Follow us today…
A recent Reddit r/Chevrolet forum discussion titled “Chevy Dealer Left Coke Bag and Rolled Up Ones along with His Jeep Car Keys After Inspection” about what the Corvette owner should do resulted in a lot of legality bickering and only one correct response.
CALL THE POLICE and have your repair order invoice paper in hand to show them.” -Educational-Jelly855
According to the OP:
“The coke bag is empty, and now I’m just thinking some dude was ripping lines in my Corvette after inspecting it. I texted the service number I was in contact with, but no response… since they closed 10 minutes after I texted the service number, I’m guessing the guy is still buzzing and looking for his keys. I don’t judge people’s personal habits, but it has no place in my car.”
Dealership Customer Car “Borrowing”
This is not an unheard-of problem. Automotive forums are filled with dealership-related complaints of unexplained added miles on a customer’s car’s odometer; damage from unauthorized errand running or joy riding; borrowing a car during a lunch break to pick up an order at a fast food joint, etc.
In other words, car owners sometimes have to contend with dealership employees who do not respect their customers’ property. And this happens all the time with little more resulting than a complaint filed by the owner and some recompense by the dealership.
However, using an owner’s car to do drugs is not on the same level.
Especially since it could ruin the car owner’s (or someone else’s) life.
How Things Can Go Terribly Wrong
If you fail to report illegal drugs left behind in your car, whether it was by a dealership employee, mechanic, or valet, you could face serious legal, safety, and personal consequences. For example:
1. Criminal Liability –Law enforcement may hold you legally responsible for the drugs, even if they weren’t yours.
- “Constructive possession” laws: You don’t need to have the drugs on your person. Just being in control of the vehicle may be enough for a charge.
- Felony charges: Even small amounts of certain drugs (like cocaine or meth) can result in felony possession.
2. Risk During Traffic Stops –If you get pulled over and the drugs are still in your vehicle, a police officer could:
- Search your vehicle if there is probable cause.
- Arrest you on the spot if drugs are found.
- Seize your vehicle in some jurisdictions.
- Find yourself in an escalating situation where deadly force is used.
Advertising
3. Endangerment from Residue or Contamination –You could be risking your passengers’ health.
- Drug residues (especially opioids like fentanyl) can be toxic even in small amounts.
- Powder left in your car could accidentally come into contact with skin or be inhaled, posing serious health risks to you, passengers, or children.
4. Implicated in a Broader Criminal Investigation –If the drugs tie back to a criminal network, and they were found in your car:
- You could become a person of interest in an investigation.
- Your vehicle might be impounded as evidence.
- Law enforcement may believe you’re withholding information, which technically you are. The legality of this, though, will depend on the state.
5. Civil Liability or Compromised Insurance –If someone gets hurt (like a passenger, child, or your detailing guy) by handling or ingesting the substance:
- You could face a lawsuit for negligence.
- Your auto or homeowner’s insurance may deny claims if illegal substances are involved.
6. Damage to Your Reputation or Career -Being associated with drugs, even indirectly, can:
- Affect background checks.
- Harm your job prospects, especially if you work in transportation, government, or education.
- Undermine your credibility in legal disputes.
What You Should Do If You Suspect Drug Possession in Your Car:
The key here is making sure that you are protecting yourself and your family from potential harm and/or embarrassment. As the OP stated:
I don’t judge people’s personal habits, but it has no place in my car.”
And no place in his life. You are not being uncool by “narcing” on someone with a different lifestyle than yours; you are only making the smart choice when someone puts you in a position or situation of potential harm.
That said (without being too preachy, I hope), here are five steps you should take if you find yourself in a similar situation to the OP:
- Do not handle the substance.
- Take photos and note the time/location.
- Call local police or the sheriff’s department immediately.
- Inform the business (e.g., dealership) once you’ve reported it to authorities.
- Keep a written record of all communications.
Now it’s your turn to speak your mind: What would you do if you were the OP? Would you let it slide, or do the concerns listed above warrant a rethink on the forum discussion thread?
For additional articles related to the law and cars, here are two for your consideration:
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and restores older vehicles, often incorporating engine modifications for improved performance. He also covers modern cars—including EVs—with a focus on DIY mechanics, tool use and selection, and other topics related to automotive repair. Follow Tim on Twitter (@TimBoyerWrites) and Facebook for daily updates and insights on new and used cars and trucks.
Image Source: Deposit Photos
Follow us today…
Source: torquenews.com
