Dept Of Trans seminar by IMA last Wed

[DIAPERMAN]

So let me understand "You told the DOT that a 1000 racers showed up at Indy twice a year over length" Thanks

[Chad Rhodes]

Well he didn't tell them what weekends........did he?

[Lynn A McCarty]

Believe me they know it, that is why they sent the DOT to our meeting. The US Nationals is the third largest racing event in the racing capitol believe me we arent under the radar. The DOT doesnt enforce, the state police enforces.

[DIAPERMAN]

So what do you think we should all do in your opinion.It sounds like we are screwed

[Lynn A McCarty]

I am just trying to get the word out. It is better to be prepared than surprised. All the states got federal grants for enforcement and we are one of many targets. They even tried to call NHRA to inform them it is coming.

I guess there was an issue with racers going to NC last year. Purportedly Bruton Smith got involved.

We must all operate knowing what is coming. Let's get organized and fight back for our rights. I am still looking, but I see no federal limits on RV lengths. The states blame the fed, but I dont see it. Still searching.

This is the federal law link, arrow down to "length" Maybe we make copies of all this stuff and carry with us? I am.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx...7.33.0.1.14.27

[Ed Wright]

Many states honor lengths and licensing requirements of the state the rig is registered & tagged. Does Indiana?

[james schaechter]

The length limit varies from state to state, it seems that there should be some discussion on what the limit should be. I saw 60, 65 and 70 ft as a limit. This whole deal could use some uniformity, and some decisions based upon facts without involving public sector accountants.
It kind of smells like the red light camera gotcha cams in some towns here in Illinois. They added them touting safety. When they didn't generate the revenue, some city accountants ordered the yellow lights to be tighened up. Thirs had no positiveeffect on safety of course. Finally, some towns got enough pressure to take them out because the red light cameras did not prove to reduce accidents in those intersections.

I do think the rv toter stacker regs need something, but the requirements shiuld be well thought out and offer some conformity in a good way. I would think the companies that make rvs and toters would be part of an association that would have legislative access here. Anyone have any experience with this? I would think that the people that kept the loopholes in for cheap rv plates and zero driver requirements for the big rv rigs going down the road today would weigh in on this to educate the politicians here.

My brother was pulled over in Iowa last year and the officer did a safety check. Our rv is 34 ft and the trailer is 24 with a five ft tongue.
Add the hitch and the fact that he measures from nose to tail, he called it 64 ft. The officer was fishing on the race car commercial license thing. We have the guidance on the exemptions printed out and in the rv. When my brother mentioned that he thought we were ok on this and had the printout if he wanted to see it, the officer dropped the issue. No tickets issued this time, but they are definately testing the waters. Most of these people look for out of state plates.

[Dave Casey]

Jim, could you post a link to that section you have printed out and keep in your coach, or fax it to me 413 734 5656

As far as the whole topic goes, thankfully I have never been pulled over and checked, my 36' motorhome, 26' trailer is about 67' total. Honestly I don't know anyone in my area(northeast) that has been cited or even checked. I will continue to just roll with it and see what happens. There certainly is a risk, I wish my rig was under 65, it is really hit or miss, and the penalty could be high.

In a meeting ,certainly they are going to hold their line, but what happens in the real world is seldom the same.

Thanks

[Jack Zimmerman]

Lynn McCarty you have a PM.

[Jeff Teuton]

It is 390 (f)(3) in the dot manual. Need a copy, pm me an email or a fax. A couple of things we have found. If you license your truck to cover the weight of the truck and trailer, you will most likely walk. Keep everything in your personal name, that makes you fit 390. On fuel carrying, there is a 1000 lb limit before you need placards. Oil is not hazardous waste. Most states a motor home has a tag that does not have a weight, but just a fee each year for the plate. DOT starts @ 10K lbs, CDL starts @ 26K lbs, GVW is determined by axles and frame only. Lenght is state and varies widely as does the over length permits. Florida is the most friendly. The first question is usually "Are you doing this for money (driving,racing etc). 390 has an exemption for the little money you might win. You are not required to have your tax return with you. Most officers on the road don't have a clue especially about 390. That will ususally stop them cold. If your rig is in a company name, you are DOT regulated.