Holiday Car Hire Nightmare
A recent holiday excursion to sunny Florida soon turned into a nightmare when police stopped and searched the hire car that we were driving due to a broken tail light.
My girlfriend and I had decided on a last minute bargain package deal to Florida. We’d found a fantastic last minute fly-drive deal that gave us 7 nights to explore the gulf coast and theme parks of Orlando before the busy summer season.
We flew from Gatwick to Orlando airport and went straight to the car hire desk to collect the keys to our car. We’d pre-booked our first two nights in the Clarion Hotel and a hire car for the duration of our stay. If we liked the hotel our plan was to stay put, otherwise we would be free to move on to another location.
We spent our first night recuperating from our journey making us ready for a day spent sight-seeing and shopping. We finished a wonderful day with an excellent meal at a well known seafood restaurant that provided some great entertainment as well as fantastic service. It was on the drive back to our hotel that things took a turn for the worse.
We were on the highway and a police car pulled in behind us and indicated that we should stop. The police officer told me that one of my car brake lights wasn’t working and he asked me to step out of the car to take a look. I explained that it was a rental car and that we had just arrived in the country only yesterday. The friendly and helpful police officer then asked me to open the boot so that he could take a look at the tail lamp.
He shone his torch into the boot and there were clearly some traces of what looked like a white powder covering the trunk lining. The police officer’s manner changed immediately and he returned to his vehicle where he spent some time communicating on his radio. It was only a couple of minutes before a second police car arrived with two police officers inside. They told us that we were to accompany them to the police station to answer a few questions.
It was at the police station that it became clear that they didn’t really believe our story and they suspected that we were in fact drug dealers. My girlfriend was incredibly upset by the whole experience. It took no less than nine hours before they could verify who we were and that we were genuinely there on holiday.
Luckily people at the car hire firm were still working at that late hour and they were able to provide police with full details of the previous person who had driven the hire car. I’ve no idea whether the police ever caught up with the person responsible for carrying cocaine in the boot of our hire car.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Travel tip: We saved a fortune on airport parking by booking online, in advance. Also, make certain that your travel insurance policy covers you for legal expenses abroad.
HID Lighting & Sequential Tail Light Upgrade Installation
|
|
1157 BAY15D 60 LED Super White Car Tail Stop Signal 60 SMD Light Bulb Lamp $3.47 |
|
|
08-10 Accord Sedan JDM Smoked Tint LED Tail Lights Brake Lamps Assembly $219.99 |
