Texas has similar rules as PA:
"A commercial driver license (CDL) is a type of driver license an individual can apply for to transport interstate or intrastate commerce." [ COMMERCE, COMMERCIAL DRIVERS OPERATE VEHICLES IN COMMERCE!!!! - pdf ]
"Recreational vehicles driven for personal use (although a CDL is not required, individuals may need to obtain a Class A driver license), "
You do not want a to operate as a CDL unless you are really operating as a CDL. Inra or Inter State.
I know the CDL rules regarding POV's... as my 1966 M35A2 would, by definition, qualify as a 'Commercial' vehicle as it has 3 axles. But since my tri-axle was not used in Commerce, I was free to drive it under a non-commercial license. I drove in NY, NJ and PA on interstates with PA POV tags. Paid all of $120/year for insurance (State Farm rules!).
Every State is different. States like CA are the worst, but a lot of states DO allow non-commercial Class 'A' licenses. If available, you want that.
You do not want to operate as a CDL if you don't have to. Having a CDL means harsher fines and stricter interpretations of the law.
Example: You get pulled over for suspicion of DUI. Hand the Officer your CDL (even if in your POV). If its your first offense, you might have gotten ARD. NOT WITH A CDL!!
"Driver improvement programs are not allowed by any person for any offenses committed in a CMV or by any CDL holder whether the offenses are committed in a noncommercial or commercial motor vehicle."
The scale folks are not authoritative on the subject. Neither is LEO. They enforce the law, they do not interpret it. So they know what they have been told, not what is legal. Yes, there is a HUGE difference.
Keep your truck maintained, drive safe (and SOBER!!!). The CDL issue is never an easy one as every State is different and people the drive CDL for a living only know THEIR side of the rules... not what you need/don't need for non-commercial licenses.
Last edited by pfarber; 04/12/2014 7:04 PM.
