$590.00 fine yesterday for not enough license

[SnoKing]

I agree with you. Most RVers need a class A drivers license.

Not in my state currently. My 8800 GVWR truck was licensed to 12K and taxed for 12K by Washington State, and RV trailers are exempt from any requirements. They have no special requirements for RV Trailers over 10K. We do not have non Commercial A or B type licenses, only CDL. I held a Class A CDL for years after I quit driving the tanker until they wanted an annual physical exam.



SNOKING

 

[MMeier]

Harvey: To DELIVER a TT or 5th whl over 26' in length. I haven't looked in the FED DOT rulebook but that is what Quality requires. ID doubled their fee in July. NV just started their

tax and requires you to finish your delivery within 24hrs or buy another permit. I don't pull any combined weights over 26k. My truck with full fuel tank and me is 9700lbs. We have bigger trucks for that. I have been at 25,800lbs pulling monstrous toy haulers or VIP potties but not over the limit. I have 410k on my truck right now.

410k on the '06 ? Now what have those miles paid you ??

 

[CUMMINZ]

I don't know how states get around Federal DOT regs.

 

[HBarlow]

Harvey: To DELIVER a TT or 5th whl over 26' in length. I haven't looked in the FED DOT rulebook but that is what Quality requires. ID doubled their fee in July. NV just started their
tax and requires you to finish your delivery within 24hrs or buy another permit. I don't pull any combined weights over 26k. My truck with full fuel tank and me is 9700lbs. We have bigger trucks for that. I have been at 25,800lbs pulling monstrous toy haulers or VIP potties but not over the limit. I have 410k on my truck right now.

Andersonville,

Quality has apparently made a company rule not to dispatch longer trailers to their non-CDL drivers. I can only assume their company rules are probably based on the 26k combined weight limit. There is no such length limitation in the federal DOT code or in any of the state DOT codes I have ever heard o.

 

[MMeier]

I don't know how states get around Federal DOT regs.

Simple, they make up their own!! When I started my operation back almost 4 years ago, I "***"sumed federal was just that and superceded anything the states wanted. Come to find out... not the hard way... that they come up with whatever they want on top of federal rules and regulations.

 

[Andersonville]

MMeier: NOT NEARLY ENOUGH. BUT I have been to a lot of places I had never seen before which was why I started driving trucks.
Harvey: they do make their own rules. They just made the "company" speed limit 65mph. It was 68 mph. More like a trucking company every day. Time to find something else to do.
They were trying to get more guys to get their CDL. The bigger trailers DID pay more but not so much anymore. It is not worth it to pull them now compared to the wear on my truck. Hauling cars might be the way to go but I can't afford a trailer right now.

 

[DPeltonen]

To be honest, I am amazed at the length of this thread (9 pages???). It should of stopped after the first response with "every state is different with respect to it's own DOT laws. What is legal in one state, can be illegal in the next. The only thing that is the same in every state is federal DOT and the CDL license. "



Haven't you guy's figured out yet that some states don't even have a tiered non-commercial license system? Helloooo, guy's??? You need to know what your own state requires; for the vehicle, as well as the operator. We can sit here forever listening to the guy who has been pulling the 25,000 lb trailer with the half ton Ford for 30 years, or the diligent CDL qualified driver that has done his homework and properly licensed his rig to tow.



Bottom line, cumminz is a decent guy, with a reasonable load, that got nailed by a law set up to generate revenue instead of insure safety. The cop was obviously an a@@ that gave a ticket. Instead of letting him off with a warning and some education, he took him to the cleaners. Shouldn't we be talking about gas mileage, or raking guy's over the coals for towing over their CGVWR's (that would be me) or something?Oo. :-laf

 

[HBarlow]

To be honest, I am amazed at the length of this thread (9 pages???). It should of stopped after the first response with "every state is different with respect to it's own DOT laws. What is legal in one state, can be illegal in the next. The only thing that is the same in every state is federal DOT and the CDL license. "

Haven't you guy's figured out yet that some states don't even have a tiered non-commercial license system? Helloooo, guy's??? You need to know what your own state requires; for the vehicle, as well as the operator. We can sit here forever listening to the guy who has been pulling the 25,000 lb trailer with the half ton Ford for 30 years, or the diligent CDL qualified driver that has done his homework and properly licensed his rig to tow.

