US DOT Considering requiring CDL for Tractors

[2manyrocks]

The whole notion of interstate commerce probably had a different practical meaning when the Constitution was written. There were few roads and the ones that existed weren't that good. It was a really, really, big deal to cross state lines. With today's transportation, it's no big deal at all. But if the underlying concept of the original drafters of the Constitution was that it had to be a really substantial matter for the federal government to step in and regulate something in "interstate commerce," then maybe the tentacles of the feds shouldn't be so long.

And yes, those guys are paid to sit around and think up new ways to extend their influence over everyone else. Otherwise, the government could let 2/3 of them go and they wouldn't be missed.

 

[sseelhoff]

The whole notion of interstate commerce probably had a different practical meaning when the Constitution was written. There were few roads and the ones that existed weren't that good. It was a really, really, big deal to cross state lines. With today's transportation, it's no big deal at all. But if the underlying concept of the original drafters of the Constitution was that it had to be a really substantial matter for the federal government to step in and regulate something in "interstate commerce," then maybe the tentacles of the feds shouldn't be so long.

And yes, those guys are paid to sit around and think up new ways to extend their influence over everyone else. Otherwise, the government could let 2/3 of them go and they wouldn't be missed.

No probably about it. The meaning of the interstate commerce clause had a completely different purpose when drafted. The vision was the states would be separate and autonomous-the purpose was to prevent trade wars between the states, boycotting of one state (or several states) against another, and ensure that there was free flow of commerce-not to bootstrap any law or reg the Feds could come up with.

 

[RobertN]

Oh my, you read my mind! Now granted, I have to jump thru hoops to drive fire engines, code-3 and all. But, for everyday driving, there are a lot of motorhomes, and some pickups/trailers, that are HUGE!

I think that they should take a long hard look at the requirements for anyone driving motor homes before they start worrying about tractors.

 

[ham]

You guys always miss it. Its a tax...that is all it is. I concur...get the big motorhome crowd. 80 y/o with pace maker and 7 medicines to include poorly controlled diabetes and cataracts driving a 90 footer....priceless.

 

[ultrarunner]

I think that they should take a long hard look at the requirements for anyone driving motor homes before they start worrying about tractors. People driving tractors almost always have some experience and more often than not, a lot of experience driving them. Motor home owners can buy one today and hit the highways tomorrow never having had been behind the steering wheel of anything larger than a Smart Car before. OTOH, I am not in agreement with any farmer having any exception for any vehicle that is driven on the road when the next person on the road has to have a complete different and more stringent set of rules to operate the exact same vehicle.

A CDL does nothing to make a tractor operator a better operator. I suspect the DOT is anticipating considerable revenue from the new requirment, both in fees for a CDL and fines to people who aren't in strict compliance with whatever rules they make up to cover a tractor.

Forget about buying a motor home... there are thousands that come to the US and rent them...

One was a 17 year old nurse that I knew from Austria and yes... she was a fully credentialed RN...

Her license only allowed her to drive small, i.e low horsepower vehicles... no trucks or motorcycles...

She couldn't believe her license opened up all of America for her to travel in a 30' class C motor-home...

She had a great time and no incident occurred... she still carries a picture with her at the wheel because people back home wouldn't believe her otherwise.

Her rental included full coverage insurance and damage waiver... let any 17 year old American girl try to rent a car and see how far she gets...

I questioned the rental company and was told there are exceptions for those booking overseas through a tour operator.

 

[Mounted Madness]

What I would like to know, is who sets around and thinks up stupid ideas like this? How much are we paying him? Ken Sweet

On the same theme, ever notice that politico's of every stripe feel the necessity to 'improve' something that isn't broken. They get on the soapbox and spout the 'need' for change, without specifics, and once elected or appointed to whatever, start coming up with such grand 'ideas'.

What are they paid? Too much. Yet these same folks probably haven't the foggiest idea how to operate a tractor, understand the physics of flood water, or recognize the animal their steak came from.

Just sayin'...

 

[NativeSon]

What I would like to know, is who sets around and thinks up stupid ideas like this? How much are we paying him? Ken Sweet

It's the liberals and the socialist in this Administration wanting to make rules for every facit of our lives. They can't stand it that we don't need them and want to be responsible for ourselves.

And yes, Mace Canute if the Feds are making new rules it's to take more of your money.

Charlie

 

[Larry Caldwell]

So now they are going to issue CDLs to 14 year old kids? My neighbor's kid roaded hay equipment past my place several times this spring. I did the same thing before I was old enough to get a drivers license.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Hiya,

Of course the "government" wants to make things more difficult for people living in rural areas, "they" don't want us out beyond the "central command structure" of the cities.

Tom

What you see if you look hard persistantly is a continuous creep in the State subsidiary function of monopolizing the ability to apply force.
larry

 

[sweettractors]

What you see if you look hard persistantly is a continuous creep in the State subsidiary function of monopolizing the abilility to apply force.
larry

I heard on the news yesterday that the gumment now has control of 40% of our nations spending. That leaves 60% to the private sector. With the "creep" in Gumment taxing and spending, It won't be long until we reach a tipping point and officially be a socialist country. Ken Sweet