Service Truck Weight, DOT Inspection?

[ClrkLndeKmt'su]

Yesterday, a coworker got pulled over buy a Georgia DOT officer. He was driving a 2006 Chevy 3500 with a Bay Bridge box and his tools and supplies. The officer ticketed him for not have a DOT physical card, and issued warnings for not having labeled DOT numbers and it isn't DOT certified.

The truck is labeled as 12,000 GVRW, and he was informed he needed a DOT physical and our company needed to get ALL our trucks certified.

I'm now very nervous haha. I drive a 2013 Chevy 2500 van, labeled 8,500 GVRW, and I drove it across a customers scales today and it weighs 8,060 with me and a full tank.

Is anyone familiar with DOT rules? What do we need to do, and are we breaking any laws? The company I work for has been in business for 38 years and has never DOT registered anything but our wreckers so I'm confused.

Also, can I legally carry oxygen and aceltyne? I have a torch setup and use it nearly weekly.

Thanks guys!

 

[jhelrey]

Your local truck mechanics DOT them. I'd swing by and have them look at the truck and give you their $.02

 

[ClrkLndeKmt'su]

Your local truck mechanics DOT them. I'd swing by and have them look at the truck and give you their $.02

The place that does our fleet maintenance can do inspections, I got my oil changed yesterday and they said they aren't even sure lol.

 

[Exit 61]

10,001 needs a dot # gross combined weight if you are in business. if you cross state lines. Cal requires a state number with in the state, Idaho none needed unless you are over 26,000 GCVW

 

[Metalcat]

Although I used to drive in Canada and the Pacific Northwest US commercially I am not familiar with most jurisdiction's regulations across North America as they vary enormously. Both sides of the border!

A quick check did bring up a few answers for you though.
From the Georgie Dept. of Public Safety:

http://dps.georgia.gov/frequently-asked-questions-mccd

Q: I'm confused. I've heard some people say that a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. or more makes a vehicle subject to the regulations, others say 26,001 lbs. Can you help clear this up?

A: Vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. or more used as part of a business (including a non-profit organization) are considered commercial motor vehicles for purposes of most of the safety regulations. This applies to:

•Single vehicles (trucks and vans)
•Passenger carrying vehicles with more than 15 passengers including the driver and passenger carrying vehicles equipped for 15 passengers, including the driver.
•Combinations of vehicles (such as a truck pulling a trailer or other equipment). At 26,001 lb. and above GVWR, additional requirements also apply (Commercial Driver's License and Drug and Alcohol Testing).
•Vehicles that carry hazardous materials for a business purpose are considered commercial regardless of GVWR.

Q: What are the commonly violated regulations?

A: For vehicles and combinations with GVWR of 10,001 lbs. or more:

1. Vehicle identification (Name and US DOT Number)

2. No medical exam certificate

3,4,5,....11....

......


More info on the above page, and others I'm sure.

I'm not sure how often your company operates in the state of Georgia but it sounds as you've been fortunate.

 

[smalltruck]

If the vehicle is over 11,000 GVRW then you need the physical. If the truck is used for commercial purposes then its supposed to have the DOT numbers. Commercial can be any purpose not defined as a privately owned and operated vehicle.

And yes pizza delivery cars are supposed to have them. I don't think you will ever see that...

 

[JTH]

DOT regs are intrastate and interstate. If you cross state lines and weigh over 10001 lbs you need DOT stickers and physical card. Inside MO (my state) over 26001 lbs requires DOT. These are license ratings. We have a couple of trucks whose GVW is 30K but are licensed at 22K so the drivers don't have to have CDL or air brake rating even though the truck has air brakes. GA DMV web site should have some info for you. I think 12K is too low for the requirements but it's GA law that counts. May need to have placards for the welding tanks and the need to be chained upright. size of the tanks can come into play too. Local DOT insp is a good place to start.

 

[ClrkLndeKmt'su]

These answers really help guys!

Our company is based in Dalton, Ga; I work from the Chattanooga, Tn branch. Well all at our branch cover an area that spans into Ga and Alabama, so it sounds like our box trucks will probably only have to abide by these rules. AlthOuth I need to make sure my tanks are legal. They are chained and upright, and secure. I just really hope I get to keep my bottles, because they are needed for my particular job.

