BertP asked: "....why is it that the DOT folks have told me that I will be ticketed if I exceed the load capacity of my tires?"
DOT ratings are separate and distinct from any other ratings. Because the rating on your tires is a Federal DOT rating, it carries the force of law and governmental entities can fine you for exceeding it. The government assumes, prima facie, that loads in excess of DOT rated capacity are dangerous to the public at large and are therefore illegal. End of story. I believe that is because the government is actually certifying that rating to the public and will go after companies whose products fail to meet the specific standards the government has set for them.
