3500 truck needs CDL?

[tcartwri]

There is a lot of misinformation spewed on every CDL thread by people who refuse to simply read the regulations, and just repeat what somebody somewhere might have said.

I have phoned DOT offices directly for clarifications. Got three different answers for the same question.

 

[terryknight]

I have phoned DOT offices directly for clarifications. Got three different answers for the same question.

sounds about right.....

 

[Rock knocker]

I think one is best off to just read the law themselves.

 

[ultrarunner]

I have phoned DOT offices directly for clarifications. Got three different answers for the same question.

I called the Highway Patrol for child seat clarification and was told only one officer was trained to answer questions and was out on vacation.

 

[Copperhead]

And that is relatively simple stuff. The tax code, that gets real messy and no one can figure the right thing out. My son works as an IRS field agent and half the time he can't answer a question I have. DOT folks have the same problem.

 

[GManBart]

If it's commercially plated and is a combination vehicle (truck + trailer) and you are towing in excess of 10K lbs. then CDL

Key point is commercially plated.

That isn't always true. In some states the GCWR has to be over 26,000lbs and the trailer 10K or greater for it to apply.

 

[3930dave]

And that is relatively simple stuff. The tax code, that gets real messy and no one can figure the right thing out. My son works as an IRS field agent and half the time he can't answer a question I have. DOT folks have the same problem.

I don't think it matters where you live...... Obfuscation: Strategies to Increase Tax Revenue is a standard Govt 201 course.

The real kicker - if you contact the govt for clarification, you'll usually hit a disclaimer clause which basically says "We accept no responsibility for the answers we give you". At least in Canada, that's the case.... but sadly, I expect that experience to be universal.

Total Control + Zero Accountability........ it's a pretty good gig.

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

That isn't always true. In some states the GCWR has to be over 26,000lbs and the trailer 10K or greater for it to apply.

When viewed from some angles, it starts to look like you may be legal to tow a 10,001 # trailer with a Toyota Tercel. Reminds me of a Bugs Bunny cartoon where he looks at the viewer and smirks "I know that what I did just violates the laws of Physics, but I never studied Law".

The dangerous part of this fog/smog of legislation is that many people just end up paying no attention at all.

I was helping a newbie tent-trailer owner sort out a blown fuse recently (total cheeseball wiring story, for another time.....). Putting my coach hat on, I complimented him on getting his safety chains crossed under the tongue properly before I forcefully stressed to him that he HAS TO HAVE a secondary pin or lock to secure the coupler latch.

Many people hooking up small trailers don't even understand the basic safety requirements.

Rgds, D.

 

[Midniteoyl]

This is from the 'Towing something wrong' thread and pretty much shows what it means by '26k lbs combined'.. The trailer is obviously over 10k lbs, but no CDL required Federally. Your State may have other issues though: