When is a CDL license truly required? Just some quidelines for NYS - Machine Underground -Tractor & Commercial Equipment Discussion Forum

**Ducati996** · 11-09-2007, 11:12 AM

Even though this is specifically for New York, there may be shared or very similar requirements in other adjoining states-
I spoke with the contact in the attached pdf file - I think this might help some of you especially in the New York area. For example my truck a Ford F550 with a GWVR at 19,000 lbs (notice under 26k) and my trailer which is rated at 9800lbs (under the 10k) - are ok and dont require a CDL even when combined. It does sound like the combined is not to exceed on these forms, but he assures me that isnt the case, as long as they are both under the limits mentioned above.

Im sure this is still clear as mud for all, but all I know is that I'm ok -

Durwood · 12-17-2007, 04:07 AM

Interesting Duc...i was always told that if you were a business, that even if you hauled a trailer and was under 26,000 gvw you still needed a cdl because you were a business. Maybe different in Ohio i dunno. My under cdl box truck has air brakes which many have told me i need cdl for. But there is no law about air brakes if you are under cdl. I have been inspected in many states and have asked the oshp about it even. A couple of know it alls at tbn tried to tell me different but they were wrong.

**Admin** · 12-17-2007, 09:10 AM

Hey Durwood -

I really cant speak regarding Ohio code, but I would guess if your Box truck is under 26k, you don't need a CDL license even with air brakes.
Again being a guess for Ohio and NYS regarding business use purposes when your truck/trailer combo are under the 26k (truck)/10k(trailer), my
experience tells me it would still hold true as long as the individual limits are not exceeded. This is a guess still on my part, but I feel reasonably sure its the case in NYS.

I hope other can chime in on their states rules/regulations as best as they understand them. Interesting to know overall.

**gunmaker** · 12-21-2007, 10:19 PM

From my experience, there are too numerous differences in the laws throughout the states. Generally, if you're legal and non-commercial in your home state, you're gonna be okay traveling about. If you operate commercially,

you have to know what's up from state to state, federal regs, endorsements ie; air-brakes, haz-mat, articulation, passengers etc. Then of course we have the

RV

classification

, which is kind-of anything goes...sort of!

**Ducati996** · 12-21-2007, 10:25 PM

You are so right about the RV side of things - how the heck they get away with the things they shouldnt, is beyond me. Meanwhile if I go interstate, I most likely have to get the DOT lettering/registering. Yeah right, just another probing job by the Govt for more money and more probing. Nah, aint happening

But the RV thing, the stuff I see, half the setups shouldnt be on the road - but dang they are legal

Al Letts · 01-26-2008, 12:27 PM

Ohio Vehicle Code states airbrakes require a validation (not a total CDL) but a seperate validation. Written test required.

Good Luck
Al Letts
Cincinnati

Durwood · 01-26-2008, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al Letts

Ohio Vehicle Code states airbrakes require a validation (not a total CDL) but a seperate validation. Written test required.

Good Luck
Al Letts
Cincinnati

That is not true for an under cdl truck. I have checked it out and even asked if there is a written test...and was told there is none. I have been thru dot inspections where they check the air brakes and not once have they ever asked for a validation for them.

**PaulChristenson** · 01-29-2008, 08:16 AM

http://www.ct.gov/dmv/LIB/dmv/20/29/mch.pdf

**PaulChristenson** · 01-29-2008, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducati996

Even though this is specifically for New York, there may be shared or very similar requirements in other adjoining states-
I spoke with the contact in the attached pdf file - I think this might help some of you especially in the New York area. For example my truck a Ford F550 with a GWVR at 19,000 lbs (notice under 26k) and my trailer which is rated at 9800lbs (under the 10k) - are ok and dont require a CDL even when combined. It does sound like the combined is not to exceed on these forms, but he assures me that isnt the case, as long as they are both under the limits mentioned above.

Im sure this is still clear as mud for all, but all I know is that I'm ok -

But you do need a Non-CDL Class C: for vehicles 18,001 lbs. to 26,000 lbs. You must be 18 years of age or older to apply.

**LoneCowboy** · 09-14-2008, 12:08 PM

Duc is right, his doesn't meet a combination Class A CDL (barely, by 200lbs on that trailer)
You can have up to 26,000 on a single vehicle and haul a trailer under 10,000lbs (rated, these are all rated weights, not what it actually weighs) and not need a CDL.

BUT
You are still a commercial motor vehicle. (you are operating a business with your truck). You have to stop at DOT stops (some states require stopping at scales, some don't), you may or may not need a DOT number (free, but opens up huge record keeping requirements), check USDOT website and basically have to meet all the rules. If you cross state lines with your commercial motor vehicle, you probably need a UCR number and maybe an M/C number (operating authority). Both of those do cost money. Check USDOT website and your local state DOT for more info.

For some reason RV's get a free pass (and 90% of those are overweight and unsafe). Firetrucks do too, funny enough. You don't need a CDL to drive a firetruck.

I really thought air brakes (which rock BTW, way better than electric) required a CDL, guess not all the time. You can have a CDL without an air brake endorsement.

Remember too that a CDL is basically a federal license, issued by the state and all rules apply whether you are driving a personal car or commercial motor vehicle. Also, your DOT medical card must be on you at all times if you are driving. (the other half of your license)

Proud holder of a CDL Class A, air brakes, combination vehicles, tanker, doubles/triples endorsement.