If you're going to use your horses for commercial uses, make money on/with them, you're subject to the same restrictions as a "trucker".  Recreational use is not subjected to the same laws. 

If you're going to write your ranch or stable name on the side of your truck, and tell the officer you're going to a horse race, horse show, horse sale, etc. you're driving a commercial vehicle.

I drive a F350 and haul a large trailer for work.  I have a class A CDL, get a physical every 2 years for interstate travel, carry a log book if over 100 miles from home, have a DOT #, get my truck inspected once a year, keep extra fuses, extinguisher, and 3 traffic triangles.

It's not that big of deal once you get set up, or maybe you should tell the officer you're going for a trail ride with your saddle club.

I live in NYS and this has been circulating around for awhile. I'm rather skeptical of the validity of it. However - if you are making money it IS commercial and you need a CDL. If you are like me, a weekend trailrider who hauls horses around to sleep in the woods, well, I bet you don't have to worry one bit. Of course keep your trailer legal! For crying out loud you are hauling your best friend(s) around in it. Make it as safe as possible.

In PA, especially the western areas, many trailers are being stopped. They are not specifically targeting horse trailers, but will stop any rig for "safety" checks. They are especially concerned with weights, safety chains and break away equipment. This is a result of a contractor with no safety chains, loosing his trailer and killing an entire family in a van.

Many pick up trucks are being ticketed for being overweight, while pulling GN LQ trailers. Most troopers carry portable scales and will check on the spot. I had to change my registration to a "combined" classification to become legal. Of course this literally doubles the yearly registration fee.

So far they are not concentrating on the equine industry, and there are many of us in this area. With the local revenue situations becoming critical, this may change to a source of additional funding.

Gard

My cable is attached to a D-Ring that's attached to the center stake pocket...... Up high and away from the hitch and safety chains, don't know if it's correct or not, just the way I've always done it.

1. If you are driving a vehicle or combinations of vehicles under 10,001 lbs. GVWR or GCVWR, you don't have to be concerned with the FMCSR's or a commercial driver's license (CDL). You must, however, follow the safety equipment requirements and driver's license requirements of your own state.
2. If you are driving a vehicle or combination of vehicles interstate 10,001 to 26,000 pounds GVWR, you must decide if you are commercial and subject to FMCSR. You do not need a commercial driver's license (CDL), although your home state may have an additional classification of driver's license. (The initial decision is up to the owner whether or not he/she is pursuing a hobby or is involved in interstate commerce and he/she bears the burden of proof. If you only travel within your state, you may follow the state definitions of commercial, but if you plan to travel into other states and your vehicle or combination is 10,001 lbs or more, the official recommendation from Federal Authorities is that you follow FMCSR's)
3. If you are driving a vehicle or combination of vehicles intrastate 10,001 to 26,000 lbs GVWR, you must follow your home state requirements if they differ from the Federal requirements.
4. If you are driving a vehicle or combinations of vehicles 26,001 lbs. GVWR or more interstate you must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) and you must follow FMCSR.
5. If you are driving a vehicle or combination of vehicles 26,001 lbs. GVWR or more intrastate, you must follow your state guidelines for commercial licensing (CDL), and FMCSR requirements.

Farm exemptions can be obtained in some instances, but the vehicle must stay within 150 miles of home.
Many states require trucks and trailers to have license plates that are labeled "commercial" but this does not always mean you are considered "commercial" in all states.

We are camping in the Adirondack Mountains right now and we were pulled over by the Environmental Conservation police on the way up RT12 Wednesday.

If you go up RT 28 at Alder Creek and head north, you'll find many beautiful spots. There's riding at Inlet, south of Thendera, and the Saranac Lakes region.  Lake Placid has the large shows and riding. I believe there is also some riding in the high peaks area.

Gard

There's also some nice riding at Boonville (off 12N) and the Brookfield trail system (off 12 S) attracts many riders. Thank you for your generous offer.

Gard

I was pulled over in Missouri for a livestock check and informed, nicely I might add, that it should be hooked anywhere other than with safety chains or coupler. Now that was his interpretation, but it makes sense. If your coupler fails, then your safety chains hold it, but if both the coupler and chains fail, then the brake cable will at least stop it.

quote... He also said that some time the state trooper give put tickets that are not  right  so call you local DOT office and check before you pay.
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I guess they don't give refunds...!!