1. FMCSA is for vehicles used "FOR HIRE" - IT DOES NOT APPLY TO RV's
Motor Carriers = Commercial business
2. The VC Label (also know as a door tag) lists:
DATE / GVWR / Front GAWR / Rear GAWR /VIN
It lists what the weights are for the vehicle.
3. Some states use the VC Label of your vehicle weight to license your weight.
(California is one). This fee is a TAX on your vehicles unladen weight (not your CVWR). CA pickup trucks have "commercial" license plates, for hire semi's and such use Apportioned plates for "Over the road trucks". Intrastate for hire trucks use Apportioned or Commercial license plates and are subject to weight checks.
4. In other States you may "upgrade" your allowable carry weight by payment of a tax for a higher GVWR. This is a TAX on what you carry. (Texas you may "pay for" a higher license weight rating - it's still a tax).
5. In California you have to have an Endorsement on your Drivers License to tow over 10,000 lbs. (It is not a CDL = Commercial Drivers License).
6. In CA DOT is the Department of Transportation.
CHP - Enforces the weight and safety laws. They do not weigh "non-commercial" vehicles. (U-hauls pickups are classified as "commercial vehicles" - Your pickup with your RV is not a "commercial vehicle" since no one tries to make a profit on it).
In CA there are TWO types of weights that the Vehicle Code Addresses
1. Weight fees - what they will charge you
2. WEIGHT LIMITS - Start at 35000 CVC and keep going
It list height, width, size, length and AMOUNT PER AXLE for vehicles they start at 20,000 lbs (plus a whole bunch more with other types and numbers of axles).
IT is a Violation to:
operate any vehicle or combination of vehicles in an unsafe condition, or which is not safely loaded, and which presents an immediate safety hazard (CVC 24002).
That is for California only. But seems pretty in line with Il.
