OK...I am going to appologize up front if this has been discussed before.....


Scenario.....

A freind borrowed my new 16 foot ATV trailer, its a 7,000 lb trailer.....
Legal plates, lights etc...... <grin>

Drove his 3/4 ton chevy..... unmarked...no business propaganda etc.....

Gets a $125 ticket in Branch CO..... for

" driving a truck over the 10,001 combined GVWR of Truck (9800) and trailer(7000), without having a chauffers licence".

Also, the officer informed him that he will also need to get DOT stickers....

OK.... so I check the web... cant find a thing...the only thing I find is about "commerrcial" vehicles commbined GVWR over 10,001 need a Chauffers license....

ok, so landscapers, etc.... I get it.....

but this guy was NOT commercial..... so I call the State Police...

I tell him what happened and he tells me the story....

Yes.... need a Chauffers lic for any truck and trailer COMBINED GVWR (so basiclay any half or 3/4 ton truck pulling ANYTHING) that is a "business Venture".... not specificaly a "business"...

then he goes on to tell me that if I pull my horse trailer to a "show".... and I could possibly win $1.00..... then YES I would need the C license......
so the "law" as he states it is up to alot of interpretation.....

Now the DOT sticker.... he tells me that Yes.... that Granholm just got a grant from Homeland security...and that in the near future ANYONE regardless of business...if your hauling a trailer, will be required to get DOT stickers......
sigh.....

so....does anyone have any clarification on the Law...?? if I am pulling my horse trailer, or ATV trailer...do I need a C license..??

I swear... this state is so screwed up.....

and apparently..in Branch CO...ALLOT of people have been getting tickets....for just pulling horse trailers...or Snowmobiles this winte.... etc....

anyone have any more info....

I am just worried that I am going to get a ticket.....LOL

DJ

 

Go to the MDOT website and read under chauffer's/cdl licenses, if your statement is correct they are misinterpreting the law to line their pockets IMO.

 

I agree...... thanks...

how do you argure that point..in court...when you get a ticket... ..hahahah !!


and the stupid web doesnt really explain it very well.... I think its a way to get some money for grand old state of MI.....they are know for that.....

But I Think its a pretty dirty trick... for people who dont "THINK" that they are commercial....

the gap in the law is that...it doesnt say "commercial" it just says "business Venture".... which means " doing anything with the purpose of sellingor possibly making a $1.00"

well anyway...for those of you in MI..... Heads Up!!

sigh....
DJ

 

Just an FYI ... I have a class B non CDL license here is IL.

Class B
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. (Holders of a Class B license may, with any appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles within Class C and D.)

Here the non CDL license is called a RV license.

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/de...nse_class.html

 

And some people thing CA is bad. Sheesh.

CA sonds close to IL from what 20045SP500HO posted.

CA makes the distinction of commercial licensing being "For Hire." But the kicker, is with the licensing, it can depend on the type of trailer. If it's a "trailer coach" (i.e. toy hauler, travel trailer) it's looked at differently than others (i.e. "Utility" or "Van" (think big rig enclosed trailers.)) The other trailers (easily IDed by the "California Perm Trailer" plates require Class A CDL when GVWR is 10,001lbs OR more. CA only looks at the GVWR of the individual trailers and not GCWR. Or the two vehicles GVWR combined.

Note if you're pulling a trailer coach for hire (hot shot, work for a dealer, towing a break down, etc.) and it's 10,001 or greater GVWR then CDL is required.

The CDL licenses have been on the books since the '50s, and there weren't too many 10,001lb travel trailers roaming the country back then.

There's different ratings of what you need (either endorsement, classes, etc.) based on trailer weight, and type (fifth-wheel vs. other).

Though it's a very RARELY enforced law in CA. Pretty much it's a CHP thing (locals don't even have a clue) and they look for the CDL guys and gross speeders.

Forgot to mention that CHP did crack down on guys pulling race trailers. I don't think that TTs/THs are far off. Especially if they keep getting heavier and more accidents happen.

Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote