What a complete crock. I need to find the bill # to see how they define "hidden". I can think of lots of legit uses for hidden compartments other than moving drugs. I wanted to build sub floor storage compartments in the van for, electronics, cloths, camping gear, tools, engine fluids, etc.

This bill makes no sense... if you are moving that many drugs and get caught, what’s another felony? This wills not stop/prevent/curtail the transport of drugs at all. It just allows LE to charge people who are in possession of nothing unlawful with a felony and then they have to prove their innocents.


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Posted: May 03, 2012 2:45 PM EDT Updated: May 03, 2012 2:45 PM EDT


COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio lawmakers have passed a bill that would ban hidden compartments in vehicles in an effort to crack down on drug trafficking.

The Senate passed the measure on a 30-2 vote Thursday. It now moves to the House.

The bill would prohibit altering a vehicle to create or add a hidden compartment. It would exempt dealer-installed compartments to address concerns from gun owners about its effect on special compartments used to secure legal firearms.

The State Highway Patrol says current law makes it tough for officers to pursue charges if they find such compartments but no drugs inside them. The bill would make that a felony.

Opponents of the bill say they're worried law-abiding citizens could be forced to spend time and money defending their innocence and their rights.

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Link

Stupid law

I was going to build storage bins like on a boat floor. They would have to be accessible, otherwise its not very good storage, yet out of the way and blend in with the interior. It really all boils down to how they define "hidden".

If it's hidden well they can't find it

If voters are a where id this law and get in touch with there rep in there district this BS bill could die in the house.

Remember YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT.....

.......Wookee

here we go....
129 SB 305

Ive got enough well used compartments to put me away for life....

riddle me this batman.. I just had a customer leave a new Town & Country minivan at my shop tonite, for enterprise to pick up in the morning..

the center console has a flat tray in between two front drink holders, and two rear. if you reach down over the front of the console, there is a latch. lift it and push the top towards the back. there is a big compartment with a 12v outlet.

most people wouldn't have noticed that option.

a factory designed hidden compartment!


so what's the difference?

If you would read the law it states that hidden compartments are still legal to keep valuables, electronics, etc. It is only illegal if you have drugs in the compartment.

There's a few things behind it though, you can have the compartments however you so please. Due to the 4th amendment, officers can not search nor seize any property unless with your permission OR with a court ordered search warrant. Technically that law is in violation of 1st, and 4th amendment rights. 1st) freedom to do what you want to your van (in a nut shell).
Just be a gentlemen if you get caught for speeding etc, don't give them a reason to search the vehicle.