I have a semi over 26000 gvw. And I use it to haul my flatbed trailer for my personal property (wood). I don't get paid with it. Do I need a cdl? I live in Florida and DMV and DOT won't give me a straight answer. CDL or no?
Do I need a cdl?
Discussion in 'Trucker Legal Advice' started by Trucker1026, Sep 5, 2011.
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If you are not a farmer hauling your own farm products then I believe you do.
But then I think anyone operating any truck heavier then 26,000 GVW should have a liscense to operate it rather then just getting by with a regular car liscense. -
I'd say if you're driving the truck solely on private property, and at no point enter onto public streets/roads/highways, etc; I'd say NO, you don't need a CDL.
Although, I'm no authority on the subject -
On the federal level, any vehicle over 26,001 needs a CDL except...
Farmers
Firefighters
Military in military trucks
The thing about the regulations is they jump all around and reference other rules is probably why you can't get a straight answer.
I did find this....
And 383.3 applies to you which states a driver that is engaged in commerce, which you are not.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=383.3
I hate to mislead you, but I think you are exempt from a CDL, but you have to follow proper axle weights, load securement and vehicle maintenance. I see trucks all the time with "Not for Hire" on the side of the truck.
Each state has to follow federal guidelines but they have the option to be stricter.
I would contact your drivers license office and ask them. They will give you a straight up answer.
If it's raw wood, it could be considered agriculture which falls under farming. But you need them farm tags. And you are restricted within 150 miles of the farm.volvodriver01 Thanks this. -
Ok thanks guys I will call them in a few minutes and thanks for all of the info.
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volvodriver01 and CondoCruiser Thank this.
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That part is important. Say you cut your own logs and take it home. You saw it up into lumber and make some pallets and then sell them, a dollar changed hands, so it is commerce. If you are cutting your own firewood, then it is not. Who has a fireplace in FL?
mtnMoma Thanks this. -
Yes, you need a CDL. The truck is too heavy to drive on a regular license, whether or not it's for personal use. Unless you're a farmer, you don't qualify for the argriculture exemption.
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