DavesTractor
Elite Member
In California, a pickup is no longer a pickup if the GVWR tag is 11,500 or greater. Even if it is registered as a pickup and has the original pickup bed. This has some interesting ramifications.
CVC 471. A "pickup truck" is a motor truck with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of less than 11,500 pounds, an unladen weight of less than 8,001 pounds, and which is equipped with an open box-type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length. "Pickup truck" does not include a motor vehicle otherwise meeting the above definition, that is equipped with a bed-mounted storage compartment unit commonly called a "utility body."
My 2006 Dodge dually is rated at 12,200. So when I go by any open scales, even unloaded and with no trailer, I am breaking the law. It says "no pickups", but I am not a pickup. This has been brought to my attention by the CHP. It also means, since I occasionally tow a 20' 14K bumper pull in my business, I am subject to the California BIT (terminal inspection program), employee pull notices, drug testing, etc...just like a Peterbilt with a real trailer.
As a practical matter, the scale issue isn't enforced with any enthusiasm, but the BIT program is.
I've contacted my local government representative and he agrees the definition should be changed to a higher rating, but changing things like this is slow. I contacted Dodge and asked about a derating, and they have not been helpful. Anyone else have to deal with this? We are all legal, CDL, motor carrier permits, BIT, etc., but it seems ridiculous.
CVC 471. A "pickup truck" is a motor truck with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of less than 11,500 pounds, an unladen weight of less than 8,001 pounds, and which is equipped with an open box-type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length. "Pickup truck" does not include a motor vehicle otherwise meeting the above definition, that is equipped with a bed-mounted storage compartment unit commonly called a "utility body."
My 2006 Dodge dually is rated at 12,200. So when I go by any open scales, even unloaded and with no trailer, I am breaking the law. It says "no pickups", but I am not a pickup. This has been brought to my attention by the CHP. It also means, since I occasionally tow a 20' 14K bumper pull in my business, I am subject to the California BIT (terminal inspection program), employee pull notices, drug testing, etc...just like a Peterbilt with a real trailer.
As a practical matter, the scale issue isn't enforced with any enthusiasm, but the BIT program is.
I've contacted my local government representative and he agrees the definition should be changed to a higher rating, but changing things like this is slow. I contacted Dodge and asked about a derating, and they have not been helpful. Anyone else have to deal with this? We are all legal, CDL, motor carrier permits, BIT, etc., but it seems ridiculous.
