I dont know if this will fit here, but here it goes. If one state requires to have a license plate on all trailers, is it required traveling through that state you must have a license plate on your trailer if your from another state that dosent require it? Like Wisconsin through Iowa.
Weigh Stations
- Thread starter tyeeman
- Start date
DOT in MI FYI
I have a 2500HD crew cab and tow my 32' fifth wheel travel trailer, my combined weight is just under 20k. I was stopped last summer by the Motor carrier division of the MI state police. He informed me that he stopped me as I have no DOT #'s on the side of my truck as is required in the State of Michigan, effective Jan 2008 for vehicles or vehicles pulling a trailer with a combined GVW or GVW of 10,000 lbs or higher.
I brought up the fact that I thought that only applies to commercial vehicles, however he said that was not the case and gave me a written warning. I see many pickups pulling lawn care trailers and different items with the #'s on there trucks, and the state issues them to you at no charge. But who wants these large black numbers on there personal vehicle that is never used for business?
I have not registered or put any on my truck after researching it, as I believe my interpretation is correct. I guess if I get stopped again and ticketed I will find out what the courts think.
Some times it is the interpretation of the law by the officer your dealing with at that moment.
I have a 2500HD crew cab and tow my 32' fifth wheel travel trailer, my combined weight is just under 20k. I was stopped last summer by the Motor carrier division of the MI state police. He informed me that he stopped me as I have no DOT #'s on the side of my truck as is required in the State of Michigan, effective Jan 2008 for vehicles or vehicles pulling a trailer with a combined GVW or GVW of 10,000 lbs or higher.
I brought up the fact that I thought that only applies to commercial vehicles, however he said that was not the case and gave me a written warning. I see many pickups pulling lawn care trailers and different items with the #'s on there trucks, and the state issues them to you at no charge. But who wants these large black numbers on there personal vehicle that is never used for business?
I have not registered or put any on my truck after researching it, as I believe my interpretation is correct. I guess if I get stopped again and ticketed I will find out what the courts think.
Some times it is the interpretation of the law by the officer your dealing with at that moment.
Snowsdog1. The cop was wrong. If they stop you again tell them to get the regs out and show you. If not ask them for there supervisors phone number. I have done this in the past when I feel that Im correct. Do not just leave with a ticket in hand. I have done this in the past. I have to do this as it will hurt my safety record. It is a good feelling when you call the supervisor and he has to tell the pee on that he is WRONG. http://michigan.gov/documents/msp/Intrastate_USDOT_FAQs_189910_7.pdf
This is a point that we brought up when talking to the d.o.t. officer. He said that this is the biggest problem. Some officers are interperting the law incorrectly. In Michigan, if it ain't comerical or a money making venture it does not apply. Will that stop you from getting a ticket, probably not but at least you have something to stand on and take to court if you have to.
oldguy
Member
Over the years being in the trucking business I have learned 1 thing. It’s all about interpretations. One DOT guy will write you up for something that the next DOT guy will say is legal. Most every state likes the dollars the recreational business brings and has bigger fish to fry when it comes to guys hauling sleds, boats and ATV’s.
If you do not want any hassles from the DOT just make sure the electric brakes or surge brakes work properly, the breakaway battery is functional, your chains are secured and the turn signals, brake lights and tail lights are working. If all that is working, drive by those scales and don’t look back.
If you do not want any hassles from the DOT just make sure the electric brakes or surge brakes work properly, the breakaway battery is functional, your chains are secured and the turn signals, brake lights and tail lights are working. If all that is working, drive by those scales and don’t look back.
coldsmokejr
New member
We had the race rig (1 ton 4 dr dually and 46' trailer) in 5 different states and 2 different countries, winter and summer for about 8 years, and have never stopped at a weigh station or have been pulled over for weight-related issues. I would just keep rollin!
caged_beagle
Member
Interesting read from ISOC webpage
I just stumbled upon this on the ISOC website, and although it pertains to mostly racers (of any kind) it might answer alot of peoples questions on here. And I would assume that if this is the popular info given to sno-crossers by ISOC it has to be pretty dead nuts true. Here is the link:
http://www.isocracing.com/uploads/2009-2010/CommercialRegulations.pdf
I just stumbled upon this on the ISOC website, and although it pertains to mostly racers (of any kind) it might answer alot of peoples questions on here. And I would assume that if this is the popular info given to sno-crossers by ISOC it has to be pretty dead nuts true. Here is the link:
http://www.isocracing.com/uploads/2009-2010/CommercialRegulations.pdf