Bottom line, cumminz is a decent guy, with a reasonable load, that got nailed by a law set up to generate revenue instead of insure safety. The cop was obviously an a@@ that gave a ticket. Instead of letting him off with a warning and some education, he took him to the cleaners. Shouldn't we be talking about gas mileage, or raking guy's over the coals for towing over their CGVWR's (that would be me) or something?Oo. :-laf

Sorry but that is not true.

All states have adopted the federal code and all of the fundamentals of truck and trailer weights and CDL requirements are standardized.

The laws that differ between states are for registration and driver license requirements which only apply to their residents, not interstate traffic.

Some states have only one license plate but the registration is based on stated weight, some states have weight classes on the license plate, and other weight and fee variations.

 

[CUMMINZ]

To be honest, I am amazed at the length of this thread (9 pages???). It should of stopped after the first response with "every state is different with respect to it's own DOT laws. What is legal in one state, can be illegal in the next. The only thing that is the same in every state is federal DOT and the CDL license. "



Haven't you guy's figured out yet that some states don't even have a tiered non-commercial license system? Helloooo, guy's??? You need to know what your own state requires; for the vehicle, as well as the operator. We can sit here forever listening to the guy who has been pulling the 25,000 lb trailer with the half ton Ford for 30 years, or the diligent CDL qualified driver that has done his homework and properly licensed his rig to tow.



Bottom line, cumminz is a decent guy, with a reasonable load, that got nailed by a law set up to generate revenue instead of insure safety. The cop was obviously an a@@ that gave a ticket. Instead of letting him off with a warning and some education, he took him to the cleaners. Shouldn't we be talking about gas mileage, or raking guy's over the coals for towing over their CGVWR's (that would be me) or something?Oo. :-laf

Thanks for the good pat on the back to me. :-laf



Guess what?? I drove I-85 today from north of Charlotte to Atlanta and back at 68-74mph and got 15. 5 mpg on my perfect running 07. 5 6. 7L with Smarty set on 60HP. :-laf:-laf I love this truck.

 

[SnoKing]

Thanks for the good pat on the back to me. :-laf



Guess what?? I drove I-85 today from north of Charlotte to Atlanta and back at 68-74mph and got 15. 5 mpg on my perfect running 07. 5 6. 7L with Smarty set on 60HP. :-laf:-laf I love this truck.

How big a trailer were you towing? SNOKING

 

[CUMMINZ]

I was towing no trailer. For a truck with 19. 5s and weighs 9500#s I think that is the best I have gotten on a long trip.

 

[SnoKing]

I was towing no trailer. For a truck with 19. 5s and weighs 9500#s I think that is the best I have gotten on a long trip.

So have you corrected the Speedo for the larger diameter tires? I glad that you think that is good mileage, must be a DPF think, right?



In the days gone by, if a truck got that mileage most would have pulled it to the shoulder and shot it.



Chris

 

[DaveHess]

Here is what I found out for North Dakota:



The section of law that covers this is 39-04-19(2)(a) which in effect states; "At a minimum, the registered Gross Weight displayed on the registration card for a pickup truck must be twice the shipping weight of the vehicle. Unless otherwise exempted by this chapter the owner of a pickup truck shall request the registered gross weight of the pickup truck be increased to ensure the registered gross weight is sufficient to include the total weight of the vehicle and any load transported on or by the vehicle. "



My registration card displays 12,000#. So, technically, when hauling my race car I am in violation at a gross combined of 13,000#.

 

[HBarlow]

Here is what I found out for North Dakota:

... ... ... .....

My registration card displays 12,000#. So, technically, when hauling my race car I am in violation at a gross combined of 13,000#.

Are you sure? That does depend on the laws of your state. You are pulling your privately owned trailer and it is probably registered (taxed) on gross vehicle weight just like the truck. You shouldn't have to register your truck to cover the trailer weight if the trailer registration is based on weight.

