Re: drivers license needed

[Teddy Lancaster <Teddy@runningbear.com>]

navion wrote:

> > > tom walker tomake1@aol.com
> > > do you need a commerical drivers license to pull a horse trailer  that
> weights more than 10,001 lbs. some say yes some say no what is the law. not
> for hire or commerical thanks
>
>        I would need to look at the regulations again to give the exact
> answer.  But the basic answer is yes, you need more than a standard drivers
> license. You can look at your state DMV book to get exact answers, but the
> feds sort of made all the states come on line with uniform standards a few
> years ago. And pulling trailers over 10,000 GVW (not actual weight, but GVW)
> requires an A license (Calif) and I'm sure the equivlent in all other
> states. The highway patrols have not been enforcing it to my knowledge, some
> of them don't even know the law was changed. But it is the law.  RV's are
> exempt to a higher weight, I wondered ig LQ horse trailers would qualify as
> RV's and get in under that exemption.
>
> Jim Mitchell

I am in Ohio and I have titled and registered by horse trailer (34 foot, 5H with
LQ) as a "house vehicle"...same as "travel trailer" or "house trailer" in many
states.  I also had lettering put on my trailer stating that is is registered as
a recreational travel trailer.  I, so far, have zipped by weight station and no
one has chased me ( I tow with w Freightliner, so LOOK like a tractor/trailer).

Each state has it's own regulations which CAN be more than the federal ones.
Most want all vehicles over 10,000 to comply with FMCSR's which MAY include
having a log book and medical card.  As far as I know, a CDL is NOT required for
vehicles UNDER 26,001 pounds (unless tow vehicle has air brakes).  My state does
NOT require a CDL for what most of us horse people drive. I have a CDL because
1.) I have air brakes and 2.) the truck is RATED at 30,000 pounds (which I am
often close to.)


--
Teddy Lancaster

American Endurance Ride Conference # 139422
- Member since 1974
6000+ career miles

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