 

[Jason280]

A: Vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. or more used as part of a business (including a non-profit organization) are considered commercial motor vehicles for purposes of most of the safety regulations. This applies to:

This confuses me a bit, as I see trucks all the time here in Georgia with no DOT numbers that clearly weigh more than 10k pounds, and are obviously being used for "business" purposes. Perfect example, my '07 F550 with utility bed weighs just over 10k pounds lightly loaded. The previous owner used it as his primary work vehicle for 5 years, and weighed closer to 12k with all the tools/equipment. Based on the regs, does this mean the truck should have had DOT numbers when he was operating it?

 

[dieselgarage]

If the truck is used in any way to make or support the making of revenue for a business it needs to have a DOT number. Regardless of the weight. We got busted a few years back. Our driver was pulling out of a local business that does sandblasting. Pulled out of the parking lot. DOT pulled the empty pick up over. Asked a few questions and issued tickets for no DOT number and no current DOT inspection.

 

[mvptrukin]

This is why the issue is so confusing-every state and every LEO seems to have a different take on the DOT# issue. If you go to the Federal website in this link it shows a map of the states that require DOT#'s for all commercial vehicles:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/registration-USDOT.htm
But it doesn't mention anything about GVW limits.I have been noticing that in my state small construction,
landscaping, towing companies etc. all seem to have DOT#'s. The Colorado DMV website says nothing about DOT# requirements and if you try to get a question answered on the phone it takes a half hour on hold. Last week I get pulled over leaving a Used Truck parts biz driving my '95 3/4 ton Dodge Ram with a automatic ****** on the flatbed and the State Trooper tells me I need a DOT# because he thinks I am running a biz--I bought the ****** down the street at a U-pullem place.

 

[Higgins]

Hummmmmm, Interesting, I wish I knew the answer!! I have a 1 Ton truck, and weather it's used as a business or personal use, it has to have a "D" class commercial plate on it here in IL.

Now I've driven that truck in numerious states, taken it across truck scales, and none of the State police ever brought up the topic of DOT requirements....

 

[CNGsaves]

I want to learn about state inspections . . . but . . . I REALLY just want to see more replies by Jason.

Avatar is great!!

 

[wafrederick]

It is a huge fine with no medical card.Better not get caught with Chinese made tires on the vehicle too,illegal by the DOT.Now you better get bluetooth,a huge fine if caught talking on the cellphone while driving,to the driver and the owner even in your personal vehicle.It is a $2,500.00 fine.

 

[volaredon]

Hummmmmm, Interesting, I wish I knew the answer!! I have a 1 Ton truck, and weather it's used as a business or personal use, it has to have a "D" class commercial plate on it here in IL.

Now I've driven that truck in numerious states, taken it across truck scales, and none of the State police ever brought up the topic of DOT requirements....

I too live in IL; and just got my CDL a year ago, at which time I DID NOT have my medical card; (I do now) I was in a "tender truck"-- a straight truck (no trailer) that hauls fertilizer from the plant to the "floater" in the fields that actually applies the liquid. I was shown a list of 12 circumstances where you could hold a CDL and not have a medical card; one was driving YOUR OWN truck for YOUR OWN personal private use; there were others pertaining to not leaving the State boundaries while driving a commercial vehicle;

I used to have a Dually; I have seen these with either "B" class or "D" class plates (we have no class "C")

While it has been several years since owning that truck, I went in knowing that it was listed as having a GVW of 10000. a "B" plate is an 8000 lb (or lower) rating, a "D" is a 8001-12000 GVW rating. I know that truck weighed 5000 empty. When I went to the DMV and asked if I "hadto" run "D" plates the counter guy sked how I was "normally" running that truck if I wasn't running that truck "loaded" that B's were OK; but that even as a personal vehicle the DOT "could" pull me over and order me to the nearest scale but the likelihood being a private owned non commercial vehicle it was a slim chance... BUT if I "happened" to be over 8000 even though the truck was rated for 10K, i would be in trouble. there was nothing in the conversation saying that "D" class= commercial vehicle, just the weight class.
AT THE TIME (this "dates" my ownership of that truck since IL is now more costly even for "car" plates) a car or a "B" truck was $78/yr for registration, while a "D" was $128... back then the only thing I saw was "why spend the extra $50 if I don't have to"?

