Who needs a CDL?

[Ray H]

I already know the answer but lets see what most people think. Im envolved in a discusion on another board about this and no matter how much evidence I present (in the form of FMCSA, USDOT and various state laws) no one can seem to read them. Its frustrating me. I just want to know if im wrong or has everyone blocked out my view because they are tired of hearing me say no.
If you dont mind, do a little research (its really pretty easy as most states publish their manuals on the internet now) and tell me who needs a CDL in your state. Heres WV.

http://www.wvdot.com/6_motorists/dmv...0of%20Licenses

[fredjacksonsan]

Virginia is similar, if not identical:

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/ci.../cdl_class.asp


What is the issue the other forum's members are having? Are they saying they can drive whatever they'd like without a CDL?

[Ray H]

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

Virginia is similar, if not identical:

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/ci.../cdl_class.asp


What is the issue the other forum's members are having? Are they saying they can drive whatever they'd like without a CDL?

Theyre interpretation of the CDL laws is that you must have a CDL to pull a trailer over 10000lbs GVWR irregardless of the combined GVWR. So essentually, If you were pulling a 12000lbs trailer with a dually pickup, you would need a CDL.
Im saying that without meeting the 26000lbs minimum, you do not need a CDL irregardless of the trailer weight.

[freakray]

A trailer is classified as a vehicle, hence why they require a licence plate.

The way it seems it can be interpreted is that the combined weight of 26,000 lbs, not the trailer or vehicle alone, but both together.

[fredjacksonsan]

I'd check the state laws; there may be a section that states specifically that for a trailer weight of greater than xxx pounds you need a CDL. I'm not aware of such a law in VA, however.

[Ray H]

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

I'd check the state laws; there may be a section that states specifically that for a trailer weight of greater than xxx pounds you need a CDL. I'm not aware of such a law in VA, however.

Its true that the states do their own thing as far as non commercial drivers licenses go but commercial licenses are now regulated by the Feds. Ive done alot of research on various state statutes and have determined that whomever writes most of their drivers manuals is on crack and/or illiterate. In some state manuals, CT comes to mind, the way its written, the ONLY person who can pull a trailer between 10000lbs and 26000lbs GVWR is a farmer. The drivers manual for TX has rules in it that their state statutes dont even mention. Its like the person that wrote the manual was just making $hit up.

[MikeCStig]

If it's over 26000 lbs, you need a CDL.
If it has air brakes you need a CDL.
If you have a CDL, you will be in a lottery (you don't want to win this one) to be drug tested randomly at any time for no reason. If you fail, kiss your CDL goodbye.
These are federal laws. Many states have additional laws and some of them are difficult to interpret and/or ridiculous.