Posted 2018-02-01 1:56 PM (#171233 - in reply to #171079) Subject: RE: Do I need a CDL?
Member
Posts: 17
Location: Central PA
I just received this information sheet which I have attached from a customer so take it for what it is worth but this is what my DOT officer told me as well. You can see it has FMCSA listed on the bottom.
Posted 2018-02-01 2:08 PM (#171234 - in reply to #171079) Subject: RE: Do I need a CDL?
Member
Posts: 17
Location: Central PA
Ok so sorry the attachment was too large so I cut the important part out. Attached is the important part of this document. This document was released by the Minnesota State Patrol and FMCSA is listed on it as well. I really wish everyone could see the whole thing but the important stuff is there. If you say yes to any of the 4 you would need to go to number 5.
Posted 2018-02-01 6:42 PM (#171237 - in reply to #171139) Subject: RE: Do I need a CDL?
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont
hosspuller - 2018-01-17 1:27 PM
PaulChristenson - 2018-01-16 10:35 PM
hosspuller - 2018-01-15 4:03 AM Careful ... We're speaking about two different things. A license is classed and then there is CDL (Commercial) One has to have the proper class license for the vehicle size / weight. If in commercial service then a CDL is also required. Example: In North Carolina... Class A license cost $5 per year. A Commercial Class A license costs $20 per year.
Many stated do NOT have classed licenses...but use the CDL for those specific needs
Which states do NOT have classed non-commercial licenses ? The Feds are pushing all the states toward a standard license system because of the interstate highway system.
Posted 2018-02-01 8:04 PM (#171238 - in reply to #171237) Subject: RE: Do I need a CDL?
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont
PaulChristenson - 2018-02-01 9:42 PM
hosspuller - 2018-01-17 1:27 PM
PaulChristenson - 2018-01-16 10:35 PM
hosspuller - 2018-01-15 4:03 AM Careful ... We're speaking about two different things. A license is classed and then there is CDL (Commercial) One has to have the proper class license for the vehicle size / weight. If in commercial service then a CDL is also required. Example: In North Carolina... Class A license cost $5 per year. A Commercial Class A license costs $20 per year.
Many stated do NOT have classed licenses...but use the CDL for those specific needs
Which states do NOT have classed non-commercial licenses ? The Feds are pushing all the states toward a standard license system because of the interstate highway system.
I misread your question...
CA and TX DO have non-commercial license classifications
Vermont for one does NOT have classed NON-Commercial licenses
Posted 2018-02-01 9:05 PM (#171239 - in reply to #171079) Subject: RE: Do I need a CDL?
Regular
Posts: 56
Location: Belchertown MA
I for one wish they would they would make it the same for all states just the way it's in the CA link . Take the tests in the vehicle you want to operate PASS get license for that class that would be good in all states. ( I know not everybody would like this because it would force them to learn how to drive thier vehicles ) The states should like it to, more $ for license fees It sucks having to worry what each states interpretations of current laws are, or each officers are, because they are all different. We should be ok ours is registered as a camper and we only trail ride and camp and everywhere I read RV's are exempt BUT then there's always who's interpreting it
Posted 2018-02-02 9:42 AM (#171240 - in reply to #171079) Subject: RE: Do I need a CDL?
Veteran
Posts: 147
Location: Harrisburg, OR
Treas, I have been given the same sheet by customers. It seems the hangup mainly comes with #4 because it really leaves it open to the officer's interpretation. On a side note, I was ticketed hauling an LQ trailer in CA 4 years ago for not having a CDL ($1800+). Explained to the officer that LQ's are considered RV's in Oregon and therefore are exempt. Was cited anyways. Took it to court and won...if you consider spending $900 on an attorney "winning". What I have been telling my customers and would suggest to people reading this thread is register your concerns with your state representatives, FMCSA and anyone else that will listen. There are multipled groups and lobbyists fighting this but the more people that call and complain the more likelihood we have at success. Thad
Posted 2018-02-02 1:34 PM (#171241 - in reply to #171079) Subject: RE: Do I need a CDL?