That said the fertilizer place that i worked at that helped me get my CDL, has a 94-ish Chevy dually that runs "B" plates.

Now, some states, I know require you to take into account COMBINED weight, that being the weight of truck and trailer even if you are not constantly towing with that truck, when applying for license plates.

 

[volaredon]

It is a huge fine with no medical card.Better not get caught with Chinese made tires on the vehicle too,illegal by the DOT.

REALLY?I have never heard that one before; that's fantastic they oughtta carry that "fining for buying Chinese product" a lot farther, I am tired of not being able to fine much of anything American made any more this would certainly turn the tables back into our favor!
that being said is this only on a DOT class truck? I found US made tires (it was a struggle) when I built my utility trailer ("Carlisle" brand) but I had to make alot of calls and look past alot of chinese **** to find them in teh size I needed;
I have a popup camper with tires installed by the PO; and yes they are china tires. Would this "illegal by the DOT" extend to such a personal trailer?

 

[justanengineer]

This is why the issue is so confusing-every state and every LEO seems to have a different take on the DOT# issue.

And every state has different licensing and definitions of what constitutes a "commercial vehicle," and it also doesnt help that the information isnt easily accessed by the public. Many people make the mistake of reading the common (non CDL) driver's manual for their particular state, believing it (worst move possible IMO), and then crossing state lines believing the next state will honor the first's requirements. Great example - NY still lists a non-commercial class C license in their manual to this day, but they havent offered one since 2005(?) (been there, was downgraded). Also, vehicle and more commonly, trailer size plays a key role. In NY for example, >10k (non-RV) trailer for any reason is considered commercial, as is any trailer with more than two axles. I see it regularly when I go visit relatives with tourists bringing in giant wheeler, sled, or horsie trailers. If its got a fifth wheel, youre gonna be pulled over by the local troopers bc according to NY, you are commercial driving very likely w/a non-CDL. We used to have exemptions for everything with ag plates, and as a teen a bit over a decade ago now I regularly ran farm and log trucks down the road without issue...but those days are long gone.

 

[wafrederick]

That is what an inspector,a Michigan State cop told my father inspecting his 2000 Freightliner.Said Chinese made tires are illegal by the DOT,the Chinese made tires are known for blowing out.This is for the big rig trucks mainly.The federal is a real PITA if you cross state lines.My father goes into Indiana going to a couple dealer only car auctions in Mishawauka,In every Wendsday.

 

[chris142]

Here a pickup without a pickup bed(flatbed or utility) is considered a comercial vehicle regardless of weight.

 

[Jason280]

Better not get caught with Chinese made tires on the vehicle too,illegal by the DOT

Any link supporting this, as I cannot find anything supporting this claim on Google.

 

[Givl Reggin]

If the truck is used in any way to make or support the making of revenue for a business it needs to have a DOT number.

Don't put advertizing on the truck and you'll likely never have to deal with DOT... I know many ranchers/farmers that used to put their names on the doors now drive plain vehicles because of not wanting to mess around with DOT.

 

[Higgins]

FYI Here in IL, the GWD label on my 1 ton says 9,860 LBS, so reguardless if I use it as a personal truck, or for business, I must run "D" commercial plates, as it's in excess of 8,000 lbs!

 

[maddawg1952]

DOT regs are intrastate and interstate. If you cross state lines and weigh over 10001 lbs you need DOT stickers and physical card. Inside MO (my state) over 26001 lbs requires DOT. These are license ratings. We have a couple of trucks whose GVW is 30K but are licensed at 22K so the drivers don't have to have CDL or air brake rating even though the truck has air brakes. GA DMV web site should have some info for you. I think 12K is too low for the requirements but it's GA law that counts. May need to have placards for the welding tanks and the need to be chained upright. size of the tanks can come into play too. Local DOT insp is a good place to start.

I might be wrong ( have been on numerous occasions) but I was led to believe it was governed by the gvwr (gross vehicle weight rating) and not by what the vehicle was actually registered for. Wonder if I was told the correct info.