[Big Kahuna]

If you have a big motorhome and trailer to get your races -- then like me, you may have been hearing all kinds of incorrect opinions on overall length, permits, CDL, and weigh stations.

Some people feel that if they haven't been ticketed to far -- that must be the law. I have an 80' 80000 pound rig that is titled as a motorhome. I've been told that in Texas I don't need a CDL, or over-length permit. While I haven't been pulled over in 4 years (so far) -- all of that is wrong. Likewise is the opinion of thinking that your state doesn't require a CDL -- you don't need one in Illinois.

I was reading some Texas horror stories about recent tickets on other forums -- and decided to look into what the state has to say on the subject (deeply buried!). I'm lucky I haven't yet received a handful of $1000 tickets and had to pay someone to move my trailer after being stopped.

So I'm starting to put together information to share with other racers on the topic -- by state. The first state I've done so far is Texas -- http://www.oldhippie.com/forums/motor-coaches-motorhomes-toterhomes/15847-motorhome-laws-texas.html

I'll add other states I have to travel through as I compile information for that state. Some of these states are absolutely crazy.

Since state revenue is down -- drag racers, those who show cattle, or rodeo people are becoming targeted because the fines are big -- and it costs even more to fight it. It is the new cash cow. They can get more money from one ticket than from the state income tax or a years sales tax of one person.

 

[mx295]

A friend of mine tried to get a DOT number in Ohio for a Toterhome. He took the paperwork into DOT and a picture of the rig (I think it's 76 feet).
The DOT inspector told him he should not do it, due to the increase in insurance, stopping at weigh stations, carrying fuel limits and etc.. The inspector told him to just keep doing what he's doing. It's titled as a motorhome.
We both have CDL's that drive the Toter and the CDL physical. We keep a log book, MSDS sheets of the fuel we carry and no advertising on the side of the trailer. He also said you can't claim racing as a business expense.
The Inspector was pretty cool even gave us his business card if we have trouble.
We tried to do "the right thing" and was told not to. Still seems to be a big grey area on this subject.
I'm not saying the above is correct, it's just our experience with it.

 

[O.C White]

Subscribing.

 

[jon c anderson]

sorry to hear about the problems , i just stopped by to ck out your bad ass Toterhome / motorhome very nice !

 

[Big Kahuna]

Very gray area with the states not giving enough good information -- and the cops being Judge, jury and executioner.

It is always lose/lose for the racer

I'll be adding more states and researching the law, cite references, and list links to get right.

 

[Sprayin96ta]

I would also like to know more about this. Im not 100% sure what laws are in affect for NC. The last thing I want to do is get a steep ticket for that shit. My pusher is 38FT long and our new trailer is 32ft tag with a 5ft tonge. The last thing I want to do is get a ticket for some bullshit....

 

[RacinElvis]

contact Interstate Registration, friends of drag racers, they know the regs in all states, handle permiting and reporting for many drag racing teams

http://www.fueltax.net/

 

[unreal]

check towing.com, lots of good and scary info for racers

 

[robert ba'das]

all that shit for a drag car?

 

[76astre]

What say you, O.C.?

 

[Battlestar]

Just another reason a buddy got rid of his big toter. He was ready to get the CDL, but was also getting down to one car instead of two. Sold it and downsized to Class C with tag trailer.

Had a friend get popped in PA for not enough plate on his dually(was Ohio non comm plate), was only pulling his sons tag trailer not his 44' GN. Don't recall the ticket, but wasn't cheap.

I drug my 40' GN around with non comm plates for years and was lucky to never get stopped. Heck I even had expired trailer plate for 2 yrs(never remembered to check that). Guess someone was watching over me. I'm covered these days, so not much to worry about.

Wasn't it a few years ago that all the big boys were getting in trouble running into Kaliforny with their big units? They ended up having just one specific road they could travel on legally? I forget what all happened now.

 

[08miller]

There has been several around Ill and IN get popped. Mostly for no CDL and advertisement on trailers. States have no money. Cops were told to start hitting all forms of race trailers. One story I was told by someone who got nailed was the police were sitting outside of the track. People thought they were just watching until the racers started to leave. His ticket was $2500.00

 

[mathews]

Be very careful about telling law enforcement that you are racing for a purse.It might be construed as commercial use

 

[russ kelly]

I have towed all over the country for years--west coast(calif) east (atlanta) south ( texas many times) and have been stopped twice--in Des Moines Iowa. I have a class A CDL--toterhome with 46' trailer. Spent over an hour the last time at the weigh station as the seargent poured over his rule book--he finally gave me back my license and said "please stop at the scales next--it will keep us from chasing you down" I wish there were a uniform set of rules to go by--I would gladly pay a standard fee to not have to look over my shoulder as we go by each weigh station. Thing to remember, if you race for money, you are a commercial vehicle in every state.

 

[BigDave65]

NC can be tough on the race trailers also. Just depends on the mood of the DOT officer when he sees you!

 

[SpeedSceneLiveTV]

The whole deal is totally screwed up.
I drive a toter and tried to get my Class C lic. They said I could not take the test in the toter because its a RV. Well, If i cant take the test in the Toter, then why do I need a class c lic. to drive it.
It is just a bug money scam to write tickets.

 

[FuelSupply]

Something I'd like clarification on is having my sponsor's decals on my trailer and truck. Sorry to get off topic but it seemed like a good question considereing the fact DOT is so hard to get info from.

 

[Radioman]

Thats why I Sold our trailer and just use our motorhome to go to the races now and set up. Usually it is just me anyway so plenty of room in the back bedroom to store stuff and enough storage space underneath to keep tables etc.PLUS it is a heck of alot easier at gas stations and getting on and out of parking lots.
I have been all over the East coast to Ohio, Tenn, La.and never even once got looked at ,BUT I am not going to take the chance anymore.

 

[O.C White]

What say you, O.C.?

Nothing just yet. Buying my time. Not holding back, but just watching right now.

 

[TA Dave]

The court system will always fall back on the old "Ignorance of the law is no excuse" when presented with your confusion.

Sounds like either some state departments don't talk to each other, or they intentionally set Grey areas to boost the profit margins.