Help in IL what plate B or D truck

[tony1461571]

I just ordered our new 2014 Ram longhorn mega cab with 6.4 box. And 6.7 L with Aisin 6 speed trans with 4.10 gear DWR. I've had a 1ton DWR since 98 always used a B truck plate. And pull 5th wheel camper The Salesman at the Dodge dealer said We need to go with a D plate as the truck is over 8,001 LBS not sure how to go with this. But would welcome any input from IL or surrounding states that are familiar with the laws here.

 

[fox]

As I was told by a trooper who is a friend, you cannot exceed the plate rating! If you truck has b plates and is ever over 8,000 and no trailer you must have a higher plate rating. Now, if the truck is 8,500 lbs and you have a trailer on it with b plates, the combined weight cannot exceed 16,000lbs.

Years ago they had a c plate I used, but they discontinued it. It was good to 12,000.
A d plate I believe is good for 16,000 lbs and requires all the related safety equipment, like flares. Possibly inspections too. That was never clarified.

 

[Jim W]

You need a "D" plate in IL if you have a one (1) ton truck as stated above anything over 8,000 LBS needs a "D" plate and the cost is for how much you are willing to register the truck for. The "D" plates are also renew yearly ever June. This was one of the reasons I bought a 3/4 ton truck this can have a "B" plate. I have had several guys stop and ask me how I can get away with a "B" plate and tow a 5er, simple the 5er is an RV and the truck when not loaded is under 8,000 LBS.

Jim W.

 

[shorthorn]

Be careful on interpretation of the law... A 3/4 ton truck must have a D plate on it as well. Has nothing to do with the actual weight of the truck, it goes by the GVWR. In fact, some of the new 1/2 ton trucks now must of D plates... My 05 3/4 ton is rated at 9,000 lbs, hence it has D plates by law (does not matter what the empty or loaded actual weights are).

Oh, and don't forget, you are also (by owning a truck over 8000 lb GVWR) required by state law to have it safety inspected every 6 months.

Keep running your B plates if you want... But just know that if you are in an accident or pulled over with the wrong plates and no safety inspections, ignorance is not an excuse.

 

[Jim W]

Be careful on interpretation of the law... A 3/4 ton truck must have a D plate on it as well. Has nothing to do with the actual weight of the truck, it goes by the GVWR. In fact, some of the new 1/2 ton trucks now must of D plates... My 05 3/4 ton is rated at 9,000 lbs, hence it has D plates by law (does not matter what the empty or loaded actual weights are).

Oh, and don't forget, you are also (by owning a truck over 8000 lb GVWR) required by state law to have it safety inspected every 6 months.

Keep running your B plates if you want... But just know that if you are in an accident or pulled over with the wrong plates and no safety inspections, ignorance is not an excuse.

Per the IL secretary of state the law reads and I quote "•B-truck license plates are issued to Second Division vehicles weighing 8,000 pounds or less. B-truck license plates have blue characters on a white background".

The GVWR does not come in to effect unless you register the truck with a D plate.

My truck weighs less than 8,000 LBS with myself and my wife in the truck.


Jim W.

 

[shorthorn]

Jim, I Dont Want To seem like I Am Arguing. I Also Read ThE law Like You. However After Talking With The Dmv, 2 State Troopers, And Calling The Secertary Of States Office For Clarification It Was Always The Max Vehicle Rating, Not Actual Weight.

 

[fox]

From the trooper I know, a b plate can be used on a 3/4 ton truck. Even on a ton truck. Just don't load it past 8,000 lbs.

Short horn, where do you live?

 

[tony1461571]

Yes, I called The Secretary of State Police they said it is just GVW I will just get a D plate better safe than sorry, don't want to give the State any more of my money than I have to.

 

[shorthorn]

Yes, I called The Secretary of State Police they said it is just GVW I will just get a D plate better safe than sorry, don't want to give the State any more of my money than I have to.

I believe you made a wise choise. Be sure to keep up on your safety inspections as well.

Fox - I am from rural Kankakee county (about 60 miles south of the city).

 

[Camperman]

I got "D" plates also. My bride called the DOT in 2005 when we were researching this issue. The truck by it self is generally ok with a "B" plate, that is good for 8,000 lbs. When you hook your 5er on, the pin weight will exceed the 8,000lbs. If they ever start weighing 5er's for plate compliance, better safe than sorry. I live in Illinois, Montgomery Co. Do keep in mind with that inspection sticker, have triangle flares and a fire extinguisher on board.

 

[Jim W]

I have started to look at the license plate on IL trucks more closely since this was posted. Will so far I have seen 5- 1 ton dually truck's with B license plates on them. Three had 5er hitches in the back; these were in the camp grounds when camping with my 5er and two had bed caps on them. They all seem to be either second gen trucks or very early third gen trucks.
Jim W.

 

[tony1461571]

I have started to look at the license plate on IL trucks morethan closely since this was posted. Will so far I have seen 5- 1 ton dually truck's with B license plates on them. Three had 5er hitches in the back; these were in the camp grounds when camping with my 5er and two had bed caps on them. They all seem to be either second gen trucks or very early third gen trucks.
Jim W.

Jim W Yeah, my 1998.5 always had b-truck never had any trouble and many won't have. But if you get the wrong officer you could have more trouble than you want the fine is high $1500 as well as everything else I have seen many posts from others. They have talked to different agencies and all have a different answer. I've even got two different answers as to whether you have to get your truck inspected one said yes the other no. And only if you are commercial driver. The Secretary of State Police told me that they only count the truck no trailer, but if your truck is borderline and you haul to much you get the burnt total weight is what they look for. So I would say to all B-Truck at your own risk, and if you get hammered you will just have to pay.
B-Truck plates at your own risk