RV transporters have to register their trucks @ 26k because they are primarily hauling new, unregistered trailers displaying only a transporter plate which is not weight based.

Many, but not all states register and tax the privately owned truck and trailer separately.

 

[CUMMINZ]

SN,



My Smarty corrected my speedo. I know of no one with early 6. 7 that is getting any better than 7-9 towing heavy and any more than 12-13 on highway. I have battled bad mileage since day one. I have DPF and will not remove it.

 

[DaveHess]

Mr. Barlow: In that post I made the leap that since I race for money or profit, that takes me out of the "racing for fun" bunch. In my mind that moves me to a commercial tow. On the other hand, everything behind me while towing is personal use property. Like you mentioned earlier, a post like this from Cumminz makes us think and look and that is important. One interesting point that I did not research is how my trailer is registered. I can tell you this, I pay the same registration fee on my 20 foot open (7,000 pound capacity) car hauler as I do on my 29' Jayco Eagle TT. They both cost me $20. 00 each a year. I would also add, after finding the information I posted above, I contacted a NDHP friend of mine who told me that ordinance is rarely enforced. That's ND mind you.

 

[MMeier]

Was at the Ely DMV today and reregistered the '03 @ 26k. Talked to DMV lady and HP dude that said it pretty much depends on the officer that is inquiring as to whether or not they want to push the weight issue. Wit the travelling I do at times, don't need any extra headaches to go with it ! Now to figure out how to write off the extra fees !!!

 

[morbius]

SN,



My Smarty corrected my speedo. I know of no one with early 6. 7 that is getting any better than 7-9 towing heavy and any more than 12-13 on highway. I have battled bad mileage since day one. I have DPF and will not remove it.

Cumminz,



On my stock 08 6. 7L 3500 4x4 dually truck with all the smog junk in place (EGR wiring harness unplugged), but the banks filter and ram installed, no computer mods, I get 16 MPG averaging 68 mph with 4 people and 3 dogs We are doing so well that our Sunday drivers went from a Lexus GX470 (gets only 13 highway max) to our Dodge Ram 3500 dually ... . Pure city driving in hair ripping California, get a max of 13 MPG.



BTW everyone, I am also breaking a few laws too



Cheers,

Roberto

 

[CUMMINZ]

I am sure DC has made a few refinements in 08 that my early 07. 5 does not have. What rear end gear do you have? I am sure my 19. 5s play a very small role.

 

[HBarlow]

Mr. Barlow: In that post I made the leap that since I race for money or profit, that takes me out of the "racing for fun" bunch. In my mind that moves me to a commercial tow. On the other hand, everything behind me while towing is personal use property. Like you mentioned earlier, a post like this from Cumminz makes us think and look and that is important. One interesting point that I did not research is how my trailer is registered. I can tell you this, I pay the same registration fee on my 20 foot open (7,000 pound capacity) car hauler as I do on my 29' Jayco Eagle TT. They both cost me $20. 00 each a year. I would also add, after finding the information I posted above, I contacted a NDHP friend of mine who told me that ordinance is rarely enforced. That's ND mind you.

Dave,

I have heard second or third hand tales of someone towing a heavy race car trailer being ticketed for not having a CDL A and complying with commercial hauling rules for the reason you suggested. Don't know if the stories are true but technically, that could be considered commercial. If the trooper feels like writing the citation is is up to the judge to decide. You're still out time and trouble.

I think it would be a rare DOT officer who would ticket you for that but, states are seeking revenue. My personal opinion is if you are pulling with a clean, well-maintained dually pickup, good lights, tires, hitch, safety chains, safety break-away lanyard properly attached, obeying speed limit and traffic rules, driving with appropriate courtesy, etc. , you are less likely to be pulled over and inspected.

It sounds like ND does not register trailers based on weight so 26k truck registration might be wise. It doesn't cost a lot more. The additional cost could possibly save you a ticket like Cumminz got.

Edit: I forgot to complete the thought. States use reciprocal agreements. If you are legal in your home state even though you don't meet rules in the state you are transiting, states generally consider you legal. However, if you travel interstate to races and are not meeting ND rules, another state would possibly/probably ticket you even though ND doesn't enforce their rules.