Do I need a CDL?

banjopicker66 · Post by **banjopicker66** » April 30, 2010, 8:33 am

This might be off-topic, but it does deal with trucks. I am looking at the possibility of buying a 1995 F-750 21-foot previous U-haul truck for $5K.
Here is the ad: http://augusta.craigslist.org/cto/1714200721.html
We might have to move, so I need a moving truck.
So, do I have to have a CDL?
Do I have to stop at truck scales?
And what else do I need to worry about?

So the next thought is....
If I move, and I keep it, and I want to haul Slick parts from say Arizona to the Midwest, do I still need a CDL and have to stop at weigh stations?

BarnieTrk · Post by **BarnieTrk** » April 30, 2010, 8:50 am

I think the CDL laws vary between the states.

I believe here in Michigan, if the rig has a GVW of greater than 10,000 lbs. or if the vehicle is for "business use" or you haul people (like a church or public school bus) then yes you'd need a CDL. In addition, here in MI, there are many levels of CDL too. I'd suggest you go to the DMV web page of your residence state and see what they've got on it.

Good Luck!
BarnieTrk

Michelle · Post by **Michelle** » April 30, 2010, 8:56 am

On that truck you should not have to have a CDL. The people that rent them aren't required to have them. My cousin rented one about that size when she moved and she didn't have a CDL. They fall below the required GVW for a CDL to be required. As far as stopping at scales, I would blow on past them and not stop. You are a non commercial vehicle and non commercial vehicles are not required to stop at the scales. If by chance you were chased down by a scale master once you showed him your cargo of funiture and let him know that you were moving he would send you on your way. I don't always stop at scales when I am taking my big ruck to shows.

65TremecGT · Post by **65TremecGT** » April 30, 2010, 12:30 pm

In CA you are good under 26,001#, and like michelle stated it came from Uhaul rentals so is likely just under the need for a Class B in CA. Nice big truck! Usually they look beat down by the time they are getting rid of them!

Garbz · Post by **Garbz** » April 30, 2010, 1:59 pm

Box truck blowing a scale will get you tagged. And searched and everything thrown out of the back looking for the drugs you are importing.

All vehicles over a certian weight scale are required to stop and it varies by state as they not only weigh you but inspect cargo and saftey.

Blow through one and expect to be placed through the wringer. Most scales will wave you through in a Uhaul but this truck will no longer be a uhaul and will be subkect to all the laws of the state the truck is traveling through.

Garbz

Post by **Greg D** » April 30, 2010, 8:48 pm

Make sure it says "Not for Hire" on the doors - no DOT # required then. As far as going by a scale that will depend on where you drive it. You try it on I 80 and you may get the scene Dave described (major drug traffic route). Alot of places won't bather you. If you are 26000 lbs or less the scale will just wave you through. After you load it go to a truck stop and weight it just to be safe before you drive it across a scale.
"Technically" you would be exempt just like Michelle says. Never hurts to pay the $9 to cover your tail though. Not a big deal John I'd cover my bases in case you run across an officer with an attitude - that would likely be the only problem.
Just don't answer "si" if you get pulled over.

ezernut9mm · Post by **ezernut9mm** » April 30, 2010, 11:39 pm

no. the cdl laws have been federalized. there is no "state" laws.
if it is under 26000 and is not a "property carrying" vehicle-meaning if it is not for hire then you are good to go.

citation:

FMCSA §383.5 Definitions.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) means a license issued by a State or other jurisdiction, in accordance with the standards contained in 49 CFR Part 383 , to an individual which authorizes the individual to operate a class of a commercial motor vehicle.

Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle-

(a) Has a gross combination weight rating of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds); or

(b) Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 11,794 or more kilograms (26,001 pounds or more); or

(c) Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or

(d) Is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials as defined in this section.

note the word "commerce".

if you are 26k and under and driving it licensed privately and not doing anything for pay then even if you have air brakes you do not come under fmcsa guidelines, but be prepared to fight this if you get pulled over. even the most knowledgeable police and dot officers don't know all the laws and their applications.
basically, the laws are so confusing even the policing entities don't know all the rules.

