Vehicle regulations

[electricmanscott]

I just purchased a new work truck with a gvwr of 10,700 lbs. From what I hear, over 10,000 pounds things change a bit. I am looking for info on regulations that affect me. I probably should have done my homework beforehand but I really needed more tax deductions.

[ December 29, 2005, 04:00 PM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]

 

[ty]

Re: Vehicle regulations

Scott,
for one, if you are going to cross state lines, the driver must have a Medical Examiner's card.

Any place that does drug screening, can do it for you.

I would also suggest haveing a fire extinguisher ane road flares and refective triangles along.

I got stopped once for this and got a bunch of fines. The company paid for them, but someone else had to pick up the vehicle.

Also, in my state, the vehicle would be exempt from certain inspections.

 

[jeff43222]

Re: Vehicle regulations

As long as the vehicle is no greater than 26,000 lbs and you aren't carrying HazMat or more than 15 passengers, you won't need a commercial driver's license to drive it. Since the CDL rules are federal, I'm not sure the information about needing a medical clearance to cross state lines is correct.

Since the vehicle is not considered commercial for federal purposes, I'd double-check as to whether any extra rules apply regarding crossing state lines.

I got my CDL about 15 years ago and have kept it ever since, but I haven't driven a CDL-required vehicle in quite some time and am admittedly not totally up to date on the latest regs.

Best bet would be to contact the DMV in MA.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Vehicle regulations

Does it have air brakes ?

 

[hurk27]

Re: Vehicle regulations

Scott Here in Indiana if the vehicle is registered privately and driven for non-commercial reasons then you are exempt to 26,500lbs. before you need a CDL,(Like when you rent a U-Haul) But if it is registered in the company name and driven for company purpose then the exemption goes down to 10,500lbs. Here you can plate the truck at 10,000lbs and not have to have a CDL but you have to keep the gross weight of the vehicle or the combined vehicle and trailer below the registered weight. I would check with your BMV to be sure. We have all our bucket trucks and a few others registered in the owners name and not the company's. For tax purpose he then rents the truck to the company just on paperwork to keep it legal.

 

[tshea]

Re: Vehicle regulations

Scott,
I would contact MA DMV and the surrounding states, if you plan to cross state lines (even accidentally). You could probably find something on the net.