Sorry that it took so long to get back to you but what about somthing like this with a trailer.

 

Yup, 12k gvw trailor with a 6k gvw truck is trouble. I have seen it in many different states buy the guys who cut grass. If you were lucky it would be ground breaking news.

 

I'm assuming you meant 26k where you wrote 6k, but you're right. In fact, you'd hit CDL status if the trailer's GVWR was 10,001 with a 16,000 GVWR tractor.

 

6k truck 12k trailor

 

Gotcha. Just curious, are we talking actual weight or weight ratings? If the GCWR of that rig is only 18,000#, a CDL would not be required. That truck looks like a dually. If so, a 6,000# GVWR seems a little low....should be closer to 10,000+#. If that trailer has dual tandems, then surely it's GVWR is higher than 12,000#.

 

I live in SC and the only way you'll find out exactly what you need to do is to go to Columbia. Actually Blythwood. That is where the main Motor Vehicle department is located.
It is also where Motor Carrier Services is located. If you go there in person they are very helpful.
I have drive a straight truck now, but I have a CDL class A. I have a boat that weighs 11,900lbs not including the weight of the trailer. I have often wondered if CDL's are required to pull it. I pull the boat with a F-250 that is rated to pull 12,500lbs.
Pick-up truck now days can pull and carry almost as much as big trucks, I bet before long they will make some new laws on them.
I have a friend in grading he uses Ford F-550 and Chevy 5500 with dump beds on them. He pulls full size loaders and everything else with them. He claims they fall under a different restrictions than do a full size dump truck, esp. since he doesn't cross state lines.

 

I agree that your state dmv or in your case, dept. of public safety, can be a good source of info.

I don't think your big boat requires a CDL unless it's used in commerce and your tow vehicle is big enough to put you over the 26,000# threshold.

Again, the FMSCA and DOT uses GVWR, not actual weight (unless, of course you exceed the rating of your vehicle...they generally don't like that) when determining license requirements.

Your friend in the grading business is correct. If he doesn't cross state lines, he falls under the jurisdiction of the state DOT regulations. However. these almost always mirror the federal rules. If the gcw ratings of his rigs exceed 26,000#, then a CDL would be required. Whether it's a class A or B would be determined by the GVWR of the trailer.

 

I agree Talk to DMV, RMV, DOT or public safety and document everything whom you talk to and their authority so it don't come back to haunt you. If you're in doubt about whether you need to document your actions or conversations, keep track of it. It just might help you solve a big problem down the road. And and remember to keep with your registration and a copy at home.

 

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