Stovebolt.com Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts DOT numbers

If it is for profit,yes you need a DOT no.Now I am not talking about hauling personal stuff like running over to Sears to pick up a new fridge.

I haven't kept up with SEMA's involvement for a good while but they are always on top of nonsense like this and push hard to get antique & specialty vehicles exempted. They have a good track record so checking out SEMA's website may turn up something.

As for the concern over a CDL I wouldn't worry if your not over 26,000 GVW, thats a federal statute and not a state reg.

I do have the feeling and deep concern that the Fed's are scrutinizing every conceivable regulation & law to generate those almighty dollars. So anything is possible.

I've called the SC DOT to help muddy the waters even more. The "nice" lady said that there were no new safety or inspection rules attached to this law "at this time". So here in SC you can still operate a farm tagged truck over 26k GVW without a CDL, and there won't be any inspection for my '52. As we already guessed this is a way for big brother to look over your shoulder. I went ahead and applied for a DOT number as we have several modern medium duty trucks on the farm.
I really hate the idea of putting the numbers on the side of my COE but guess I will. Does anyone know if a magnetic sign will pass muster? That way I can take it off if I want to.
Oh, and SC defines commerse as any furtherance of your business. So going to the lumber yard to get some lumber to work on your barn is the same as hauling a load of hay off to sell. Thanks all.
Scott

Now would this be a individual State requirement? or a Federal requirement?

I'd expect that would depend on if you were involved in intra-state or inter-state commerce

Bill

Doesn't matter. All trucks are subject to DOT regulations. Even our 450 and 550 demonstrators must have DOT certificats and drivers must keep daily logs and have up to date medical cards. Just drive across the scales at the chicken coop and you'll find out. Particularly if your out of state. And for God's sake don't buy any farm (non taxed) diesel fuel. About a $1500 fine at least in Montana/Idaho.

C10-90 Bill,
Out of necessity I've been doing some checking here lately, hence starting this thread. Below 26k GVW it is a state by state requirement. The link crenwelge gave earlier in the thread shows the states that require a state specific DOT number. SC is on the list, lucky for you VA is not. Now what I've gathered is that, in SC at least, any truck over 10K GCVW must have a DOT number if it is engaged in any activity that is "furtherance of a buisness". This is Intrastate (within the borders of SC)commerce only. There is a whole different set of rules for Interstate (crossing state lines) commerce. These are Federally mandated and I believe are consistant from state to state.
I also belive that over 10k GCVW requires at least a health card, in SC. Thankfully, having farm tags on my '52, and our other meduim duty trucks gets us out of having to have a health card and CDL's on our International (33-36k GVW) dumps and spreaders. Note that "C" in GCVW. That is a truck and trailer that grosses over 10K lbs. So a half ton pulling a skid steer loader would qualify.
A truck used for your personal or recreational uses does not have to have DOT number, at least here in SC, but you do have to have a CDL if over 26K GVW, think big motor home. Hope this clears up more than it muddies up. Again, all this applies to SC only. Other states I know have different laws that are as equally confusing.
Scott

Scott,

Appreciate the detailed info.

I now see the Link that you are referring to. I missed that on crenwelge's reply. Glad to get that verified as it definitely would have been news to me around here.

Bill