The law is 26,001 GCW in all states. Theoretically, If a vehicle is capable of 26,001 weight, it should be classified as a commercial vehicle. However, if you don't have a 5th wheel or trailer coupling device, it becomes a gray area. That means that it becomes a subjective choice of the patrolman. Most patrolmen are basically nice guys and overlook antique vehicle. A few are not. I have been in the trucking business since 1964 and I deal with both kinds with our over the road trucks. The worst problem is that if a trooper writes us up on a gray area, the judge usually sides with the trooper and considers him the expert.
Here is a pretty concise version of motor carrier safety laws.
My suggestion to people who have an antique truck with a rated GCW of more than 26,001, but they never reach that weight is just get rid of the higher number on the data tag. Its not like you are changing a vin number and who will know what the original GCW was on a 60 year old vehicle and that removes the question.
