Class A licesce

No, states cannot change the GVW ratings, never said they could, but there are other areas where states can & do have stricter requirements.

States are responsible for maintaining the federal highway system that runs through their states and to enforce the State and Federal laws on those roads.

 

You're missing a key element, which is GVWR. You can pull that same trailer with a Pinto and not need a class A, because the GVWR is under 26,001 LBS. Pull that same trailer with a FL60, then you will need a class A, because the GVWR is 36,000 LBS with the vehicle being towed weighing over 10,000 LBS.

 

Reread that part in bold. If the trailer's GVWR is over 10K you need the class A regardless of the total weight.

 

Those restrictions limit the vehicle size that can be operated on state provincial systems. They do not limit the criteria needed to obtain a CDL, and they do not limit the vehicle size permitted to operate on the interstate system by the bridge formula. That states that do have permitted higher axle weight limits for the highways were granfathered in because of LCV's that were operating on these roads.

 

Negative.

Class A:

Any combination vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 LBS or more, provided the trailer(s) being towed weigh more than 10,000 LBS GVW.

Class B:

Any vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 LBS or more, provided the trailer(s) being towed have a GVWR of less than 10,000 LBS.

It's a 2 part criteria. Neither one states that if the trailer being towed weighs more than 10,000 LBS you need a class A regardless of the combined GVWR.

 

wow I think I stirred up a hornets nest here.

Again I'll say I hope DieselBear or Scalemaster sees this thread. Two people that should know the laws better then any of the rest of us here so far.

I personally know 2 people in FL that have been ticketed and arrested by DOT for not having a class A with a set up under 26k but trailer over 10k. They are still awaiting their court trials.

 

Just want to enlighten you on this.

Excluding farm vehicles and any other vehicles that meet any exceptions.
A CDL B is required to operate a straight truck with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. This can be found on the drivers door post.

If you drive any vehicle in combination where the trailer GVWR is 10.000 lbs or more or the total combined GVWR is 26,001 pounds or more in combination, you need a CDL A.

If you drive a vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds and hauling cargo that requires an endorsement such as hazmat, you need at least a CDL C.

If you drive a straight truck with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds and not carrying hazmat/passengers etc, all you need is a standard drivers license.

You also need a CDL if you operate a vehicle carrying passengers that requires a passenger endorsement.

I hope that clarifies this.

 

The truck had airbrakes...I have no restriction, thanks. and the vehicle was registered for 20k GVW.

 

I agree with everything except whats in bold.

Having had a class b for several years I was able to pull a trailer behind my dumptruck as long as the trailer weight was under 10k. the dumptruck was rated for 56k.

 

I disagree with the bold. It doesn't state or. The law states "If your combination vehicle has a GVWR of 26,001 LBS or more, provided the vehicle(s) being towed weigh more than 10,000 LBS GVWR.

You can pull a 10,001 LB trailer with a Pinto on a class C. This is a two part law. It doesn't state anywhere that if the trailer weighs more than 10,000 LBS, you need a class A regardless of the GVWR.