In NY you can declare a gross weight less than what's listed on the vehicle ID plate.The gross on my 45 2 ton Chevy is 13,500,registered it for 6000 gross.This flat bed truck weighs 4450 lbs on the scale.I haul stuff,but not usually anything over 1500 lbs.I believe,maybe, anything over 10,000 gross is subject to state DOT regulations.