New to me F450

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by kdesvern, Oct 10, 2021.

  1. kdesvern

    kdesvern Bobtail Member

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    Oct 3, 2021
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    Relevant info:

    • I bought a 1997 F450 flat bed truck (20K sticker on doors).
    • This truck can't be registered in California because of CARB regs.
    • I'm moving my home from San Francisco Bay Area to Bowling Green Kentucky.
    • I want to use this truck to move my personal belongings and my sailboat cross country.
    • I have a CDL local no interstate experience.
    • I never intend to use this truck for commercial work
    • I intend to register it in Kentucky

    Question:
    1.) How do I register this truck for a cross country move. I have a home address in KY?
    2.) How do I get it from CA to KY. (I won't operate it with expired CA registration)?
    3.) Do I need to stop at Scales while moving my personal belongings?
    4.) Electronic Logs Required while driving this truck?
     
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  3. Lucky12

    Lucky12 Medium Load Member

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    It's different state to state, but typically you have a certain length of time from date of purchase to register without punitive fees, probably 7 days average I'm thinking. But this will be based on the date written on the title, so if seller trusts you they might let you fill in the date and you can wait to register until you get to KY. You will need to pay sales tax when and where you register it. You probably cannot register in KY until you are a resident. If you are already a resident of KY them you cannot register in CA. As far as registering it in KY when you are in CA, you would have to contact KY tag office and see if they offer this service and will send you the license plate. It is very possible you will need to go in person.

    As far as CDL, one does not need a CDL to drive an F450 AFAIK. Some states will offer you a choice of a commercial tag or a regular tag. I guess it's possible with commercial tag you might need a CDL but check lwith state DMV.

    1. It's a bit of a grey area, it's best if you have a KY tag that you will be getting registered to the vehicle to use while in transit. Then just put that tag on and carry the title with you. If you get stopped and questioed you will need to show the officer the title and explain the scenario "I just bought this truck and will be getting this plate registered to it once I get there, here is the title signed off that I just bought it". If this title were not dated, it might cause you an issue. Some people fashion a tag out of paper saying in transit- just purchased. If the truck has been used commercially and has DOT numbers on it, I would think that makes this a much riskier proposition.

    On scales, if it's a modest sized sailboat and no DOT numbers on door, no don't stop at scales. If it's a behemoth sailboat, again, this becomes a riskier proposition.

    Electronic logs shouldn't be required.

    The safest bet is get the truck registered first and get it legal.

    Sorry I don't have more specific answers, but that is how I would proceed. DOT numbers will invite more scrutiny. An F450 alone does not require a CDL.

    You might check the hotshot forums and ask there for more specifics.
     
  4. kdesvern

    kdesvern Bobtail Member

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    Oct 3, 2021
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    Thank you for the fast reply, At the moment I have a home in both states, First thing I will be doing will drive my Excursion with Wife & 2 Dogs and Cat to KY, I will tow a car trailer with a car. Rest for a week or two, Then I will Fly back to CA and haul my boat and motorcycles with the F-450. This give me a chance to register it while I'm in KY and return with KY Plates for the trip from CA to KY.

    Moving forward I expect this truck will never return to CA, I intend to keep it to haul my Sailboat around the east coast.
    BTW my boat is 4,200 lbs 25' on a 30' trailer, Not a monster, not oversize. Just weekend fun.
     
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2021
  5. Lucky12

    Lucky12 Medium Load Member

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    Be sure to verify if the truck must be present. Many states require the vehicle be present to inspect the VIN number on the vehicle. This might possibly be bypassed by taking pictures of the VIN (get it several places, the main one, the door jamb & under the hood on sticker) and putting yourself at the mercy of the official. It might be worth a try.
     
  6. Digger130

    Digger130 Light Load Member

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    You can't register a vehicle in Kentucky with out an inspection from County Sheriff. In person with vehicle so they can read and record mileage.
     
    wis bang Thanks this.
  7. wis bang

    wis bang Road Train Member

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    If you purchased in Cali, can't you get a temp [like 30 or 60 day] Cali registration for the trip to KY?

    Then you can re-title and get permanent registration in KY.

    Back in the day some states took a pencil rubbing of the vin for confirmaition but they stopped using raised digits years ago, making some states very strict about checking the vin..

    You are not commercial so no electronic log, etc. required.

    You can stop at the first open scale and they will tell you if you shouldn't have, bit I don't think you need to stop.

    Remember you are nothing more than joe weekender puliin his own toys.
     
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2021
  8. kdesvern

    kdesvern Bobtail Member

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    Oct 3, 2021
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    OK..... There's change I backed out of the deal, The truck had 2 years back registration due to state of California, So getting a 30-60 day transit pass was not going to happen unless I pony-up some dollars, The previous owner didnt want to pay the back fees.

    So I'm looking for a truck again, this time with current registration, That way I can drive with current California plates and not stress. Once I get to KY I'll register it there.

    Thank you for all the help. Your input is important and It still applies to my next truck. I just need a better starting point.
     
  9. buzzarddriver

    buzzarddriver Road Train Member

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    Good deals seem to always have a catch. At least you hadn't ponied up the money and the guy disappeared.
     
  10. circle h

    circle h Light Load Member

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    If the f450 is a great deal go back and buy it. In WA. We have three day trip permits that we pay 25 bucks for. I have a few in the file cabinet. If we buy a truck out of area we fill it out and put it in the back window and good to go. Check if CA or KY have something similar. Or ask for one from someone who has a few in the file cabinet.
     
    wis bang Thanks this.
  11. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Ca. issues "in transit permits" to get you out of state, not sure of the cost.
     
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