Probably a silly question, but I own a truck that I drive around for fun. It's a hobby, I'm not hauling freight or making money. I just enjoy having a truck, and want to be able to drive to ATHS events and such.

In another thread, I've been told that I'm just about guaranteed non-stop harassment by law enforcement for doing this, as the assumption is that I'm commercial and anything I say to the contrary will be dismissed as a lie. Another poster suggested that while authority, USDOT number, IRP and IFTA are a hassle, the expense isn't necessarily that great for a single truck. So I thought I'd post here and try to get some ballpark numbers on what this would cost me.

I own a single truck, a 1997 Peterbilt 379. I anticipate driving it about 5000 miles per year (no, not per week). I anticipate bobtailing, with a single, one-time potential exception that I'll buy trip permits for rather than worry about it here.

Dry weight on the truck is 19,840 lbs. I'd probably be driving through no more than a dozen states in a year, although exactly which ones is hard to predict. Let's say Texas and the 11 closest surrounding states.

Given these stats, what is a ballpark figure for what it would take to be "legal" to operate this truck beyond a shadow of a doubt?

Input appreciated!

You should be able to contact your local State Trooper office and ask them. I call them from time to time and ask questions about things. They were always great in answering any of my questions. I also see a lot of trucks that have Not For Hire on the side and no D.O.T number.

Well I second calling the FHP or your local DMV. Seems to me you could register this thing as an RV, I mean, that's what you're using it for. I don't know what would make this rig legally different from these medium-duty RV toters you see, some of them have air brakes too. I'd check out some RV forums, I bet this kind of thing is discussed there by people who know more about this than I do. If your insurance agent is familiar with insuring RVs, he might be a good source of info too.

I spoke to Florida's HSMV (Highway Safety/Motor Vehicles) department about this before I purchased the truck. Florida doesn't have a separate "RV" category, but it's registered as a private vehicle (not apportioned, not commercial) and has non-commercial insurance.

The problem is that while Florida respects its own laws and pretty much leaves me alone, law enforcement from other states has indicated to me that if "it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck".... in other words, it looks like a commercial truck and therefore he would treat me as if I'm commercial. And since every state's different, it seems like there is no safe way to avoid being stopped and ticketed by such LEOs.

Instead of pulling a van trailer, or even bobtailing, a cheap used RV trailer might be less money that authority and permits etc.

Why not ask the ATHS? Their members have plenty of experience. You do not need Authority to run empty.

Since you want to go to ATHS events, why not sell the 97 and buy an antique truck. Antique plates are exempt from nearly everything, as long as you follow your home state's rules for antique plates. For example NH antique plated vehicles must be kept in show condition and can only be driven to/from shows, repair facilities, etc. You can't just tool around for fun (although it's seldom enforced to my experience). Since you will be going to ATHS events, you would be covered if FL's rule is similar.

I wouldn't mind an antique truck, something like a needlenose Pete would be fun. I've also thought about picking up one of the earlier Kenworth W900As. Those plans are on hold until I become independently wealthy, though.

The biggest problem with your suggestion is that I happen to be very fond of my 1997 Peterbilt. I don't just want "a truck", I want THIS truck.

I am also not convinced that antique plates would make DOT leave you alone, especially in other states. Instead, they'd probably just accuse you of trying to get away with something.

I, like another poster have seen Bobtail trucks with no DOT numbers marked private Vehicle not for hire.
Though allot that I see do have campers.
A guy I use to work with was getting ready to retire. He had purchased 2 lift boxes for his and his wifes Harley's. He was going to mount those behind the sleeper, and haul a camper, for camping and going to Rallys.
Same thing there, he was marking the Tractor not for hire, and taking off all DOT numbers ect.
I know the provision has to be there for a class 8 truck in all states, it is just finding the federal rule.

If I were you I'd do everything I could to make it non-commercial. If not you'll leave yourself open to all kinds of problems like hours and logs books etc. If you're not making a dime from the truck then it should be non-commercial. That includes winning trophies or any money or prize you may get. Just putting "Not for Hire" on the truck does not make it non-commercial. All that is telling me is the truck is hauling it's own product and does not hire out to other companies. I would check each state DMV that you will be going through and find out. I would also do my best to have the rules sent to you in writting.

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