USDOT numbers are for commercial vehicles only regardless of GVW. I work for a truck leasing/rental company that deals with almost every state in the country, if us employees operate it or a business rents it it is considered COMMERCIAL, we can rent that very same truck to a guy moving his home belongings it is considered a NON -commercial or a Household truck and is not subject to the same laws, however this will not stop a Weigh Master from pulling you over or into a scale house, you just may have to do some explaining . If your truck is truly used for personal use you may have to hang a sign or put decals that say "Not for hire" but definitely best to get with your local officials to find out. Out here in Washington we have quite a bit of folks that use an old semi tractor to pull their gigantic 5th wheel camp trailer and they have those decals on the sides of the truck. Hope that helps
