Comments on: Lightweight Vehicles and the DOT

By: Richard Shilling

Richard Shilling — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:11:33 +0000

I researched this for my employer when I picked up 4 violations. To comply with Federal Regs (States vary and some use the Federal definitions), vehicle or combos over 10,001 GVW that are owned by a business and cross state lines have to comply with virtually all the regs applicable to big rigs except Commercial Driver’s License and mandatory drug testing. Log book, medical certification, specific documents to be carried,etc. per the Regs. To drive through states you either need a transit pass or apportioned registration. Oh, the horse people saw this coming and got an exemption, but read the regs.

By: Eric Arnold

Eric Arnold — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:35:30 +0000

Well, whoever called you was probably from the Feds. They only have jurisdiction over interstate transportation, ie, across state lines. Some states conduct audits of motor carriers who operate wholly within their state (intrastate). I don’t know if New York does that, I don’t think so. So as long as you do not cross the state line, the Feds probably won’t bother you. Of course, it sounds like you do go “interstate”. Well, as long as you’re not driving way over the line, you’re exposure is limited, they’ll probably never know you were here.

By: D. Gill

D. Gill — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:12:08 +0000

In New York State, all pickup trucks are designated commercial no matter what you use it for. I pull a horse trailer with my one ton crew cab dually. Since I live one mile from the NY/PA state line, I frequently drive the truck and trailer “interstate”. I did apply for my DOT number and someone called me from the DOT. They asked if I had pulled the trailer across the state line yet and I said no. They said I didn’t have to be audited etc until I went interstate. Hmmm, are they kidding me or is that true? Thank you.
D. Gill