Posted 2007-08-09 8:47 AM (#65473) Subject: USDOT Numbering Requirements
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Lockport, NY
I have researched the DOT numbering requirements for hobbyists trailering their horses to events (shows races, etc.) I have written an article summarizing my findings. I have written it from the perspective of a drag racer (which is what we do). But the regulations apply to horse and boat enthusiasts as well. I hope you read my article and pass it on to others you feel might find it useful.
Posted 2007-08-11 8:53 AM (#65606 - in reply to #65473) Subject: RE: USDOT Numbering Requirements
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720 Location: Never miss a good chance to shut up.
Originally written by MCED on 2007-08-09 8:47 AM
I have researched the DOT numbering requirements for hobbyists trailering their horses to events (shows races, etc.) I have written an article summarizing my findings. I have written it from the perspective of a drag racer (which is what we do). But the regulations apply to horse and boat enthusiasts as well. I hope you read my article and pass it on to others you feel might find it useful.
Posted 2007-08-12 1:15 PM (#65665 - in reply to #65473) Subject: RE: USDOT Numbering Requirements
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
I pull a LQ trailer GCWV of approx 24k lbs max, and travel throughout the western US. I am a non-pro/amateur reiner. I receive prize money but reining is not my occupation and I claim no tax deductions for my reining and horse-related expenses. How does this affect me?
Posted 2007-08-13 1:11 PM (#65738 - in reply to #65665) Subject: RE: USDOT Numbering Requirements
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by headhunter on 2007-08-12 2:15 PM
I pull a LQ trailer GCWV of approx 24k lbs max, and travel throughout the western US. I am a non-pro/amateur reiner. I receive prize money but reining is not my occupation and I claim no tax deductions for my reining and horse-related expenses. How does this affect me?
Well you DO DECLARE your prize winnings as income right???...mustn't upset the IRS
Technically if you are earning money, you could be held by certain DOT agents to be commercial, but I think you could beat it in court...
Posted 2007-08-13 1:21 PM (#65740 - in reply to #65473) Subject: RE: USDOT Numbering Requirements
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
fortunately (or unfortunately, however you want to look at it) I have not won enough in a single year to have to declare it to the IRS. Which to me puts me in a gray area with this particular regulation.
Posted 2007-08-13 2:48 PM (#65746 - in reply to #65473) Subject: RE: USDOT Numbering Requirements
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 346
Good reading. Actually I get asked at least every show we go to about CDL requirements since buying the International 4400 and towing a 32' trailer. I know we are over 26000. The trailer alone/empty weighs 14,500. The truck has to weigh 12 or so.
I claim RV use only and private not for hire is on the doors. We also do not have any decals of sponsors anywhere on the truck or trailer.
Posted 2007-08-13 4:00 PM (#65751 - in reply to #65738) Subject: RE: USDOT Numbering Requirements
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Lockport, NY
Technically....well.....According to the Guidance, Provided by the FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIERS SAFETY ADMIN. The exception WOULD apply. EVEN if you make money.
We desperately need to get this clarification written directly into the REGs so the enforcement agents know it. But in my opinion the exception holds.
If you would like to contact the FMCSA and tell them so, please let me know...I'll post the contact information for everyone. The more the merrier.
Mary
Posted 2007-08-28 11:50 PM (#66686 - in reply to #65473) Subject: RE: USDOT Numbering Requirements
Member
Posts: 38 Location: texas
I too have run across this problem, please read my post "Trouble hauling through Iowa". Something desperately needs to be done about this. Just a note to above a vehicle is considered commercial even if it says not for hire or you don't make any money showing horses(who does) because the FCMVR considers hauling a horse to a show, or the trainers farm, or to a race an intent to profit because it increases the value of the horse. Sneaky wording! Keep me posted!
Posted 2007-08-29 9:24 AM (#66707 - in reply to #65473) Subject: RE: USDOT Numbering Requirements
Expert
Posts: 2615
I couldn't find the specific information on the government website that would address horse hobbyists,but I did call the Motorists Association in the link that you provided,and they were most helpful.The webmaster is going to specifically search for that regulation and email it to me.
Like most government websites,the information is purposefully buried under tons of other non related reading designed to make people tire and just give up in their search for information that can arm them with their rights.
Posted 2007-08-29 9:44 AM (#66709 - in reply to #65473) Subject: RE: USDOT Numbering Requirements
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Lockport, NY
The Horse hobbyists should be covered under that same regulation exception I referred to. (390.3(f)(3))
Here is the specific language of the guidance :
Question 21: Does the exemption in ยง390.3(f)(3) for the "occasional transportation of personal property by individuals not for compensation nor in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise" apply to persons who occasionally use CMVs to transport cars, boats, horses, etc., to races, tournaments, shows or similar events, even if prize money is offered at these events?
Guidance: The exemption would apply to this kind of transportation, provided: (1) The underlying activities are not undertaken for profit, i.e., (a) prize money is declared as ordinary income for tax purposes, and (b) the cost of the underlying activities is not deducted as a business expense for tax purposes; and, where relevant; (2) corporate sponsorship is not involved. Drivers must confer with their State of licensure to determine the licensing provisions to which they are subject.
USDOT Numbering Requirements
I have researched the DOT numbering requirements for hobbyists trailering their horses to events (shows races, etc.) I have written an article summarizing my findings. I have written it from the perspective of a drag racer (which is what we do). But the regulations apply to horse and boat enthusiasts as well. I hope you read my article and pass it on to others you feel might find it useful.
...mustn't upset the IRS