DOT and non comercial traffic

[ModMech]

wow.. I've never heard of a private semi.. I thought you would need at least a class C license due to air brakes ??

soundguy

Contrary to popular impression and much DIS-information by unscrupulous leasing, rental and sales places, Air Brakes does NOT require a CDL no matter the vehicle. Vehicle type and weight are the only two factors after you have crossed into "commercial" territory (for hire, profit etc).

When I worked for the leasing company, we actually had a framed letter from the Federal Department of Transportation clarifying this point because everything we owned had air brakes, even the "non-CDL" weight trucks. Most customers were hesitant to rent/lease them because they had been told or believed the drivers needed a CDL because of the air brakes, even though the truck was 25,500 in GVW (box truck). When you can show them an official LEGAL LETTER stating that the type of brakes has no impact on CDL requirements, it makes things a LOT easier. We even placed copies of the letter in with the units documents.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Got a link?

It is a very common misconception that air brakes need a CDL.

It mentions nothing here.

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdlguide.pdf

In Indiana you do not need a CDL to operate air brakes. If it falls into CDL category you then need a Air Brake endorsement.

My neighbor got his CDL in a Ford Van pulling a generator cart for the phone company. He then got assigned to a bucket truck and had to get a air brake endorsement due to it having air brakes but no additional test.

Chris

 

[Duffster]

In Indiana you do not need a CDL to operate air brakes. If it falls into CDL category you then need a CDL endorsement.

My neighbor got his CDL in a Ford Van pulling a generator cart for the phone company. He then got assigned to a bucket truck and had to get a air brake endorsement bu no additional test.

Chris

Technically there is no "air brake endorsement". If you take the drivers test in a non air equipped truck you will get a Restriction.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Technically there is no "air brake endorsement". If you take the drivers test in a non air equipped truck you will get a Restriction.

Yes, you are right. Its just a limitation. In my example he had to go back and get that lifted.

Chris

 

[dcyrilc]

Technically there is no "air brake endorsement". If you take the drivers test in a non air equipped truck you will get a Restriction.

Same in Washington.

 

[Bedlam]

Did you spill ya coffee?

 

[Sabretooth]

I cannot believe I just read this entire 14pg thread alas you forgot one general endorsement that is if you take your test in a tractor with Auto that's all you can drive but if you take it with a manual you can do both (at least that was the way when I got mine back in NY in 90')I just had to add something since it looks like this thread just keeps going going going maybe by the end of it we will rewrite the guidlines for them. I haven't driven a real truck in 10 yrs(Texas does not pay enough for me to get behind the wheel) but kept the classA I keep reading the fees are going up when I moved to TX it was $60 for a little less than six years because it renews on B-day. When I lived in AZ it was just about same but gf payed $18 for her license and was good till she turned I think 65 or 70

I think Everybody should take a road test like the CDL test and fill out a logbook/inspection even just to drive KIA at least it would teach someone to check their vehicle before just jumping in and go. Maybe it would save a few of our lives I know you cant stop people from just being dumb but maybe it would at least give them some of the tools not to be I pull off the road sometimes with the crap I have seen here in Dallas and wait or just go a different way. I know his will start another debate but at least (knock on wood) I have been ticket/accident free for over 15yrs.

 

[Reg]

The "I wonder why THAT one is pulled over" is as common as
"Where ARE they now and why doesn't one come by and put THIS guy out of service ?"

Example;
Last week a landscape trailer in the breakdown lane of the interstate doing maybe 35 MPH.
The front had rail road ties stacked high enough to support the railroad rails overhanging the back of the truck and almost dragging on the ground WAY behind the trailer (with no overhang flag).
The front of the trailer was weighing down the back of the truck so much that he had to have seriously light steering.
Don't know much about railways, but I think they might have been 40ft lengths.
Point is that trailer was WAY overloaded and there was way too much load on the hitch for the truck to be stable.

My other guess is that they were stealing the ties and rails, "just cause" ?
I think SO.

 

[radioman]

I think Everybody should take a road test like the CDL test and fill out a logbook/inspection even just to drive KIA at least it would teach someone to check their vehicle before just jumping in and go. .

SO anybody who is a MR.Mom or stay at home mother providing taxi service for the kids gotta fill out a log book between the hectic schedule with the kids in a kia sendona van ?! oooo boy! I can see alot of angry parants on this one! :laughing:

 

[MikeD74T]

What cash value do you attach to these "trophies"? I got some stuff in storage I'll sell you

Eight Important Questions for Hobbyists

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p525.pdf

Maybe you could under withold on this years income & send the trophies to IRS next April??? :laughing: MikeD74T