Base plates and No Authority

Wait a minute...did I understand that correctly? Most states require you to have a DOT # to put apportioned plates on a bobtail?

And if so, you can get a DOT # without getting authority for this purpose?

And if that is so, then must one have all insurance to get the DOT # to get the plates?

And finally, if all this is true, is Michigan one of these states?

Thanks

 

Not sure of all the states, will let you look that up yourself.

BUT - yes you can get a DOT # without any of the other stuff. When you apply for it you will have an option that I think even say "this is for getting plates" or something like that. It is instant.

Now, this is not authority just a DOT #.

 

You have to provide that right now. But it is actually going the other way. More and more states are requiring "informational" (can't think of another way to describe it) DOT #'s in the name of the owner if they don't have authority.

 

Some states wanted a registrant to have a MC # but the feds stopped registrant only MC #s this past fall. All registrant only #s are now inactive. Only motor carriers can get a MC # now.

You're gonna need insurance to drive the truck so a plate alone is not gonna do any good.

 

Yes you used to be able to get a dot# with no authority just to get plates. But I got a letter from dot saying their going to do away with those kind of #s. Maybe I'm wrong won't be the first time.

And you do need an active # to get apportioned plates.

 

So what if someone just wanted to drive their bobtail around as a personal vehicle, and not haul anything with it? How would you get a plate for that?

That's discrimination.

 

Private recreational vehicle plates not apportioned

 

Yes it makes sence...where are ya ,,, & where do you need to go? (citys/states)
Can you secure liability insurance for atleast $750,000.00 ? (minimum)
If so,,,then you can absolutely buy a temporary (72 hrs usually) permit from the state you live in to move the truck EMPTY. Once ya have that permit & the insurance cert,,,you can "buy-yer-way" across the states ya need to go thru, but ya can't haul for hire without the "authority" to do so. It will getcha to wherever ya need to get to empty.


BTW...yer a smart man! Keep the cash as you related to...GOOD PLAN!

 

FYI gentlemen,,,a USDOT # IS your "authority" to operate as a common/contract carrier.