I broke the law... a lot!

[BB_TX]

The requirements may be a federal mandate, but they are enforced by state and local laws. Therein lies the problem. The laws will be worded differently in different states and interpreted differently by different officers within each state.

 

[RayH]

Golly RayH, I guess I was just imaginging that ticket? I expect my friends at the commercial scales must have it wrong also. The judge didn't have a clue either.

I stand down. You are correct. It would seem that CA has classified any trailer over 10000lbs that is not for farmer use or a travel trailer as Commercial dispite the weight of the combination.
So let me ask you, If you are driving a 3/4 ton pickup and pulling a 12000lbs trailer, you must have a CDL "A" right? Do you maintain a CDL physical, log book, HOS? Do you have to maintain IFTA and USDot stickers? Is the pickup only considered to be a commercial vehicle when towing the trailer? So if, for instance, your wife or friend drives just the pickup, do they need a CDL? Im assuming not, but Im confused on how a vehicle can flipflop from commercial to non commercial?

 

[Dirthog]

Pickup And trailer yes for a CDL and physical and log book also you may have to pay road use tax (fuel tax) depending on how many miles you drive with the trailer and your combination weight. My understanding is the only time this applies is when the trailer is hooked up even though at least in Pa. the insurance co classifes a one ton pickup a commercial vehicle.

 

[DavesTractor]

I stand down. You are correct. It would seem that CA has classified any trailer over 10000lbs that is not for farmer use or a travel trailer as Commercial dispite the weight of the combination.
So let me ask you, If you are driving a 3/4 ton pickup and pulling a 12000lbs trailer, you must have a CDL "A" right? Do you maintain a CDL physical, log book, HOS? Do you have to maintain IFTA and USDot stickers? Is the pickup only considered to be a commercial vehicle when towing the trailer? So if, for instance, your wife or friend drives just the pickup, do they need a CDL? Im assuming not, but Im confused on how a vehicle can flipflop from commercial to non commercial?

RayH,
California is goofy on this. Yes I have a CDL, medical card, motor carrier numbers, etc. I only deliver locally, so I do not keep a log book, nor do I go through the scales...as it is not required as I have a pickup. I keep the motor carrier numbers on the trailers, not on the truck. The truck by itself does not require a CDL, only when it is hooked to the trailer. I took my CDL test with a one ton pickup and a gooseneck trailer. They didn't bat an eye, it is a common thing here due to the rules. I do not have an air brake endorsement, so my CDL isn't worth much. I will say though, taking the test, learning the rules, getting serious about pre-trip inspections and proper tie downs, etc...it has made me a more careful operator.

 

[Boomerang1]

Each state has the right to set their own MCR as long the regulations are AS strict as the Federal Regulations but never LESS strict than the Federal Regulation. Countries like california tend to go MORE strict. It's their right. I like to stay in my own country.

 

[DavesTractor]

Countries like california tend to go MORE strict. It's their right. I like to stay in my own country.

Now I know California is "special", but it really isn't a country of it's own, despite what Arizonians thinks! But sometimes I do wonder if you are correct!

 

[Chuck_Lind]

This CDL issue has been raised on this site ever since I joined...and I see the same results. Anything over 26,000 lbs (combination truck & trailer) requires a CDL.

I asked the Pennsylvania Dept of Transportation regarding the rules and you know what they wanted to know? My vehicle serial number, license plate number, etc. Now...just what did they plan on using that for?? I wrote back and told them to get lost and perform an honest day's work!!!

 

[Steve_a_reno]

I just went through all this crap and took a drastic measure. Read above post" I almost broke the law.... a lot"

Steve

 

[neverenough]

I will say though, taking the test, learning the rules, getting serious about pre-trip inspections and proper tie downs, etc...it has made me a more careful operator.

That is exactly why I think there should be a special license for pick up trucks.

 

[rback33]

Each state has the right to set their own MCR as long the regulations are AS strict as the Federal Regulations but never LESS strict than the Federal Regulation. Countries like california tend to go MORE strict. It's their right. I like to stay in my own country.

Ding, ding, ding we have a winner. Fedlaw States anything 26,001 lbs or heavier is commerical & requires CDL.. 10,001 or heaver is Commercial but does not require CDL license.. this is GCVWR.. truck and trailer combined.. exceptions are enormous... I can email pages outta the Fed book if anyone wants them....