Member
Posts: 17
Location: Central PA
You are correct Thad in that you should win that case and then in turn the state should pay your fees but who the heck are we kidding what state would actually do that. I personally do have my CDL but I am also DOT, IFTA, UCR and FMCSA but that is because I haul these trailers as part of my business half the time and then the other half is me going out with my family and riding our horses on personal time on the weekends so I would not need it for the weekends but during the week it is something I must have. I really do hope that enough people can come together and help get this resolved for the person who is taking their 13 year old to a barrel race or the lady that is going to a horse show on the weekend to have a good time. Not that these people would need a CDL but it makes them worry that they might because of all the chatter out there. Good luck to all and just go have that fun with your horses which is why we are all here anyway.
Posted 2018-02-02 9:05 PM (#171247 - in reply to #171240) Subject: RE: Do I need a CDL?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379
Location: Missouri
akinstrailers - 2018-02-02 9:42 AM Treas, I have been given the same sheet by customers. It seems the hangup mainly comes with #4 because it really leaves it open to the officer's interpretation. On a side note, I was ticketed hauling an LQ trailer in CA 4 years ago for not having a CDL ($1800+). Explained to the officer that LQ's are considered RV's in Oregon and therefore are exempt. Was cited anyways. Took it to court and won...if you consider spending $900 on an attorney "winning". What I have been telling my customers and would suggest to people reading this thread is register your concerns with your state representatives, FMCSA and anyone else that will listen. There are multipled groups and lobbyists fighting this but the more people that call and complain the more likelihood we have at success. Thad
That's when you counter sue for the cost of defending yourself. If enough people started defending, wining, and then sued for to cost incured defending yourself because of the states wrongful charges, this **** would stop.
Posted 2018-02-12 9:01 AM (#171261 - in reply to #171260) Subject: RE: Do I need a CDL?
Member
Posts: 17
Location: Central PA
CDL is Commercial Drivers License if you are not commercial than you would not need a CDL. You only need a CDL when you are trying to further the outcome of a business you are part of. Its pretty simple to understand as the name itself explains it but so many people and places keep spreading these crazy rumors. As long as you are not in the furtherance of a business then you are not commercial. Good luck!!!
Posted 2018-02-13 8:52 AM (#171263 - in reply to #171261) Subject: RE: Do I need a CDL?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 789
Location: Tenn/Ala.
Treas - 2018-02-12 9:01 AM CDL is Commercial Drivers License if you are not commercial than you would not need a CDL. You only need a CDL when you are trying to further the outcome of a business you are part of. Its pretty simple to understand as the name itself explains it but so many people and places keep spreading these crazy rumors. As long as you are not in the furtherance of a business then you are not commercial. Good luck!!!
That might not necessarily be the case in every state. In TN according to the DOT instruction class I attended, the officer is going to add the GVWR of your truck and trailer together. If it is >26,000# and you cannot claim one of these: A) The RV exemption- must be certified RV, and have no business ties whatsoever such as being depreciated on your books/taxes. B) Farm exemption- Are hauling your farm's production directly to market within 150 miles from your farm. Then he is going to be looking for a Class A license, which is a CDL in TN. I'm not saying that is good, or fair, or whatever. But that is the word with the TN Highway Patrol. But- they generally are not particularly concerned with horse trailers and are more interested in big trucks.
And yes, I personally think this needs to change. AARP manages to get the RV exemption. But to have a horse trailer on a pick up truck in the same class as a 80,000# semi-truck doesn't make sense. In fact, it is possible that the folks with a DRW and/or even a 450 type of truck enjoy more stability than the 3/4T folks with their LQ, but that then may throw them into the >26K group and thus a pain for licensing- thus discouraging the potential safety of a larger truck. But whom will promote this reform? Do we have a lobbying group capable of such? This current system has been in place for decades, nothing has changed. It is just that from time to time awareness brings it to light again. And frankly- as we've mentioned here many times- ask 15 officers what you need, and you get 15 different answers. And I have posed that exact question in several states with the same results.
I am sure I stand subject to correction on possibly many points. This is just what I have been taught and experienced.