Pulled over for a one-ton truck pulling a water pump in CT.

[4570Man]

The CDL law isn’t hard to understand although apparently it is. It’s simple math. Trailer GVW plus truck GVW. If it’s 26,001 pounds or more you need a CDL and if it’s less than 26,001 pounds you don’t. There’s a ton of rumor about 10k rated trailers and it’s largely wrong. The only difference that makes is the distinction between a class a and class b CDL. You can hook a 14k rated trailer on a 3/4 ton truck that’s GVW is 9900 pounds and pull it across the country without issue. If you upgraded to a 17k trailer you’d have problems or if you hooked the same 14k trailer on a dually that’s frequently rated at 12,500 or slightly more you’d also have problems

 

[stumblinhorse]

The CDL law isn’t hard to understand although apparently it is. It’s simple math. Trailer GVW plus truck GVW. If it’s 26,001 pounds or more you need a CDL and if it’s less than 26,001 pounds you don’t. There’s a ton of rumor about 10k rated trailers and it’s largely wrong. The only difference that makes is the distinction between a class an and class b CDL. You can hook a 14k rated trailer on a 3/4 ton truck that’s GVW is 9900 pounds and pull it across the country without issue. If you upgraded to a 17k trailer you’d have problems or if you hooked the same 14k trailer on a dually that’s frequently rated at 12,500 or slightly more you’d also have problems

Agreed, And hauling for money or not makes no difference. Because you can get a ticket hauling nothing if you are over 26k rated…

 

[ultrarunner]

The CDL law isn’t hard to understand although apparently it is. It’s simple math. Trailer GVW plus truck GVW. If it’s 26,001 pounds or more you need a CDL and if it’s less than 26,001 pounds you don’t. There’s a ton of rumor about 10k rated trailers and it’s largely wrong. The only difference that makes is the distinction between a class a and class b CDL. You can hook a 14k rated trailer on a 3/4 ton truck that’s GVW is 9900 pounds and pull it across the country without issue. If you upgraded to a 17k trailer you’d have problems or if you hooked the same 14k trailer on a dually that’s frequently rated at 12,500 or slightly more you’d also have problems

Maybe just a California thing but CDL is required to tow over 10k unless it's a recreational trailer...

So towing my 3 axle boat trailer OK but towing my 8500lb tractor on a 2500lb tractor not ok.

 

[ultrarunner]

Always follow these discussions.

Freeway 580 that I use to get home outright bans trucks over 9,000 GVW

It does allow passenger buses and transit buses.

CHP told me they are not interested in pulling over pickups so that 1 ton Super Duty gets a pass with pickup box but same truck with a stakeside you will be cited.

Route 580 | Caltrans

State of California

dot.ca.gov

 

[4570Man]

Maybe just a California thing but CDL is required to tow over 10k unless it's a recreational trailer...

So towing my 3 axle boat trailer OK but towing my 8500lb tractor on a 2500lb tractor not ok.

You might need dot number and a medical card but can you link a law that says you can’t tow 10,001 pounds while staying under 26k without a CDL?

 

[ultrarunner]

https://www.chp.ca.gov/CommercialVehicleSectionSite/Documents/IB%20California%20Driver%20License%20Requirements%20for%20Towing%20Trailers.pdf

Here is the latest showing various combinations…

There are exceptions for AG as well as a Restricted Class A catagory.

The trailer dealers here are well versed and sell a lot of 12k and even 14k trailers de-rated under 10k to be California legal with regular drivers license… at least when not max loaded.

My Deere 110 backhoe/trailer was configured to just skirt the 10k limit before I would need a CDL or restricted Class A

 

[ultrarunner]

• Basic DL (Class C): A standard vehicle or truck for personal use on California roadways. With a Class C driver’s license, you may tow:
• A single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less (including a tow dolly).
• With a vehicle weighing 4000 lbs. or more unladen, a:
  • Trailer coach or fifth-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for compensation.
  • Fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but under 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for compensation, and with endorsement.

 

[ultrarunner]

Here is the basics for non commercial over 10k trailer towing and not exempt such as AG 150 miles from farm or 5th Wheel under 15k

To obtain an original noncommercial Class A license –​

Adults must:​

• Complete an application for a driver license (DL 44).
• Pay the application fee.
• Submit a Health Questionnaire (DL 546)dated not more than two years prior to the date of your application.
• Pass the basic Class C law test, unless you renewed your Class C license within the past 12 months.
• Pass the Recreational Vehicles and Noncommercial Class A Trailers law test.
• Pass a vision test.
• Pass a pre-trip inspection test.
• Pass the skills test.
• Pass a driving test while towing the type of vehicle you wish to be licensed for.

Minors must:​

• Complete the items listed above.
• Meet the additional requirements listed in the California Driver Handbookin the Provisional License section.

Examinations:​

• Recreational Vehicles and Noncommercial Class A Trailers law test. You must pass the law test based on the information contained in this booklet. The test may be taken at any DMV field office. You may make an appointment online at www.dmv.ca.gov or by calling DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
• Vehicle Safety Check.Before the pre-trip inspection test, you must demonstrate that the turn signals, brake lights, horn, and emergency flashers are working. This is not part of your pre-trip test. However, if any of these items are not working properly or are missing your driving test will be postponed.
• Pre-trip Inspection Test.The pre-trip inspection test is a knowledge test. You must identify and explain the features and equipment on the vehicle which should be inspected before operating the vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you must demonstrate and explain how the air brake system works. Inoperable, missing, or unsafe equipment will postpone the driving test.
• Skills Tests. Skills tests are designed to demonstrate your skill in stopping, backing in a straight line, completing a right turn around a cone or marker, and backing into a camping space. These tests are done at low speed and test how well you can maneuver the vehicle.
• Driving Test. The driving test includes entering and exiting a freeway, freeway driving with lane changes, right and left turns into one-way and two-way traffic, railroad crossings, and driving on a grade or steep hill, etc. You may make an appointment by calling 1-800-777-0133. Online appointments are not available for this type of driving test.
• Health Questionnaire. A Health Questionnaire (DL 546) form is required and must be given to DMV for review and approval before your license is issued and then every two years after that. The Health Questionnaire expires two years from your signature date. Failure to maintain a valid Health Questionnaire form with DMV will mean that your license is valid only for Class C and, if endorsed, for Class M1 or M2 vehicles. Health Questionnaire forms are available online at www.dmv.ca.gov.

 

[sandman2234]

The CDL law isn’t hard to understand although apparently it is. It’s simple math. Trailer GVW plus truck GVW. If it’s 26,001 pounds or more you need a CDL and if it’s less than 26,001 pounds you don’t. There’s a ton of rumor about 10k rated trailers and it’s largely wrong. The only difference that makes is the distinction between a class a and class b CDL. You can hook a 14k rated trailer on a 3/4 ton truck that’s GVW is 9900 pounds and pull it across the country without issue. If you upgraded to a 17k trailer you’d have problems or if you hooked the same 14k trailer on a dually that’s frequently rated at 12,500 or slightly more you’d also have problems

Here is a copy straight from Florida's CDL requirement book.It mentions the 10k trailer right behind the 26001.
David from jax

 

[4570Man]

Here is a copy straight from Florida's CDL requirement book.It mentions the 10k trailer right behind the 26001.
David from jax

You can drive dump truck or other straight truck above 26k with a class B CDL. You can tow a trailer up to 10,000 pounds with that same class B. If the trailer is above 10k and the GCVW is above 26k then you need a class A CDL.