New Proposed DOT Regulations

Anonymous-0 · Jul 8, 2011

Been reading on other forums that DOT is considering new regulations that would require a CDL license when operating farm equipment with a single or combined gross weight greater than 10,000 lbs on any road. Just about eliminates any self-propelled combine and hauling grain even with a smaller tractor without a CDL. Also appears the roaded machine is subject to a DOT inspection. Can't imagine driving over to the Driver's license testing facility with an older tractor without a buddy seat and have them ride along for a test. I assume they will require one to bring some kind of truck. Sure would totally screw-up this small farming operation.

Gun guru · Jul 8, 2011

Well I hate government regulations and all the BS too.....But......If it is a small farming operation how far do you have to drive anyway? Driving a combine down a gravel road isnt a crime. What is the requirement to have a CDL-A license, for what size truck/combine. It cant be 10,000 lbs cause look at all the people that have a 1 ton pick up with campers, well over 10,000 lbs I think, and look at all the RVs. Do those people have CDLs, I dont know.
If a cop pulls you over just have a dozen donuts ready to shut him up and let you go.

kyhayman · Jul 8, 2011

Remember there are federal regulations that apply to interstate commerce and the interstate highway system. Then there are state specific regulations that apply to other state roads and intrastate commerce when not crossing state lines. Here, our state regulations already require a DOT medical card if your trailer weight is over 10,000 pounds. Not sure if the issue you are referring to is a state or federal one. If its federal, I'd not be too worried. Most of us arent driving our farm equipment on the interstate or crossing state lines with it. If its a state regulation talk to your local Farm Bureau federation people. See if they can get their lobbiests to work on it at the state capital.

Ive got a B CDL, and just decided to use common carriers if I've got more than a 10,000 pound trailer going out of state. Its affected me exactly one time in the last 11 years. For what little extra it cost it really wasnt an issue.

PeterE · Jul 8, 2011

Having a DOT number on the vehicle is different than needing a Class A CDL to drive it. DOT is needed on any vehicle (or combination) over 10,000 pounds that is used for business. It depends on the police officer and judge, but being "in business" can be interpreted to include anything that makes you money. Like winning a couple bucks at the antique tractor pull.

A CDL is needed when the vehicle combination is over 26,000 pounds. Or for buses and hazmat.

If some of the regulators get their way, you would need a DOT number (with all the paperwork), annual inspection, etc. to drive that combine down the gravel road. And don't forget the requirement for random drug testing all the drivers.

showcrop · Jul 8, 2011

If you hire any workers make sure that you have taken the course on how to recognize an impaired driver. 60 min on drugs and 60 min on alcohol. I had it years ago, and just got a reminder yesterday. I guess gov't is making extra $ selling DOT Reg. mailing lists.

Ray · Jul 8, 2011

There also changing dot regulations for farm trucks hauling grain.If you haul to an elevator or someplace that forewards the grain on to make a profit your a commercial trucker now.

Geo-TH,In · Jul 8, 2011

If you are a farmer hauling livestock or gain 10,000 pounds may require CDL. However a socker mon driving a large SUV, a camper, RV, or an individual not for hire doesn't have to have a CDL. Currently you have to go over 25 or 26,000# before you need a CDL.

So,are the new regulations still going to exempt a few as before?

oldtanker · Jul 8, 2011

I wouldn't believe everything I read on the net.

1. US DOT regs only cover vehicles that cross state lines for hire/commerical reasons.

2. Vehicles that are inteded for off road operation are NOT affected by US DOT.

Some states may be making rules like that and they would affect farming operations in that state. But if I leave my drive and onto a State Highway US DOT has no say over what I'm doing even if I'm for hire as long as I don't cross state lines.

Rick
Rick

David from Kansas · Jul 8, 2011

DOT is another agency of appointed idiots who are getting completely out of hand, just like the EPA, etc. We all need to contact our senators and representatives and tell them what hardships the feds are imposing on us against our will. It is just ridiculous.

heavyhaulertoo · Jul 8, 2011

You must have talked to the same guy that Idid, Ithink i'am going to put my tractor number on it. I said to him, you mean to tell me every time you see me your going to stop me. A duelley with a duel fithwheel trailer.

PeterE · Jul 8, 2011

You are correct that the DOT can"t FORCE the state into any laws, but they hold the money. That"s what happened in Pennsylvania.

DOT said we don"t think your state laws are appropriate and threatened to withhold millions if PA didn"t change their laws to match what DOT wanted. The first interpretation of the laws was that any farm equipment on the road would be treated as a commercial vehicle.

In the end, they exempted tractors and combines, but changed the rules for farm trucks. The fear is that it was just a start, and federal DOT is going to do it again.

JBMac · Jul 8, 2011

Peter has it right, I've just been through this with my company. We've been buying and refitting alot of clean Penske trucks (Internationals. They have a GVWR of 25,600. Just under the CDL requirements!