|
|
92-95 HONDA CIVIC 2/4DR RED SMOKE TAIL LIGHTS LAMP 4PCS $49.99 |
|
|
1156 BA15S 13 LED Super White Tail Brake Turn Signal 13 SMD Car Light Bulb Lamp $2.07 |
|
|
02-05 FORD EXPLORER 4DR BLACK EURO TAIL LIGHTS LAMPS $41.99 |
|
|
2 Car 1156 Tail Brake White 30 SMD LED Light Bulb Lamp $1.00 |
|
|
99-04 SILVERADO/SIERRA STEPSIDE BLACK ALTEZZA TAIL LIGHTS REAR BRAKE LAMPS $49.99 |
|
|
2 X 7443 7440 T20 68 SMD LED Tail Brake Light Bulb Lamp $1.00 |
|
|
Car 1157 Tail Brake White 120 SMD LED Light Bulb Lamp $1.00 |
|
|
1156 BA15S 102 LED Super White Car Signal Turn Tail 102 SMD Light Bulb Lamp $4.97 |
|
|
1156 BA15S 36 LED Cold White Car Signal indicator Tail Light Bulb Lamp $2.47 |
|
|
H7 68 LED Super White Car Fog Signal Tail Driving 68 SMD Light Lamp Bulb $3.97 |
|
|
H4 68 LED Super White Car Fog Signal Tail Driving 68 SMD Light Lamp Bulb $3.97 |
|
|
04-11 NISSAN TITAN ALTEZZA SMOKE TINT TAIL LIGHTS LAMP $68.99 |
|
|
CHRYSLER 01-05 PT CRUISER EURO SMOKE TINTED TAIL LIGHTS LAMP $74.99 |
|
|
05-08 H3 HUMMER RED/SMOKE TAIL LIGHTS REAR LAMP LH+RH $82.99 |
|
|
FORD EXPEDITION 03-06 BLK TAIL LIGHTS REVERSE LAMP PAIR $58.98 |
|
|
07-11 CHEVY AVALANCHE LED TAIL LIGHTS BRAKE LAMPS SMOKE $176.98 |
|
|
AUDI A4 SEDAN / WAGON Right Tail Light 09 10 11 OEM $125.00 |
|
|
2 Car T20 24 LED Turn Tail Brake Light Bulb Lamp White $3.89 |
|
|
2 X 36 LED Car Tail Turn Brake Light Bulb Amber US Lamp $1.00 |
|
|
2002-2004 Toyota Camry Tail Lamp OEM Used Right side $30.00 |
|
|
2 Car 1156 Tail Brake White 42 SMD LED Light Bulb Lamp $1.00 |
|
|
96 Toyota Right Tail Brake Back Up Light Lamp Turn Signal Part New But No Box RH $55.53 |
|
|
TOYOTA RAV4 Left Tail Light 10 11 OEM $175.00 |
|
|
2X Car Truck White 24 LED Stop Tail Light Bulb Lamp 12V $1.00 |
|
|
2x 1157/Bay15d Xenon White T25 24 LED Back-up/Reverse Tail Light Bulb DC 12V 2pc $7.00 |
|
|
2x 1157/Bay15d 36 LED Wide Angle White Tail Light Rear Lamp Bulb DC 12V 2pc Set $9.99 |
|
|
2x 1157/Bay15d 36 LED Wide Angle White Tail Light Rear Lamp Bulb DC 12V 2pc Set $9.99 |
|
|
93-97 TOYOTA COROLLA TAIL LIGHTS+TRUNK LAMP RED/CLEAR $98.99 |
|
|
94-04 CHEVY S10 GMC SONOMA TAIL LIGHTS LAMP SMOKE PAIR $37.99 |
|
|
Harley Davidson Sportster Dyna Softail Sissy bar mount brake tail lamp light $25.00 |
|
|
97-03 Ford F150/F250/F350 Styleside LED Chrome Clear Tail Lights LH RH Rear Lamp $113.99 |
|
|
03-05 Accord 2DR LX/DX/EX JDM Red Clear LED Tail Lights Brake Lamps Assembly $160.99 |
|
|
99-03 PONTIAC GRAND AM LED 3RD BRAKE TAIL LIGHT LAMPS $35.99 |
|
|
93-97 TOYOTA COROLLA JDM RED CLEAR TAIL LIGHTS REAR BRAKE LAMPS $29.95 |
|
|
2008-2010 Buick Enclave Tail Lamp OEM Used Right side $50.00 |
|
|
SMOKE 07-11 TOYOTA TUNDRA PICKUP FULL LED TAIL LIGHTS LAMPS SMOKED PICK UP $145.95 |
|
|
07-11 CHEVY SILVERADO CHROME LED TAIL LIGHTS + LED 3RD THIRD BRAKE LAMP COMBO $172.95 |
|
|
94-01 DODGE RAM 1500 2500 3500 PICKUP BLACK TAIL BRAKE LIGHTS LAMPS LEFT & RIGHT $30.99 |
|
|
CADILLAC ESCALADE LEFT DRIVER SIDE REAR BRAKE TAIL LIGHT OEM LAMP 2004 2005 2006 $120.00 |
