Driving CMV without a CDL

I know the Chev isn't the hp champ but the thing felt like a rocket when not pulling that trailer.

 

One of the things that requires a CDL is the vehicle being engaged in commerce. An RV isn't. You can replate a class 8 tractor as an RV, pull a fifth wheel travel trailer, and do that with a regular drivers' license, without a physical. It is not a commercial vehicle anymore.

 

As far as I understand Oregon law, it doesn't matter if your 10k GVWR trailer is for hire, or private.
I believe there is an exception for RV's, but that doesn't go for all "private".
It's hard to label a 20' gooseneck flatbed as an "RV".

I do believe that many DOT officers ignore what I would consider this ludicrous law, but technically they don't have to.
Put your quad's on a trailer with a GVWR of 10k+ and you need a CDL.
I've done it hundreds of times. Now that I *have* a CDL I have to worry about it because I suppose technically I'm supposed to run those quads through the scales now?

It's silly. I still believe a CDL requirement for something you "could" haul is overstepping vs something you actually *are* hauling.

Peace.

 

It is quite possible to have an empty class 8 tractor trailer be under 26k. My tractor weighs 16k and I know there are aluminum trailers under ten. Do you think any joe with a class C should be able to drive it around empty?

I for one have no problems with the license designations being based off of GVWR or actual weight whichever is greater.

 

Possibly not, but a half blind 75 year old can run down the road with a 30klb 40' RV pulling a 30' 20klb stacker trailer any day of the week.

My own personal RV is 36,000 empty @ 40' long and pulls another 20' of car trailer adding about 8000lbs to the rig. No CDL requirement.
Frankly, my Class 8 is easier to drive.

Is it right? I can't really say, but at the same time, neither my class 8 or RV are as fluffy as my ol' Dodge dually with a 20' flatbed gooseneck... which is... illegal without a CDL if I pull a marshmallow on it.

 

Wow some of you need to actually read the regulations.

THIS applies to all interstate stuff.

383.91: Commercial motor vehicle groups

Subpart (a) Vehicle group descriptions. Each driver applicant must possess and be tested on his/her knowledge and skills, described in subpart G of this part, for the commercial motor vehicle group(s) for which he/she desires a CDL. The commercial motor vehicle groups are as follows:

(1) Combination vehicle (Group A)—Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds).

(2) Heavy Straight Vehicle (Group B)—Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more), or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) GVWR.

This means that if the trailer has a GVWR over 10,001 pound, it requires a class A CDL. IF it is under, and the vehicle is over 26k, no matter what, a Class B is required.

If the vehicle is under 26k and the trailer under 10k, then a class C is required.

I go through this every month or so with a customer who wants the other guy on the account haul the heavy trailer that has a GVWR of 32k. He can't while I can.

 

A young fellow called me today to ask a few questions. I want to make sure I answer correctly.

He drives a non-CDL rental six-wheeler locally. ie under 26K.

Since the truck is a rental I don't think he needs ELD

Recently his company has asked him to go on 150-200 mile runs maybe only 4-5 times a month, and drive local on the other days. I advised him he probably should have a paper logbook and stop at the scalehouses. Does he also need a medical card? If he does a logbook should he fill out a 'timecard rule' page for the days he drives local?

 

YES, any driver of a CMV (defined by anything over 10,001 GVRW) requires a Medical card.