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

[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.