At what point do you need a DOT# and a CDL?

[D. Hake 4459]

What constitutes the need for a DOT# and/or a CDL? We have a Dodge Dually and a 28' box trailer with one car in it. I haven't weighed it yet but I'm sure it comes in under 26,000lbs. Thanks, Derek

[Todd Gross]

A lot of states look at it differently. But the basics are, the tow vehicle and trailer RATING needs to be under 26000 combined. That's the sticker on the truck and trailer of what it capable of, not actual weight.
Also I've been told no Sponsors logos on either. Plus truck and trailer must be privately owned. Not owned by a business or company.
Even with that, one time I was pulled over by Ohio DOT. The officer came up to my gas powered pick up truck and asked " would please step out of your tractor". I was all of the above and was still given a warning tickets for no CDL, no medical card and log book. The officer had no grounds but I had somewhere to be and was not going to challenge.
The RV thing is another can of worms.

[V M Kauffman]

The quote below is Wrong. First off the DOT # is Federal Requirement you have to have the # if the tow vehicle is over 10,001 combined wght and used in a commercial use! No if ands about it it's not a state requirement but a federal requirement! Do your self a favor and read the federal rule they are on line!

Originally Posted by JMan

A lot of states look at it differently. But the basics are, the tow vehicle and trailer RATING needs to be under 26000 combined. That's the sticker on the truck and trailer of what it capable of, not actual weight.
Also I've been told no Sponsors logos on either. Plus truck and trailer must be privately owned. Not owned by a business or company.
Even with that, one time I was pulled over by Ohio DOT. The officer came up to my gas powered pick up truck and asked " would please step out of your tractor". I was all of the above and was still given a warning tickets for no CDL, no medical card and log book. The officer had no grounds but I had somewhere to be and was not going to challenge.
The RV thing is another can of worms.

[kansas stocker]

Please keep in mind that it is federal law enforced by state authorities and each state seems to have their own take on the law. There is a provision in the law that allows someone that does this as a hobby and pays taxes like it is a hobby to get by without the cdl if they meet the rules Jman laid out. Applies to boats, horse trailers and racers. Kansas is short of money and made life miserable for dirt track racers for a while but have backed off somewhat.
Just my .02.
Pete

[Greenlight]

Vehicles Requiring Commercial Drivers License

A. Combination of vehicles with Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

B. Single vehicle with GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds.

C. Single vehicle less that 26,001 pounds GVWR, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR, comprising of vehicles required to be placarded for hazardous materials or any bus designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver.

[Jim Kaekel]

Originally Posted by kansas stocker

Kansas is short of money
Pete

Therein lies the problem. Problem is, all of the 50 states claim to be short of money.

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by Jim Kaekel

Therein lies the problem. Problem is, all of the 50 states claim to be short of money.

Not true.
Kansas is the only one and came after Racers!!
Not the only thing Kansas did !

[HR9121]

You do not have to have a CDL to drive that dually and pull anything because the GVWR is under 26,000 lbs, however if it was for commercial use or were hauling hazardous materials you would. The most that they could do would be to ticket you for being overweight if you were over the 26,000 lb threshold.

[rognelson777]

Here is a how the rules can be a mess. I drive a commercial 20,000# truck, I have a medical card, no CDL, not needed. Do a local run for my boss, if you are within 150 miles {I think) of home base (place of work) you do not need to keep a log. So I know weigh station in NJ is open, but figure my truck is good because just passed PA inspection. Go through weigh station and pull me in. Feeling confident, officer looks over truck, all looks good except, uh oh, the crack in the windshield. Crack is below wiper on passenger side and is not in field of view so it passes PA inspection.

Get a ticket for $110.00. Boss says not worth fighting, pays ticket and fixes windshield because does not want hassle again

[7423]

Originally Posted by HR9121

You do not have to have a CDL to drive that dually and pull anything because the GVWR is under 26,000 lbs, however if it was for commercial use or were hauling hazardous materials you would. The most that they could do would be to ticket you for being overweight if you were over the 26,000 lb threshold.

If the trailer has a 10,000 or more GVW, a CDL is required, doesn't matter if you are pulling it with a Yugo. Or maybe that's just west coast rules. Any typical racecar trailer with 3 axles is over 10K GVW.