Comments on: Who must comply?

By: Eric Arnold

Eric Arnold — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:03:41 +0000

Gary: yes you need to comply with the DOT rules, which kick in at 10,001 lbs. GVWR.

By: Gary

Gary — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:51:18 +0000

I live in wisconsin but work in michigan I install flooring mostly I don’t haul material but some times I do but not across state I drive a one ton van I called dmv and my truck is rated at 10001 to 14000 do I need to comply with dot rules .
Are there any exception like but the van in someone eles name and lease it from them to avoid the year physical??

By: Corrine

Corrine — Fri, 27 May 2011 20:58:00 +0000

I have a truck for my business i sell potatoe chips ect. the trucks 12,000gvw i go from R.I. to Mass I have my dot numbers now they say something about a safty audit does that include a drug test too.

By: Eric Arnold

Eric Arnold — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:44:51 +0000

John: I don’t specialize in permitting, I suggest you call JJ Keller, they do permitting. Or google search for DOT Permitting. You need to comply with all the DOT safety regulations, though, except CDL and drug testing.

By: John Aldred

John Aldred — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 06:41:08 +0000

Hi i am a hot shot with a ram 3500 dodge and a 50ft wedge trailer i cover all of north america what states do i need to be permitted in like arizon and nevada, but not utah idaho or montana ect im under 26000, thanks for any help. I need to know the states as im getting a commericial plate soon thanks

By: Eric Arnold

Eric Arnold — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:01:19 +0000

JB: If your vehicle has a GVWR or 10,001 – 26,000 lbs., you need to comply with all the rules, except drug and alcohol testing. This includes logbooks. If you are driving over 100 miles from your office, you need a logbook. It sounds like you will. I have a post up on the front page about lightweight vehicles right now, there’s a bunch of good “free” info in that. As far as permits and authorities go, if you plan on transporting for-hire, you will need operating authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In addition, many States have permits they require to operate in their States. Usually, you have to contact each State in which you will be operating to find out what you need.

If you want to full scoop on the safety regulations, my area of expertise, might I recommend purchasing my DVD package?

By: Jb

Jb — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:28:32 +0000

Eric, want to start a business,have a cdl-a, vehicle will be under 26,000 lbs.what permits and authorities do i need,can’t find info on net. Interstate,do i need to run a log book?

By: Eric Arnold

Eric Arnold — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:52:16 +0000

Michigan has adopted the Federal rules, so all DOT rules apply at 10,001 lbs. GVWR. Therefore, you are subject to all of the rules, which includes logs, medicals, annual vehicle inspections, etc. You are not subject to drug and alcohol testing, as that kicks in at 26,001 lbs. GVWR and up. There are numerous exceptions for logbooks. Hope that helps.

By: marsha

marsha — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:42:25 +0000

We have a water well drilling rig & water truck both weight over 20,000 gvw. The trucks stay in michigan and only go out to work 1-2 a week. i have had conflicting stories to what rules i have to follow. everyone has cdl, chaufers lisence and exam cards. but do we need the dot#, log book, drug tests, or what is it we need for our outfit.

By: Eric Arnold

Eric Arnold — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:35:31 +0000

I used to live in Florida. What a great place. No state income tax, cheap, I had an inground pool…… those were the days! I could play golf in January, no snow, no ice…. fantastic!

Oh yeah, what was the question again? Oh, right, the moving thing. You do not need the DOT #, as you are not in commerce. It is exactly the same as if you rented a 28 foot Ryder truck to move your stuff…. DOT rules do not apply.

I would take the DOT number off, and letter on there, “Personal Use, Not-For-Hire”. And then be prepared to explain to any DOT cops you might run across that it’s your own personal belongings in the container.