We stay on the French side and often drive to the dutch side in the early evening for dinner, returning after dark and have never encountered a problem. We always have traveled through the south side of the island. Our rental car person recommended leaving the glove box open and don't even leave a bag of trash/beach towel ect. in the car to temp. We have left luggage in the trunk at the Maho beach parking lot while having lunch before our flight with no issue.