Are Tractor Trailer Vehicles for private racing considered "Commercial"?

If I use a std Volvo Tractor with a 48 ft trailer for hauling my race cars around, do I have to stop at all the weigh stations and pay the fuel tax etc... that a regular commercial carrier pays? Does the "Not for Hire" status apply here?

 

tractor

under the law you can use a semi tractor to haul the race car. It is not commercial as long as you do not have corporate sponsorship or claim it as a business. As to the scales you do stop at the scales when all trucks are required to stop but you do not have to stop if the state only requires commercial trucks to stop. Some states will allow you to register your tractor as a motor home. (must meet RV requirements) As an RV you do not need to stop at the scales or have the air brake endorsment on your license. You might want to research your states requirements.

 

Fedral Motor carrier administration would be a good contact also. (there should be an office in your state) Don't forget about the length laws, fedral, your state and the states you are traveling to.

 

RV - Commercial ?

don't have much time and will ad later but,

We went full commercial this year (69' toter and trailer, under 54,000 lbs) and it has been so much nicer!....and cheaper!

They wave and smile at the scales, no fighting or argueing...very nice! Our apportioned plates for 26 states were 1/3 the cost of our RV plates. Our fuel tax (IFTA) payments have been about $65 per quarter. Been audited by the state DOT and passed with ease! It is sooooo much better than wondering if today is the day we get our rig (RV) impounded and $1000's in fines.

I personally know of 5 racers this year that have been pulled in and fined (all in different states). The cops are looking for the car racers, horse racers, and rodeo cowboys. Why?...money..the states are broke. You will not win the passive income/RV arguement at 2am on the side of the road. And at minimum you will be parked for 8 hours because no log book.

I will ad more later if I can...but be aware they are coming for you if they haven't already got ya!

Kevin Hool
The Ghost TAFC
http://kandkmotorsports.com

 

That's interesting. I am very interested in "Cheaper"?
I was pulled over in Colorado Weigh Stn. last time I went by the Weigh Stns and I had to pay fuel tax. I argued until I was blue in the face. I have a 48ft trailer on a Volvo Tractor and I would like to travel to several different tracks in nearby states. Any help is appreciated.

 

The new one I heard was " If you are racing for a prize, (money) you are Commercial" Thats an easy way for the states to get your money. Not sure what states are using this though.

 

There was a pretty good thread related to this subject a while back. Randy Goodwin had some pretty good input and experiences on this subject. In California, anything over 65 foot or 26,000 lbs requires a CDL. The RV registration or "not for Hire" on the side of the truck can cause you even more problems. Any stickers or commercial names on the truck or trailer ca make you need a CDL. I have heard of people even towing with dually crewcabs having problems. Every states laws are different, but they are all looking for money.

On a related topic, CARB (California Air Resources Board) is trying to get all older diesel trucks (14,000 GVW and above) to come up to 2010 compliance or get off the road. On my totorhome, my options are buy a new truck or put a 2010 compliant engine system in. This was supposed to go in effect January of 2011 but has been pushed back until 2014. Just another way they can get more money out of you.

Greg

 

I've got my CDL already... California is a screwed up state anyways, I'm would not be surprised if they made you run a "Battery Powered" truck and trailer.