Rules when using Antique Plated Semi Tractors

[pdgx]

Some questions for those of you running Antique Vehicle Plates on your non-commercial, antique Semi Tractors.

Are you permitted to haul your own (antique) Vehicles without hassle ?

Does the trailer need to be vintage as well, or can you pull any ST, or current  plated trailer ?

Although the Antique Plate defines it as no longer a Commercial Vehicle - 

Are you required to scale ?

Are you required to have Trip and Fuel permits  over 26k gross ?

Any restrictions on interstate transport to out of state shows ?

Any issues you’ve had with DOT ?

What restrictions are there to what you can haul ? Can you haul YOUR own, non antique vehicles, like taking a current vehicle or cart with to a show ?

I would appreciate any input you have to these questions,or other helpful input you have on use of antique plated semi’s. 

Thanks for your input

[mowerman]

Haha I better stay out of this one can only tell you about Nevada I’m sure other fellas will chime in good luck

[70mackMB]

pdgx, Here in NH if it has an "Antique" plate on it you are exempt from DOT rules. We can transport other vehicles / tractors / stuff on any trailer antique or not so long as it is our property. Just so long as it is NOT FOR HIRE as an example, NH says if your friend pays you, fuels your truck or buys lunch to move something. You have been reimbursed so you are now FOR HIRE and that is against the law. As far as stopping at the scales, we do stop to be nice. They can't see the antique plates just a truck running the scale and may come after you. No fuel permits or trip sheets, and have had no problems traveling out of state. My son and l both have our CDL-A with Double endorsements for our jobs. We have pulled doubles with antique plates with no questions from law enforcement.    .....Hippy     

[mattb73lt]

I’ll dive in, as this subject causes me great heartburn in the state of Connecticut. Running antique/historical plates should exempt you from DOT regulations, including a CDL. I do run interstate on occasion and have never had any questions, even running to Colorado and Virginia several times. The one piece of advice I would offer is to make sure the entire vehicle is in running order to the point it could pass a DOT inspection and placarded “NOT FOR HIRE”  or "Private Vehicle" prominently.

If you receive any “compensation”, it can be construed as a commercial operation. That could include lunch, fuel, cash or anything of value. 
 

As for hauling anything, including trailers, I would consult your insurance carrier. Make sure what you’re doing is covered. If not, you could be liable for damages, even if you're not at fault.

If ever stopped, be courteous and present what paperwork is required. Attitude goes a long way.

For scale houses, I always stop and am courteous. I’ve always been waved through and had some good, quick conversations before going on my way.

Do your own research into your state’s laws. Carry copies of pertinent regulations that exempt you if you can. Officers don’t always know obscure regulations, a polite explanation can help when questions arise. If it’s legal in your state, it will usually carry to others. Equipment violations are another issue. If it’s broken or worn out, it’s an invitation for further scrutiny. Keep everything clean and in good repair and you should be in good to go.

[Brocky]

I see you are in Central Florida.. Contact the ATCA Vintage Trucks of Florida Chapter.. President Jojo Dzilinski 321-231-1710 or modzi68@aol.com. Google their website!!!  He is with Bedrock Industries in Orlando and can answer most of your questions.. This chapter also has a 100+ truck show at the county fairgrounds in Bushnell in mid-January.

Also for people in other states contact the State Department of Public Safety "Diesel Cops" they usually have public relations officers in all major cities that can pull up the exact laws for your state on their computer and answer many questions.. As Matt said above being polite and friendly goes a LONG way when dealing with law enforcement..

[pdgx]

12 minutes ago, Brocky said:

I see you are in Central Florida.. Contact the ATCA Vintage Trucks of Florida Chapter.. 

 

Thanks.
I tried VToF first about a month ago. Didn’t get any helpful info. 
I’ll try Jojo directly. 

[doubleclutchinweasel]

Different states have different rules. Plate may still have to have sufficient weight on it. License class may have to match the weight. In some states, anything over a certain gvw has to go over the scales. 
The one thing that is fairly consistent is that, if the vehicle is engaged in the furtherance of ANY commercial endeavor, it is considered a commercial vehicle. 
Here in NC, “not for hire” does not automatically exempt one from commercial status. It could still be a commercial vehicle used solely for hauling your equipment that you use commercially, for instance. 
 

Like I said, different states have different rules. I spent a lot of time reading the NC statutes for myself. Still found gaps in their logic!

[mowerman]

Very well put I’m sure there’s a lot of commercial officers out there that really are not sure what we’re supposed to do either one thing about that I would not pass the scales and like that fellow said you go in with a positive attitude you’re probably going to roll right through Fix it ticket if anything I hope this all helps you 

[70mackMB]

Found this almost 8 year old e-mail from  ATCA  ATHS about stopping at the scales. This was when we were bringing the MB and trailer home from VA.    ......Hippy

Regardless of type of registration, you must stop at any open scale or

inspection site. They will either wave you through, or give you a safety

inspection. All vehicles on the road are subject to a safety inspection,

if the people in charge of the area wish to do so.

Edited September 10 by 70mackMB
Wrong truck club!