• If you are having problems logging in please use the Contact Us in the lower right hand corner of the forum page for assistance.

When is your farm truck a CMV…

E

ecofarmer

Well-known member
Joined
May 8, 2009
Messages
70
Location
central VA
I took a truck that has VA state "farm tags" (not the ones that have "farm use" in paint). The driver's door has our company name, DOT#, and GVWR painted on the side. It's a 3,500 dooly, long bed, double cab, farm bed, and the extras. It tips the scale at 7,700 pounds and the GVWR is 24,000.

The wife and I drove down to TN to pick up a trailer with the kids. Since we crossed state lines we filled out a log book for our driving. We stopped at all the weight stations and passed on the rolling scales and didn't have to stop for a still weight or play the paperwork game.

Looked the trailer over and all was well. I put the VA plate on it (I got the title by mail a week ago and registered it to my farm and got the plate) and we headed home after getting some grub.

The first two weight stations we were good with the rolling weights. Then weight station number 3 bit me in the butt. I didn't even make it to the rolling scale when the lights popped up for me to get a still weight. Right as I pulled up the guy on the intercom tells me to pull around back and come inside. He tells me that I don't need to stop at any scales because I'm not a driving a commercial vehicle and talked to me like I was stuck on his shoe like chunks of a cow pie. He had already told me his name so I thanked him and went back to my truck to get on my way.

I know I don't know all the laws but I THINK I know a few. Farm vehicles get 150 miles by air or state line exemptions. There's also a 10,001 pound rule that plays in somewhere and I know I passed it with the trailer.

If I was not required to stop at weight stations then what exceptions would I have been under I under?
 
I would think it would only be concidered "commercial hauling" if you are being paid by someone else to haul their stuff. Using your truck to make a profit by hauling for others.

I don't know about anywhere else.....but here in Texas we've never had to stop at a weigh station when pulling our own farm/ranch trailers with our trucks that have farm tags.
 
I remember someone on this site mentioning getting a pretty good fine for not stopping at a scales in Montana with his pickup and stock trailer.
 
I have heard about to many fines also. I know someone that got slapped with a $10,000, a $5,000, and a 2,000 fine at one time. They took him to jail for the night and had his truck towed. He fought it in court and had to pay $5,000 in fines.

If you call the state police and ask to talk to the sergeant on the phone they will give you information but must of the time they will tell you there not 100% sure. I have called the state police where I had the issue and I have to call back Monday morning to talk to the guy in charge.

My farm rules say that if you don't have a CDL then you can't drive anything larger than a 1 ton on the road with out asking me or the wife.
 
Florida used to require a CDL for anything over 10,001 lbs, I had to get one to drive a welding rig.

Recently they increased the weight limit to 26,001 lbs. to get more in line with the majority of states.

Take a look at Ryder and U-Haul trucks out there. An ordinary common operator's license is all that is needed to lease one of those. Experience is optional. :wink:

bart.

<><
 
I never stop at any scales with a pickup. If they want me they can catch up none ever have.
 
I think here in Texas if you are hauling for yourself and have Farm Tags you and haul just about anything without stopping to get weighted. I haul over 17,000 lbs pecans to the market with a 3/4 ton Ford and pass the weight stations and have never been stop. It's about 120 miles from the ranch to the market. Old farmer used to always tell me if the farm truck can pull it you can haul it anywhere in Texas no madder how much it weight. Key word FARM TRUCK. :wink:
 
Ecofarmer, The state of Virginia classifies you as a commercial vehicle when.

- When your licensed GVW is 26,001 or greater.

- When your vehicle is equipped with air brakes.

- When your vehicle is transporting Hazardous Material.

- When a combination vehicle is pulling more than one trailer.

Which scale house give you a hard time, Roanoke?
 
The one north of Roanoke has never given us a hard time. I pass that one all the time because our butcher is south off 81 form me.

I had the hard time in TN.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top