On-Line Ticket Calculator

jake98 · Dec 4, 2010

Is there a place to see how much my fines would be for trailering without 'my papers in order'?

brokenknee · Dec 4, 2010

jake98 said:
Is there a place to see how much my fines would be for trailering without 'my papers in order'?

Fines normally vary by county.

When you say "without my papers in order" what are you referring to exactly?

jake98 · Dec 4, 2010

brokenknee said:
Fines normally vary by county.

When you say "without my papers in order" what are you referring to exactly?

It's not an exact thing. I have four commercial trailers, varying loads, no DOT #'s on any, the list is apparently never complete. Some have spare tires, some don't. I was wondering if there's a complete list of fines somewhere. It would be a good spreadsheet application.

brokenknee · Dec 4, 2010

jake98 said:
It's not an exact thing. I have four commercial trailers, varying loads, no DOT #'s on any, the list is apparently never complete. Some have spare tires, some don't. I was wondering if there's a complete list of fines somewhere. It would be a good spreadsheet application.

Do you use them commercially? DOT #s are only required on the power unit, not the trailers. Spare tires are not required at all. Over weight citations are similar to speeding tickets the heavier you are the more the fine. I know the county that I am familiar with the fines start at $185 and top out at $1,085, but some state/counties it can keep going. North Dakota there is no limit, they just keep going.

Log book violations are at $185 for 11 and 14 hour rules, false log on the other hand is $385. Brake issues are per brake, they also top out at a set amount I do not recall off hand. Same with operating unsafe equipment, it is a per issue fine with a maximum amount. I think most of it is $185 per violation. Unsecured load depends on how they write you up, state code $185 federal code $385, all depends on the officer.

Try googling fine amounts in your county, something may come up.

I would strongly suggest if you are using them commercially that you contact the DOT in your area and find out what you need to do. Violations can get very expensive and though they may top out for brakes, they can also write you up for other violations, such as unsecured load, not DOT number, no annual inspection (if one is required), no log book and the list goes on.

lostcause · Dec 5, 2010

i'm thinking that the big deciding factor would be whether the offenses are "fine only" or whether the officer can deem your truck and/or trailer unsafe and force you to unhook and have it towed off the highway. then it's fines, towing and impound fees to consider.

jake98 · Dec 6, 2010

I used to be just worried about overloaded fines, but with the DOT BS it's getting scarey. I have to keep a logbook so I can go mow my parents' field, and roto-till mom's garden.. With my business it's usually somewhat local, but I have to hit the interstate to go to my folks.

brokenknee · Dec 6, 2010

jake98 said:
I used to be just worried about overloaded fines, but with the DOT BS it's getting scarey. I have to keep a logbook so I can go mow my parents' field, and roto-till mom's garden.. With my business it's usually somewhat local, but I have to hit the interstate to go to my folks.

You do not need log books for mowing your parents field or roto-tilling moms' garden. (Unless they are paying you) You may have to keep a log for your other line of work, but you do not need them for personal use.

Traveling on the interstate has nothing to do with if you need a log book or not. If you are using your equipment for commerce, you need to follow DOT regulations.

edit: there is also a 100 mile exemption, if you do not travel more than 100 miles from your base location, start and end your day at the same location, do not work more than 12 hours a day, and keep time records at your place of business you are also exempt from having to maintain a log.