Recreational use of Semi on weekends

Hi clh, I think you are on thin ice when you go out of state with the plates you have. While in state, you can put "Private carrier, Not for hire", but I think over state lines may be another matter. Perhaps contact OOIDA, or your local DOT office, they may be able to help. Just run at night, and don't go over any scales, although, that may not be the best advice.

 

Sorry, I'm no help. I've used mine for recreational purposes a time or two, but only when parked.

 

It depends on what you mean by "recreational purposes" This is kind of a gray area, and semi is right about the thin ice. There most definitely is an HOS guidance mentioning "occasional" use of CMV for moving race cars and/or belongings. Of course you still need a CDL, and your non-apportioned truck plates may not be recognized by the other jurisdictions (states), and the revenue people may want there share of the IFTA fuel taxes. The guidance is for occasional exemption from HOS, so you see there are different entities and different sections of FMCSA rules that may apply. You are probably exempt from HOS unless you make some money w/ your recreational pursuit. Plates and IFTA are another story. Then there's drug and alcohol testing.

 

§390.3(f)(3)

HOS exemption for personal property

 

What did you get the tickets for?

 

I would pay for the services of a lawyer whose specialty is the trucking industry. As a matter of fact, I'd look for one that has sued trucking companies since they have done extensive research into the HOS issues, licensing and 'legal right to run' issues. It's worth the money.

 

This got the better of my curiosity, so I called my brother who is a DOT officer for the State of Missouri. His answer as follows:
"That's a pretty good question. I'm not sure of the answer. Keep in mind what Missouri does, is not the same as Tennessee or Kentucky will do necessarily.
As for the tags, we would recognize these IF we thought this was a very occasional occurrence, but we may require him to purchase a trip permit. No citation.
For the log and CDL issue, no question, this is a commercial motor vehicle. It's licensed accordingly. It must follow the laws while in my state of whatever applies. I would require logs, insurance, med card and a BOL. Now the BOL can be a simple handwritten one stating "personal property" or "dirt bikes, buggy" or whatever.
In Missouri, I'd have cited him on the logs and CDL issue. Doesn't mean I'm right. I've certainly had judges throw things out before, however the rule around here is, 'if in doubt, cite. Let the courts decide who's right.' "
So that's the way he gave it to me. Again, I think I'd pay a lawyer on this one.

 

IRP has an exemption for recreational vehicles weighing more than 26,001, but that means RV. Your business truck needs apportioned plates even when used for non business purpose the way the law is written. You may be able to argue the log book ticket, depending on what you are claiming is recreational or non-business.