|
|
BMW e39 Right Rear OEM US Factory Tail Light Lamp 528i $24.99 |
|
|
2005-2008 DODGE MAGNUM REAR TAIL LIGHTS LAMPS PAIR BLK $85.98 |
|
|
2000-2006 TAHOE SUBURBAN TRUCK LED TAIL LIGHTS LAMP BLK $113.98 |
|
|
BMX Bicycle Head Night Light Torch + Mount Rear Tail Warning Rear Back LED Lamp $4.85 |
|
|
BMX Bicycle Cycle Night Light Torch Mount Rear Tail Warning Rear Back 12LED Lamp $3.90 |
|
|
BMX Bicycle Cycle Night Light Torch + Mount Rear Tail Warning Rear Back LED Lamp $4.45 |
|
|
06 07 08 09 10 11 IMPALA TAIL LAMP ASSY -RH $93.39 |
|
|
04 05 06 07 08 09 10 COLORADO TAIL LAMP – RH $53.94 |
|
|
00 RANGER TAIL LAMP $36.94 |
|
|
04 05 06 07 08 COROLLA Tail Lamp – Right $91.53 |
|
|
06 07 08 09 10 11 RANGER TAIL LAMP – RH $50.93 |
|
|
05 06 07 08 09 10 ARMADA TAIL LAMP – RH 05-07 NIS ARMADA $107.11 |
|
|
New Reverse Lamp Trunk Tail Finish Panel RH / FOR 2006-10 PASSAT 4-DOOR SEDAN $99.99 |
|
|
New Reverse Lamp Trunk Tail Finish Panel LH / FOR 2006-10 PASSAT 4-DOOR SEDAN $99.99 |
|
|
New Replacement Reverse Lamp Trunk Tail Panel RH / FOR 2009-2010 USA COROLLA $89.99 |
|
|
New Replacement Reverse Lamp Trunk Tail Panel LH / FOR 2009-2010 USA COROLLA $89.99 |
|
|
Bob Drake 50′s Style Pontiac Tail lamps (Pair) 12 volt $66.66 |
|
|
1996 – 2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER LEFT TAIL LIGHT LAMP 26555-2W625 $44.99 |
|
|
1937 Ford Tail Lamps PAIR – RAT ROT HOT ROD ! $58.97 |
|
|
1 pair 15x SMDs Super RED LED Stop TAIL-BRAKE LAMP LIGHT BULBS 7443 T20 Bv4 $8.99 |
|
|
CHEVROLET MALIBU Right Tail Light 08 09 10 OEM $99.99 |
|
|
89-95 BMW E34 5-SERIES DIAMOND RED CLEAR TAIL LIGHTS REAR BRAKE LAMP REPLACEMENT $56.95 |
|
|
95-99 MIT. ECLIPSE JDM BLACK LED TAIL LIGHTS LAMPS 3PCS $84.99 |
|
|
94-01 DODGE RAM 1500/2500/3500 TAIL LIGHTS CHROME CLEAR LAMPS $34.99 |
|
|
2011 KIA OPTIMA K5 LED TAIL LIGHT LIGHTS OEM GENUINE TAKE OFF SET REAR LAMPS $625.00 |
|
|
94-01 RAM PICKUP TRUCK 1500 2500 3500 LED CHROME REAR TAIL BRAKE LIGHTS LAMPS $84.95 |
|
|
02-06 RAM 1500 2500 3500 PICKUP DARK SMOKE LED TAIL LIGHTS+3RD BRAKE L.E.D LAMP $102.55 |
|
|
04-06 SCION xB bB JDM BLACK FULL LED ALTEZZA TAIL LIGHTS LAMPS V2 LEFT+RIGHT $116.95 |
|
|
92-95 CIVIC 2DR / 4DR SEDAN COUPE LED ALTEZZA REAR TAIL BRAKE LIGHTS LAMPS RED $35.47 |
|
|
87-93 MUSTANG LX GT SVT CHROME LED REAR TAIL BRAKE LIGHTS LAMPS LEFT+RIGHT SET $57.59 |
|
|
ASTRO VAN SAFARI RED CLEAR LED TAIL BRAKE LIGHTS LAMPS $94.99 |
|
|
94-01 INTEGRA 2DR 2 DOOR COUPE LED ALTEZZA TAIL BRAKE LIGHTS LAMPS LEFT+RIGHT $41.99 |
|
|
92-95 CIVIC 2/4 DOOR SEDAN COUPE SMOKE LED REAR ALTEZZA TAIL LIGHTS LAMPS SMOKED $41.99 |
|
|
97-03 FORD F150 F-150 STYLESIDE LED TAIL LIGHTS+LED 3RD THIRD BRAKE LAMP RED $47.95 |
|
|
NISSAN 240SX S13 2DR COUPE TAIL LIGHTS RED/CLEAR LAMPS $76.99 |
|
|
00-05 CELICA JDM CLEAR LED TAIL BRAKE LIGHTS LAMPS LEFT+RIGHT $41.99 |
|
|
02-06 ACURA RSX FULL LED REAR 3RD THIRD BRAKE TAIL LIGHT LAMP RED LENS $17.23 |
|
|
97-03 FORD F150 99-07 F250 F350 SUPERDUTY LED TAIL LIGHTS LAMPS LEFT+RIGHT $23.99 |
|
|
