A California Highway Patrol (CHP) trooper ticketed a truck driver for a drug-related violation during a traffic stop that was initiated because the driver ignored a road sign in Santa Clara County.

On Wednesday, June 4, troopers said that a Mobile Road Enforcement Unit from CHP’s Gilroy Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility conducted a traffic stop on a commercial vehicle after the driver reportedly disobeyed black and white regulatory “No Vehicles Over 7 Tons” signs on Monterey Road.

During the traffic stop, the officer could smell “the strong odor of marijuana emitting from the driver’s compartment.”

A subsequent search of the cab uncovered a black container with marijuana in it.

The truck driver was for ticketed for possessing an open container of marijuana and placed out-of-service for 24 hours.

“The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) out-of-service criteria states a driver shall not be in possession of any drugs or other substances which could render “the driver incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle.” [49 CFR Section 392.4(a)],” CHP reminded drivers.