From: Jasper Welsch (cucvman@jam.rr.com)
Date: Mon Mar 18 2002 - 18:10:58 PST
Mike and List,
Here are some excerpts from the Mississippi Commercial Driver's License Law.
This was adopted, under protest, by the MS Legislature 1989. It was taken
straight from the Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. Most
states are similar, but MS only passed the absolute minimum that was
required. As always, check your own state's statutes. Most are available
on line.
" 63-1-75. Definitions.
The following words, as used in this article, shall have the meanings
herein ascribed unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
...
(f) "Commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle designed or used to
transport passengers or property:
(i) If the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of twenty-six
thousand one (26,001) or more pounds, or such lesser rating as determined by
applicable federal regulations; or
(ii) If the vehicle is designed to transport sixteen (16) or more
passengers, including the driver; or
(iii) If the vehicle is transporting hazardous materials and is required to
be placarded in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act,
49 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 172, Subpart F;"
JJW: Now for the CDL Classes.
"§ 63-1-82. Form of license; privileges conferred by license;
classifications of licenses; endorsements and restrictions; requirements as
to driving record information; fees; duplicate license or permit; duration
of license; renewal.
...
(3) Commercial driver's licenses may be issued with the following
classifications:
(a) Class A. Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating
of twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds or more, provided the gross
vehicle weight rating of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is in excess of
ten thousand (10,000) pounds;
(b) Class B. Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of
twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds or more, and any such vehicle towing
a vehicle not in excess of ten thousand (10,000) pounds;
(c) Class C. Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less
than twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds or any such vehicle towing a
vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating not in excess of ten thousand
(10,000) pounds comprising:
(i) Vehicles designed to transport sixteen (16) or more passengers,
including the driver; and
(ii) Vehicles used in the transportation of hazardous materials which are
required to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act,
49 USCS Appx., Section 1801 et seq.; and
(d) Class D. All other vehicles or combination of vehicles which are not
included in Class A, Class B or Class C and for which a commercial license
is required to be issued as provided by Section 63-1-43, Mississippi Code of
1972"
JJW: BUT, THERE IS A CATCH!!!!
"63-1-78. Applicability of provisions of article.
(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this article, the
provisions of this article shall be inapplicable to the following persons
and vehicles:
...
(e) Any vehicle which is used strictly and exclusively to transport personal
possessions or family members for nonbusiness purposes. "
I would be real careful about using this exemption. If you are going to a
show with anything to sell, it does not apply. If you are going with your
buddy and he is not your father, brother and/or cousin, it does not apply.
If you have ever used your vehicle for one of the above, it does not apply.
Remember, if Officer Friendly takes you to jail, or you have to pay a lawyer
to represent you - you still lose even if you win in court.
Also, make damn sure you have adequate insurance before you drive a big
truck on the road. They can cause a lot of damage, and $25,000.00 in
liability won't cover much these days.
Jasper Welsch at Home
1984 M1009 CUCV
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