IRP Plates & Pickups

Alright I tried calling today but the moron I got a hold of at the DOT office couldn't answer my question and rather then call them back I thought maybe I could get an answer here.

I have a GMC Sierra Dually Crewcab, it weighs out around 8 K
8 H Featherlite trailer weighs in about 12k

Total combination empty is around 20k

We do not qualify for IFTA as long as I keep it under 26k.

BUT do we need IRP plates? I can't get a straight answer, the guy said if we did intrastate runs in other states. I don't do intrastate.

We are registered with MC # & USDOT #. Insured, now we are just going in for plates so we can get rolling next week.

 

Now, just to hypothesis, Road have you ever knowingly hauled over 26k?

In most cases the most I should weight is 24-5k but if I were to say load up 8 draft horses, well then we probably go well over 26k something like 29k I'm just wondering the likelihood of someone checking my weight in a pickup. It wouldn't be an everyday thing but if its a serious issue that gets checked alot then you know I know to avoid it.