Ray · Jul 8, 2011

The dot covers all trucks over 10000,not just
commercial.A friend of mine has a local skid bussiness,never leaves the state and got a dot fine for not having a dot number.They made him
unhook his gooseneck trailer along the road.He got a friend with a dot number to pick it up.

Geo-TH,In · Jul 8, 2011

I think you are right, however states also require DOT#s if you advertise a business on your truck. I think they may turn a blind eye to a small pickup advertising a lawn care business pulling a small trailer with a mower.

I don't advertise, don't have a business, I do haul my tractors and backhoe and have never been stopped in Indiana.

I think I would be in trouble if I go to Kentucky or Illinois to buy a tractor and haul it back to Indiana. I think those states require anyone over 10,000# to have state DOT#. Not sure if they require CDL.

Indiana does not require me to have #'s or a CDL.

john in la · Jul 8, 2011

I would not believe everything you hear on a discussion board. Some people take a apple and turn it into a orange after it has been told several times.

Getting a CDL has always been a 26,000 lb limit. This applies to all interstate and intrastate movements unless you have a exemption and is governed by federal DOT law. All states are forced to comply. I have not heard of any changes in the works.

You need a DOT # on the truck if over 10,000 lbs. This applies to all interstate movements done by commercial trucks and intrastate hazmat haulers. The states are allowed to enforce or exempt other trucks that are used for intrastate movements only.
The green states require a DOT# for intrastate movements and the gray states do not require a DOT#.

The NEW law as you call it is that some of the gray states are talking about or some of the green states have recently changed their laws that require DOT# for intrastate movements.

I THINK (to name one) Iowa was in the gray state list last year and has changed it laws to become a green state. This has caused a big uprising in the affected states.

If you live in a green state; have a truck or combination that weighs over 10,000 loaded; and use it for a business; you need a DOT # even for intrastate movements.

elmersooner · Jul 8, 2011

the commerce clause is being used to grab power--the current thinking is that since the grain you sell goes to other states you are engaging in interstate commerce.......these idiots are like a bunch of teenagers---they see what they want to see and have no common sense....just another example of your freedoms as an american slipping away a little at a time. don't be surprised if they start checking emissions and wanting you to install airbags. the current government believes in having a say so in every aspect of your life...all enacted without representation by executive order....

shaun wallace · Jul 8, 2011

I have a 6 yard dump truck that is used for " personal use". It weights 14000 empty and is taged for 28000. So far I have not been bothered by dps. I do have class A CDL and no med. It has no TX dot or US dot on it.

504 · Jul 8, 2011

Most states use the federal regs as there own. The 10000# thing is a joke, any 3/4 ton pick up needs a 12000# plate in MO.

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Jul 9, 2011

No, they can"t regulate private non commercial. The key is your friend was using the truck and trailer in a business. Once you are using the vehicle to make money/for hire, you are no longer exempt and must comply. If you"re hauling your tractor somewhere and; you"re not doing work for pay, you"re not using it to farm or any sort of self employment, you"re not going to a contest where you could win money or have a sponsor helping to pay expenses, you"re not advertising your restoration skills for hire, you"re private and exempt from the commercial regs.

Owen Aaland · Jul 9, 2011

(quoted from post at 23:18:25 07/08/11) I have a 6 yard dump truck that is used for " personal use". It weights 14000 empty and is taged for 28000. So far I have not been bothered by dps. I do have class A CDL and no med. It has no TX dot or US dot on it.

I don't know about Texas, but in Minnesota when it comes to determining it it is a commercial vehicle by weight, it doesn't matter what weight it is licensed for. What determines the weight rating is the manufacturers rating on the vehicle or if that is missing the actual loaded weight. Minnesota has required DOT numbers since about 2005 but they have not had to be on the vehicle, you only had to have it with you as long as it was intrastate. That is changing in that it now will have to be on the vehicle I believe starting in August.

JR Frye · Jul 9, 2011

All of this boils down to one thing:::: THEY ARE NOT SMART ENOUGH TO STOP SPENDING MONEY ON { BS } So there for they need to get every dime they can For what ever they can. The problem lies as I said before SPEND, SPEND, AND SPEND, And the tax payers will have to bail our { B } out. WHAT A COUNTRY WE LIVE IN. Then they wonder why our country is broke.
We The people are getting very tired of bailing out every government ORG, That
Put them selves in the RED because of spending money foolishly.

JR FRYE

NOW YOU CAN POOF IT:

Ryan - WI · Jul 9, 2011

I am not sure the actual intent of this law but if that means that the local 7th grader can't pull a grain buggy with a dual wheeled tractor down the highway then I am fine with it.

In Wisconsin we have tons of exceptions for agriculture in terms of licensing etc. that exempt ag use from commercial licensing. The problem is that most of those exceptions were put into place when agriculture was small scale individuals and not the commercial endeavor it is today.

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