I wouldn't get worked into to big a fit about this stuff. It will effect Florida because they want to issue temp permits, " to make another dollar, no doubt", As for the rest of the country, if you check with most truck drivers, well its the same law we've had. For the most part its never been inforced around here and I'm not sure you'll see that change. To change will take more money to inforce, however it does mean you won't get that automatic pass at the scales and it Will give them excuse to check your rig. So don't be loading up with ill-legals on the way home... I wonder if this law has anything to do with the first 10 nights of racing opening up in Georgia or is it Alabama at Golden Isles. 10 nights of Late Models for 10,000 to Win. I just can't see that worken out.

You are correct in the fact they have not enforced laws that have stood for a long time, ,,,,,,,,As far as "private motor coach or not for hire" Thats only for looks, Look for insurance carriers as well as the DMV to become saavy to practices of registering tractors as motorcoachs also.

I touched on this before. I do not know exactly what Florida is doing. Here's the deal though

1)Just because you have a toterhome that does not make it a truck
2)The reason people are stopped is for incorrect registration
3)Just cause you meet RV requirements that does not mean your an RV
4)Not For Hire/Private means you are hauling your personal belongings. You are not being paid for transporting freight.
5)No stickers on outside keeps you from being commercial
6)RV's and not all 5th wheels have to stop at scales even over 10,000#
7)You do not need a CDL to drive a toterhome/RV even if over 26,000# if titled correctly

People just think they have all the answers when getting a "truck". They're buddy Joe (not you the other Joe) tells them what they need when he really has no idea. That's where the trouble starts. Now you get everyone on a message board giving different statements and it's all a mess. Your local DMV isn't much help either.

If you buy a tractor and do a conversion or have someone do it, it is still a tractor. You need a CDL. If you buy a legitimate manufactured toterhome intended on being used as an RV it will be retitled!

If you have a toterhome that is titled as a "motor coach" and meet the requirements to register it as a "motor home" you are 100% legal as long as you do not put commercial names on it. It's Private no scales. Period.

The vehicle I refered to in the past on here is a Kenworth toterhome. It use to pull a 48' trailer. It now pulls a shorter stacker. This truck goes to Florida often. It has been through DOT inspections and is 100% legal to operate without a CDL or scaling.




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Did i leave somthing out. If there is noncomplience your leaving yourself open . Yes I do this for a living and the fact remains you will not have much luck trying to inteprete Dot standards to the officer in the scalehouse. First off wieght of the veicle is very important.

Race car haulers are not the only one they are cracking down. They are going after guys hauling antique tractors around also with a pickup and open trailer with just one tractor. I know a guy that got his impounded in Illinois. They told him he had to have DOT numbers and would not let him move it until he had them. He told them it was all his and not for hire that he was going to a show and they told him that it did not matter. DOT is federal and if you ask in different states they will give you different answers.

Hey Jason, try telling that to the old lady that works the ISP motor carrier divison in Seymour, In. Bet she will tell you different. If it is over 10,001# you have to have DOT #s.

Publication 401
Indiana Department of Revenue

Guidelines for the Indiana US DOT Number
and Marking Requirements

SP 282
(1/03)


What is the Amended Law?

This publication addresses Indiana Code 8-2.1-24-18 and the adoption of numerous federal rules
regarding United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) numbers and vehicle markings for
intrastate carriers. In general, this means certain intrastate motor carriers now have to obtain a US DOT
number and mark their motor vehicles. The US DOT number marking requirements complements a
nationwide initiative to enhance motor carrier compliance and safety regulations.

Certain carriers also have to file proof of financial responsibility and pay a $10.00 fee per vehicle. This
publication explains the US DOT number application process, the marking requirements, and the fees.

Who Does This Law Affect?

The law affects both private and for-hire intrastate carriers, who transport passengers or property when
the vehicle:

And this is where it gets sticky. A race team can preclude themselves from being a for-hire carrier - but do they fit the definition of a private carrier?

In my experience, the answer would be no. A private carrier is generally considered by Federal permit standards as an entity that manufacturers AND transports its own goods/products for compensation. The idea dating back to regulated trucking when an actual ICC or CC permit was required to use publically funded highways as a means for commerce by private individuals/companies. Permits were difficult to obtain in order to protect shipping routes - thus someone like a farmer or glass manufacturer who wanted to transport their own goods fell under the private carrier definition to move their products - but could not engage in for hire operations.

With that said - having a DOT number is a joke. It means nothing other than your registered with the federal govt and states. Not one time since they started issuing the DOT numbers have I been asked to see the actual permit. It's simply a number that goes on forms to fill out - mostly to confirm the status of our insurance. That has been my experience anyway. Oh ya - and it basically made my interstate and intrastate permits worthless because any uneducated ambition can fill out the paperwork for a DOT number and engage in commerce.

Now - my question is, if I'm required to be tested and abide by specific rules because I'm operating a commercial vehicle over 10,000 lbs - then where is the testing and rules for the guy operating a vehicle of equal size and weight? I can hook my 28,000 lb motorhome up to my 10,000 lb trailer and put anybody I want behind the wheel including a 16 year old kid or an 85 year old grandma and truck on down the road without anybody batting an eye. I accept the requirement in my commercial vehicle because I'm engaged in commerce on public highways.

I personally don't believe any race hauler, whether it be a dually with an open trailer, or a 75' long toterhome and trailer falls under these regulations. On the other hand - it's so simple to abide by the rule, the worst thing I can think of in the rule is putting those ugly worthless numbers on the side of the truck.

And it's eaiser than arguing with someone alongside the road who doesn't have a clue how to get the thing up and down the road anyway.

Besides - it could be worse. Now Idaho is starting to write tickets for having too many cab lights on the truck.:doh:


Ted

Bluteam said.

Now - my question is, if I'm required to be tested and abide by specific rules because I'm operating a commercial vehicle over 10,000 lbs - then where is the testing and rules for the guy operating a vehicle of equal size and weight? I can hook my 28,000 lb motorhome up to my 10,000 lb trailer and put anybody I want behind the wheel including a 16 year old kid or an 85 year old grandma and truck on down the road without anybody batting an eye. I accept the requirement in my commercial vehicle because I'm engaged in commerce on public highways.

You are right, of course. I agree. My motorhome/toad combination is nearly 65' and weighs about 40,000 lb and I have no special training or license. I do believe I exercise common sense when on the highways and give every courtesy to the people earning a living as well as "four wheelers" driving like idiots. I also believe most (there definetly are exceptions) RV'ers, motorhome and trailers, do the same. The ones that scare me most are the rentals running 80mph with a first time driver trying to save a days rental fees.
Having said that, I would not be against some sort of driver qualification testing or licensing provided that a driver's qualifications were truly tested, not just rubber stamped for extra fees. Whether they know it or not, RV'ers face the same dilemma as freight haulers in that almost all states have different laws, or interpretations of laws, regarding RVs. There are differences in combination length, overall width, auxillary brake requirements on towed vehicles, and other safety equipment. If you intend to traverse the country, you have to make your rig meet the most stringent of legal requirements. There is also a lot of room for interpretation. Law enforcement personnel hardly ever stop RVs unless they are (caught) doing something outwardly illegal, but the real liability can be realized if you are involved in an accident and don't meet the legal requirements. It's a problem operators of vehicles other than passenger cars and light trucks face and should be addressed on a national level so that heavier vehicles and for-hire operators can comply with one set of rules. On the other hand, when the federal government gets involved to that extent, it could become worse. I think when states levy more taxes against people coming in from other states it is just a political move to avoid taxing residents in other areas.