Freight Train,
I work for the Idaho State Police and I do inspections on commercial vehicles. I did a little research but I couldn’t find any good news.
I looked at Section 40-12-248 of Alabama code it talks about the registration fees. If I understand the section it would cost you $520 to register between 33000 to 42000 pounds, Ouch! Also Section 32-6-58 stated vehicles 33000 pounds and over have to show proof that the federal heavy vehicle excise tax is paid.
In Idaho the antique plates are so restrictive it makes the truck almost useless, Alabama seems about the same. I haul a lot with my deuce so I register it with non-commercial truck plates for 26000 and my Dodge 3500 for 16000. My deuce costs me about $120 a year.
Another option to look into is trip permits. In Idaho I can purchase a trip permit for a certain number of days for whatever weight I want instead of registering it. I can also up the weight for a registered vehicle. A lot of farmers don’t register their trucks they just buy trip permits during the harvest season. The down side is if you use your truck a lot it is more expensive. I can also get the permits on line.
I would suggest contacting your local State Police Commercial Vehicle Specialist or DOT inspector, most will be more than happy to help. Of all people they would know of any exemptions.
As long as you don’t use your truck for any compensation you don’t need a CDL. There are a few states that have a special license for larger vehicles, California comes to mind. The problem is some police officers don’t know that, and arguing with an officer usually doesn’t do you any good.. I worry that I might be stopped in another state by someone that doesn’t know the law and will have to go to court to prove my point, I will probably get a CDL in the near future. Below is a quote I found in regards to an Alabama CDL exemption, it is the same as in Idaho and almost every other state.
Are there any exemptions to being required to have Alabama CDL?
Yes, a few . . .
1. Active Duty Military . . . with military licenses operating military vehicles.
2. Firefighters . . . meeting approved training standards and operating authorized emergency vehicles.
3. Farmers . . . in certain cases.
4. Individuals ....operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members, for nonbusiness purposes
I hope this helps I have a tendency to ramble on.
P.Moyle