64 f100 · Post by **64 f100** » May 1, 2010, 10:38 am

It's only illegal if you get caught. Just remmember to not open the windows over 150 mph or you might get sucked out. I would put not for hire on the door, and let er rip.

Rich

66Rat · Post by **66Rat** » May 1, 2010, 5:10 pm

You do not have to have a cdl because it will be a personal vehicle. If ur still not sure call ur local u haul rental and ask them if u don't need one to rent one u don't need one to own it.

jecsd1 · Post by **jecsd1** » May 1, 2010, 9:03 pm

That truck has air brakes. I thought you had to have a CDL with an air brakes endorsement to drive anything with air brakes?

66Rat · Post by **66Rat** » May 1, 2010, 9:08 pm

I believe the brake system in those are an air assist not a full air system.

factorystock · Post by **factorystock** » May 1, 2010, 9:31 pm

I worked for U Haul in the 80's and we had quite of few of these.All the trucks were non CDL, but they were required to stop at scales so the CHP could do a safety inspection when due.

ezernut9mm · Post by **ezernut9mm** » May 1, 2010, 10:18 pm

jecsd1 wrote:That truck has air brakes. I thought you had to have a CDL with an air brakes endorsement to drive anything with air brakes?

lots of those big diesel pusher rv's that you see the geriatric set driving are air brakes and they don't require a cdl to own or drive.

Post by **Greg D** » May 1, 2010, 10:31 pm

A CDL vehicle with air brakes requires an air brake endorsement before you can operate it.
A Non CDL (under 26,000 lbs) with air brakes is legal to operate without an air brake endorsement unless the operator has failed the air brake test. You would only take the air brake endorsement test if you take other CDL tests. You can't get an air brake endorsement with a regular operator license. If you never take the air brake test then you didn't fail it. I know, sounds kind of stupid but that is the way the law works.

Unibodyguy1 · Post by **Unibodyguy1** » May 1, 2010, 10:35 pm

Greg thats the way I recal the "air brake" test and yes thats pretty stupid!! Its been 26001 for at least 20 years now I think. I drive a lot of trucks like that that are well under that and with no problems.

Michael

kstones63 · Post by **kstones63** » May 1, 2010, 11:10 pm

I have a friend that had a large ToterHome that had a 20 foot of living quarters on it. He then pullled a 48" fifth wheel trailer behind it. This trailer was the type that had the race cars on the top layer and the full shop down below. He had to be 80' long or more.
He claimed that as long as he had stickers on the doors saying "Private Coach" & "Not for Hire" on them, he didn't need a CDL. He had said that the only people that ever had any trouble were the ones that had the racecar # and sponsors plastered all over the trailer, then they needed a CDL because it became commercial. He kept their trailer all white.
He has been known to push the limits a little bit though.

Kevin

6166 Junkyard Dog · Post by **6166 Junkyard Dog** » May 2, 2010, 7:08 pm

anything under GVWR'S 26001 Does Not need CDL,, now in NM Big sign alll rental trucks MUST Stop,,, and here just this past Friday pulled in NM scales empty trailer except couple gates and fenders and Bang DOT Inspection,,,and he showed a few new rules coming soon,, And like we usually and he said that we are just one of the few legally running up nad down the roads,,, so regardless of what type of plate you are running, i know everytime we run west see new things like AZ WAnting campers to stop,, always see some of these car haulers pulled over in NM For running scales and remeber this is fact not fiction anything over 10000 GVWR's is consirded commercial regardless of plates and if running a radar device is a ticket and also do need a medical card I can go on and on just cause your state does not do some things when you cross state line whole new can of worms open up..., just got a warning in Ga. for my emergency lights up top need a special sticker for that now,, thses states have bled truckers for years now they are going after the small ones,,, just few weeks ago at Charlotte Motor Speedway DOT Set up shop looking at these vendors coming in the SwapMeet