From: Neil E. Amrhein (neil@compu-powr.com)
Date: Wed Jun 09 2004 - 07:54:19 PDT
I've done a little investigating on this subject in Maryland (when looking into a possible 5-ton purchase) and have to agree with Everette. A CDL is just that: A "Commercial" Drivers License. If you are not using the vehicle commercially, then no CDL is required, period. You are not "Commercial".
Most 5-tons are old enough to qualify for antique or historic registration status. In MD, "Historic" vehicles have no GVW associated with them. No GVW is listed anywhere on the registration. If I remember, it actually says "N/A" in the GVW location. I believe this is due to the restrictions set by the state for obtaining historic license plates, which are designed to limit usage. Now, I've never had to fight the battle..... But, the way I see it, since there is no GVW associated with a historic registration, there can be no GVW restrictions on the driver of that vehicle.
If the vehicle cannot qualify for historic plates, a CDL is still NOT required. As Jim pointed out for CA, all that is needed is the appropriate class of license to accommodate the GVW of the vehicle being driven. In MD, a class "A" license will allow you to drive ANY non-commercial vehicle and tow ANY non-commercial trailer. The only exceptions for a class "A" license are 1) Commercial vehicles (duh) and 2) Motorcycles.
I would imagine that most states have similar laws, buy your mileage may vary....
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1987 Chevrolet M1028A3 CUCV
1968 Baifield Corp M274A5 Mule
1989 Kasel Mfg. M101A2
----- Original Message -----
From: "everette" <194cbteng@bellsouth.net>
To: "Military Vehicles Mailing List" <mil-veh@mil-veh.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 2004 9:22 AM
Subject: [MV] 2.5 versuses 5 ton trucks - CDLs
> I have fought the CDL issue - with this result
>
> I have two vehicles that exceed the 26,000 pound weight limit
> M139 at some over 32,000
> M123a1 some over 37,000
>
> in addition the M123a1 with fully operational brakes as installed for the
> military will not meet criteria necessary to drive to take CDL test; also
> just like M139 it is overwidth; this said I went to Tennessee office to
> check on CDLs --
>
> After a bit of discussion this is how it was resolved
>
> Both vehicles are not driven for hire - driven only for pleasure and if
> cargo is hauled it is not hauled for a fee - not even a fee as small as a
> cup of coffee.
>
> According to office that issues CDLs this makes these vehicles same as
> recreational vehicles and recreational vehicles regardless of weight do not
> require operator to have CDLs.
>
> to go a step further I think CDLs are under federal control so what is good
> in one state should be good in all.
>
> Everette
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Kirk Thompson" <mosen_temp@mosen.net>
> To: "Military Vehicles Mailing List" <mil-veh@mil-veh.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 8:10 PM
> Subject: Re: [MV] 2.5 versuses 5 ton trucks
>
>
> I researched a little on the five ton and found that there are probably CDL
> licensing issues due to the gross vehicle weight. I have a M35A2 and don't
> need a CDL because it doesn't exceed the 26,000lb GVW limits for a Class A.
>
> All, please correct me if I'm off-base here...
>
> -K
>
>
>
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