94-04 S10 SONOMA 95-00 HOMBRE SMOKE ALTEZZA TAIL LIGHTS BRAKE LAMP PAIR $38.95 |
|
|
03-08 MAZDA 6 JDM BLACK 4PCS FULL LED TAIL BRAKE LIGHTS LAMPS LEFT & RIGHT $123.99 |
|
|
CHEVY AVALANCHE LED 3RD BRAKE TAIL LIGHT REAR LAMP SMOKE $47.98 |
|
|
GLOSSY BLACK 02-05 FORD EXPLORER SMOKE LENS ALTEZZA TAIL LIGHTS LAMPS $67.98 |
|
|
2004 GRAND PRIX L Taillight Left Rear Drivers Light Lamp Tail . #0000000358 $60.00 |
|
|
1978-1981 Camaro Z28 Fuel Door with Hinge and Tail Lamp Applique $10.00 |
|
|
HONDA FIT Left Tail Light 09 10 11 OEM $99.99 |
|
|
Model A Ford Tail Lamp 1928-1931 model A Ford $27.67 |
|
|
New Replacement Reverse Lamp Trunk Tail Finish Panel RH / FOR 2006-08 OPTIMA $159.99 |
|
|
New Replacement Reverse Lamp Trunk Tail Finish Panel LH / FOR 2006-08 OPTIMA $159.99 |
|
|
94-01 Acura Integra Sedan JDM BLK Halo Tail Lights Brake Lamps Assembly $58.99 |
|
|
2002-2004 Acura RSX DC5 JDM Chrome Tail Lights Brake Lamps Assembly $24.99 |
|
|
94-01 Acura Integra 4DR Sedan JDM Halo Tail Lights Brake Lamps Assembly $58.99 |
|
|
2002-2004 Acura RSX DC5 JDM Gunmetal Smoke Tail Lights Brake Lamps Assembly $49.99 |
|
|
Dii Rear Tail Lamp Cove Molding – 2pc $64.79 |
|
|
New Replacement Reverse Lamp Trunk Tail Finish Panel RH / FOR 2008-09 MALIBU $109.99 |
|
|
New Replacement Reverse Lamp Trunk Tail Finish Panel LH / FOR 2008-09 MALIBU $109.99 |
|
|
02-06 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCK BLACK LED TAIL LIGHTS LAMP $75.99 |
|
|
Philips LumiLeds 93-00 RANGER BLACK LED REAR TAIL LIGHTS LAMPS LEFT+RIGHT $97.87 |
|
|
HYUNDAI 2004~2006 Elantra(AVANTE XD) Rear(Tail) Light Lamp Cover Molding Trim $38.99 |
|
|
06-09 HUMMER H3 w/ LED TUBE LIGHTS BAR BLACK HOUSING L.E.D ALTEZZA TAIL LAMPS $104.59 |
|
|
Kipper – Playtime $4.84 Metal detectors, pottery wheels, itching powder, and magic carpets all have a go in Kipper Playtime. Joined by his usual band of tail-wagging buddies, Kipper the dog chats and chuckles his way through seven amusing cartoons, each about 8 minutes long. Whether searching the playground for buried treasure, entertaining little Arnold at home, or discovering that Pig has mistaken wet clay pots fo… |
|
|
Disney Movietoons Presents: Ducktales The Movie: Treasure Of The Lost Lamp [VHS] $9.99 Another of Disney’s efforts to create a quickie animated feature film out of one of its daily TV shows, this one plays like a low-rent reworking of Aladdin. Still, with Scrooge McDuck (voiced by Alan Young) and nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, there’s fun to be had. And that includes the genie (voiced by comic Rip Taylor) and the villains voiced by Christopher Lloyd and Richard Libertini. The plot … |
|
|
Streamlight 88850 Polytac LED Flashlight with Lithium Batteries, Black $32.18 Compact and lightweight, the Streamlight PolyTac LED is a lithium-powered flashlight with a super-bright C4 LED that triples the brightness of a regular LED. Featuring a tail-cap switch for single-handed operation, and durable and waterproof materials for use in extreme conditions, the PolyTac LED Flashlight is ideal for daily use at home or work and for outdoor activities like camping and hunting… |
