Is CDL & Wide Load Permit Needed??
#11
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Contact your local mva! Or look on line for the info. In Maryland, you do not need anything special for anything under 26,000 lbs and private reg. A CDL is required if it is commerical reg. Anything over 10,000 gvw requires a DOT medical card. Any trailer over 8'6" needs a wide load permit.
Every state has their own rules. If you tow in them you must conform to them. Lots of people do get away without following them though.
Every state has their own rules. If you tow in them you must conform to them. Lots of people do get away without following them though.
#12
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Baton Rouge/Loto Camden
an 2011 F450 pickup is rated to tow 24k lbs and the the truck has to weigh abt 9k. i know this doesnt require a CDL
#13
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11,332
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From: chicago
A friend of mine was stopped by the DOT while pulling his 46 Outerlimits behind his F450. They would not let him continue driving without a CDL. Lucky for him, my other buddy in the passenger seat held a class A CDL. He had to Drive home. Also, he was over the maximum vehicle length law, without a permit. I am pretty sure, the max is 65FT, from front of tow rig, to very end of trailer. If you are longer than that, you need a permit, and more than likely will only be allowed to tow during daylight hours. Anything over 8'6" wide, same deal.
#16
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From: Baton Rouge/Loto Camden
#17
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11,332
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From: chicago
Honestly, there is so much between the lines on this subject, there are DOT officers who don't even know whats legal and whats not legal, when it comes to recreational towing laws. They mainly focus on the big rigs, but every once and a while will make a example out of some guy pulling a big ole fancy go fast boat, and teach you a thing or two about the LAW.
If you are towing a big over width cat, that weighs more than 10k lbs, no permits, no cdl, not plated for enough weight, you might wanna steer clear of the State Troopers, or you could have a really $hitty day, and a expensive one at that! And one thing those troopers hate, is "Sorry Officer, I wasn't aware i needed all that stuff".


