CLASS RACER FORUM - View Single Post - Are you required to have DOT numbers on your tow rig???

SS70ElCaminoOwner · 10-04-2007, 11:46 PM

Ok guys, do you run DOT numbers on your tow rigs when hauling your cars?

I have just spent six hours talking with both state and federal DOT departments. They all agree that this is a gray area. Their feeling is if you are going to car shows where you can win a prize, you are towing for compensation, I know it is stupid but that was a consistent answer I got, try asking them yourself.

If you answer the questions on this link http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registratio...escription.htm Private, not for money, over 10,000 pounds Gross Vehicle weight (truck 6350, trailer 4,500, show car 3,600 the answer they come up with is yes you need a DOT number

I drove truck for many years, this did not make sense to me (DOT also requires such things as a log book, and all the safety equipment.)

I did find this on the federal site,
Question 21: Does the exemption in ?390.3(f)(3) for the "occasional transportation of personal property by individuals not for compensation nor in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise" apply to persons who occasionally use CMVs to transport cars, boats, horses, etc., to races, tournaments, shows or similar events, even if prize money is offered at these events?
Guidance: The exemption would apply to this kind of transportation, provided: (1) The underlying activities are not undertaken for profit, i.e., (a) prize money is declared as ordinary income for tax purposes, and (b) the cost of the underlying activities is not deducted as a business expense for tax purposes; and, where relevant; (2) corporate sponsorship is not involved. Drivers must confer with their State of licensure to determine the licensing provisions to which they are subject.

I called and questioned the FMCSA and they said this is a valid interpretation but road side inspectors may still issue a ticket (yes you are required to stop at the truck inspection stops/weigh stations) and you will have to fight it in court.

On top of that State DOT may have a different interpretation. NY wants you to get a NYSDOT number if you stay in the state.

So what I am going to do is/have done is apply for a USDOT number (does not cost anything and can be done online at the link above) Put it on a magnetic sign and display it as required when pulling the trailer. I will not keep a logbook and if issued a ticket for that will fight it in court.

I am also going to carry copies of this and the information I picked up on the state DOT site in the truck with me.

WHAT A PAIN

By the way I am not talking about a large set up see this link for pictures of what I am talking about. http://www.leverfamilysite.com/2003_...go_Trailer.htm If you are hauling a car in or on a trailer this applies to you.

10-04-2007, 11:46 PM	#1
SS70ElCaminoOwner Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 1 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Are you required to have DOT numbers on your tow rig??? Ok guys, do you run DOT numbers on your tow rigs when hauling your cars? I have just spent six hours talking with both state and federal DOT departments. They all agree that this is a gray area. Their feeling is if you are going to car shows where you can win a prize, you are towing for compensation, I know it is stupid but that was a consistent answer I got, try asking them yourself. If you answer the questions on this link http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registratio...escription.htm Private, not for money, over 10,000 pounds Gross Vehicle weight (truck 6350, trailer 4,500, show car 3,600 the answer they come up with is yes you need a DOT number I drove truck for many years, this did not make sense to me (DOT also requires such things as a log book, and all the safety equipment.) I did find this on the federal site, Question 21: Does the exemption in ?390.3(f)(3) for the "occasional transportation of personal property by individuals not for compensation nor in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise" apply to persons who occasionally use CMVs to transport cars, boats, horses, etc., to races, tournaments, shows or similar events, even if prize money is offered at these events? Guidance: The exemption would apply to this kind of transportation, provided: (1) The underlying activities are not undertaken for profit, i.e., (a) prize money is declared as ordinary income for tax purposes, and (b) the cost of the underlying activities is not deducted as a business expense for tax purposes; and, where relevant; (2) corporate sponsorship is not involved. Drivers must confer with their State of licensure to determine the licensing provisions to which they are subject. I called and questioned the FMCSA and they said this is a valid interpretation but road side inspectors may still issue a ticket (yes you are required to stop at the truck inspection stops/weigh stations) and you will have to fight it in court. On top of that State DOT may have a different interpretation. NY wants you to get a NYSDOT number if you stay in the state. So what I am going to do is/have done is apply for a USDOT number (does not cost anything and can be done online at the link above) Put it on a magnetic sign and display it as required when pulling the trailer. I will not keep a logbook and if issued a ticket for that will fight it in court. I am also going to carry copies of this and the information I picked up on the state DOT site in the truck with me. WHAT A PAIN By the way I am not talking about a large set up see this link for pictures of what I am talking about. http://www.leverfamilysite.com/2003_...go_Trailer.htm If you are hauling a car in or on a trailer this applies to you. Last edited by SS70ElCaminoOwner; 10-04-2007 at 11:53 PM.