|
|
Ultrafire WF 501b Cree Xml T6 3 Mode Cree Led Flashlight 900 Lumens $11.99 Package includes: 1 X flashlight… |
|
|
Maglite XL100 LED Flashlight, Black $22.38 This Maglite flashlight has four unique settings for effectiveness in the field. Choose from strobe, signal, S.O.S., Nite Lite, or “normal” settings. Engineered for optimum light output, you’ll love the tough, super rugged construction that comes standard with Maglite models. It has rugged machined aluminum construction, with shock and water resistance for long life. It’s anodized inside and out, … |
|
|
Shelley Duvall’s Faerie Tale Theatre: The Complete Collection $32.38 Movies Unlimited proudly presents this fabulous series, produced and hosted by actress Shelley Duvall, which features some of Hollywood’s top performers in lively (and sometimes irreverent) spins on the world’s best-loved fairy tales and fables. All 26 episodes–including “Rapunzel,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “The Princess and the Pea,” and “The Pied Piper of Hamelin”–are colle… |
|
|
Disney’s DuckTales The Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp $29.95 Join Uncle Scrooge and the colorful cast of characters from the popular DuckTales series in this action-packed wing-slapping, feather-raising treasure hunt. With his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and his niece Webbigail Vanderquack at his side, everyone’s favorite rich uncle, Scrooge McDuck, treks from his mansion home in Duckburg in search of the long-lost loot of the legendary thief Collie Ba… |
|
|
LED 2W 12V White Omni Bulb BA15D 1142 1076 Brake Tail 18 5050 $4.99 Warm White, High intensity 12V, 2W, Omni, 360 degree illumination BA15D base (Dual In-line Bayonet) for Brake, Corner Light, Side Marker Light 35 x Longer life time compared with traditional Incandescent bulbs, plus less heat output and extremely low power consumption Direct replacement for BA15D base (1142), also 1076, 1004, 90, 94, 68, 1158, 1493 (For Reference Only) No UV or IR radiation, low h… |
|
|
LED 1W 12V White Omni Wedge Bulb T10 194 168 2825 W5W 501 $0.01 Neutral white, High intensity 12V, 1W, 60-80LM, Omni, 180 degree illumination Landscape, Park Light, Number / License Plate Light, Trunk Light, Instrument / Gauge Light, Side Light 35 x Longer life time compared with traditional Incandescent bulbs, plus less heat output and extremely low power consumption Direct replacement for all Wedge Type 194 (Cross Reference: T10, W5W, 158, 168, 147 152 … |
|
|
LED 1W 12V White Omni Bulb BA9S T4W SIDE TAIL 5 5050 SMD $1.99 Neutral white, High intensity 12V, 1W, Omni, 360 degree illumination BA9S base for SIDE / TAIL Signal light, Corner Light, Side Marker Light 35 x Longer life time compared with traditional Incandescent bulbs, plus less heat output and extremely low power consumption Direct replacement for BA9S base, single filament Bayonet, T4W Replaces the following 53 57 182 257 363 430 615 756 1445 1155 1815 18… |
