California Transportation Laws / CDL / Motor Carrier Permit

Here in California it is well known that the CDL requirements are different than throughout the rest of the country. I.E. a common statement is "any non-RV/Horse trailer over 10K GVW or more needs a CDL to tow." While this is true, simply having a CDL may not meet the requirements, at least according to the Motor Carrier Permit handbook.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/co...=AJPERES&CVID=

I would like to start a discussion about this, and am curious how many (specifically private owners) out there have their MCP in California.

I for one believed that, once I obtained my CDL without any restrictions and all the endorsements, I could just hop in most any combination Truck/trailer on the road and drive.

So, last year I did just that more or less. And then bought a 429 gas powered (CARB exempt) f700 and 24K gvw trailer and expected to just call my insurance company, and get it on the road hauling materials for my landscape projects at home. That is about when I discovered the MCP, linked above.

There are many categories listed that require one to obtain an MCP. The one that I fell under was "Generally, any person or business entity operating a commercial vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more, either for commercial or private use, hauling their own goods or property. Entities operating such vehicles are deemed a 'Private' motor carrier."

The F700 flatbed has a National N50 knuckleboom crane and has a GVW of 30,000 lbs so already I was falling under MCP umbrella without even factoring in the trailer.

Now the next question is, how does one obtain an MCP? Well in a nutshell to get an MCP you need a Carrier ID from the CHP (CA #), an insurance certificate based on your configuration but in my case the requirement was to be insured for "$750,000 combined single limit", and you need to pay your MCP fees based on a schedule according to your fleet size.

Now in order to get a CA# from the CHP you will need a USDOT# issued from the FMCSA, a county business license, and enroll in the BIT terminal inspection for your truck(s). In order to get a USDOT# you will need an EIN from the IRS, fees etc. In order to maintain your USDOT# you will need to enroll in a DOT drug and alcohol consortium. Then when you do all of this you can do the MCP, but also your county business permit will arrive in the mail and if the address your business license is zoned residential, it will then tell you that parking any commercial vehicle over 10K GVW, equipment primarily for AG/construction at your address is against code and you will be fined, jailed, etc. if you do not comply. (or in reality if someone calls in a complaint) So now you are on the radar with the county.

In short, if you or operating any combination of vehicles at all that is in CDL territory, you or the entity that owns the vehicle(s) needs an MCP - for commercial or private use.

This is my understanding, what is your take? I have seen lots of info tossed around on this forum so maybe there is some good real world experience out there. Spirit of the law vs. letter of the law might apply here in some cases, but the MCP handbook lays it out very clearly.

Real world situation here is that I resigned from my career as an A&P/avionics rep early to be a stay a home Dad, using spare time for hobbies and DIY projects at our house. The price of the truck and trailer were cheap but they are lightly used and well maintained ex-municipality units. The insurance certificate is the only piece I have left to apply for the MCP. That cost in itself has stopped me in my tracks. I do currently have commercial insurance on the truck, and have paid all fees including a 54K weight sticker. But until I get the MCP I feel I can't even legally drive the thing.

I see many many dually pickups hauling dual tandem gooseneck trailers around here without a CVRA weight sticker let alone a CA# or any other identification, which strikes me as in voilation - but perhaps I'm missing something here?