspicion of drug activity, suggest that the authorities confiscate on the slimmest grounds, as long it's from an individual with scare legal resources, or the value confiscated is less that the likely legal fees.

[Bullwhip]

I'll go out on a limb here and say that they use this law as an "add-on". That way, IF they find anything such as drugs in the vehicle, they confiscate and make money on it...

you know they don't have to find drugs or charge anyone to seize property y if they want it.Just claim a dog hit on it they were suspicious from out of state had vague plans consistent with drug dealers, next thing you got a new Escalade to drive or a heap of junk to auction off, it all goes to the PD so no worry.

[kyreb]

So, so glad i got out of Ohio. 5 Years of that place was too much.