Pleasure Use of Tractor Subject to FMCSA?

If you live in NY like your blog says this is what your CDL manual says. You'll need a class A if the tractor is over 26,000 GCWR and a "R" endoresement. Take the fifth wheel off and it's a straight truck and you might get away with your class "B" but you still need the "R" endorsement. Check with your DMV to make sure because they are the only ones that can tell you what you need.

Also remember that your truck is no longer in a commercial status so you would not have to follow any FMCSA rules. But I believe you need something from your DMV to classifify you as an RV. Please check with your DMV and not here.

 

PT, you can drive that bobtail with your CDL B, heck you can tow a trlr too, as long as the trlr is under 10k gross (just like the reg said). only thing is, you will have to comply with all state/federal regs while driving it back home, so pay attention to the scalehouse signs along the way, and don't assume because you're in a bobtail that you can go blowing past (some states its OK,others I wouldn't). Have a fun ride, and make sure to pick up a logbook for your ride home (just a cheap one will suffice). Have a safe trip and good luck with the COE, post some pics when you get a chance!

 

As far as I know, as long as the tractor has valid IFTA stickers (and a HUT, to get you home) you don't have to worry about trip/fuel concerns (except to keep two copies of your fuel receipts, just in case). Otherwise, you need to call the states you will be driving thru and find out what you need to do (the numbers are in the front of the Rand MCnally road atlas).

 

Now I'm realy going to throw everyone a curve.

This is from the rule book & the Ohio SPD.
You'll find it under CDL exemptions.

As long as the tractor is not operated in a commercial sense, you don't need a cdl. You are not subject to the FMCSA rules & regs when not in interstate commerce.

I don't know if you need to stop at each scale, the Ohio DMV suggests you would need to call every state. In Ohio, you would still need to pass thru the scales; per the Ohio DMV.

I still have a call in to the Ohio DMV Motor Carrier office to find out about the scale thing & whatever else they interpret their rules for.

 

Good point BobC. That's why I'd check every state I'd be driving through. Thanks PTBKW but I don't need the reference, I already have it. It's NY that requires the "R" endorsement, that's what it said in the CDL handbook anyway. If it were me I'd call every DMV and ask them what you need. It would be a alot cheaper than any ticket would be. You can find all the numbers on the net.

 

A non-official remark from Ohio SPD; Stopping at the scales isn't mandatory, just a good idea.

The only places you must stop would be the "bug stations" or agriculture stations. They check for plants & what type of fuel you have in the tanks.

As related to me, if you blow by a scale they might be inclined to come after you. You may need to impress on them that your truck, while commercial in class, is not engaged in interstate commerce & not intended to be upon destination.

So, keep a copy of the regulations showing the cdl exemptions as well as whatever registration & insurance paperwork you have.

It probably wouldn't hurt to cover any company decals & throw on something that implies an in-transit non-commercial vehicle.

I asked about IFTA & was pointed to the IFTA site. I suspect no IFTA needed but that might be something else to look into.