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Fuzzy_Bear's avatar
Fuzzy_Bear
Explorer
Aug 06, 2015

Moving to Mass, Camper/Dually, Commercial License Required?

Well after 35+ years of living everywhere but near where we grew up in the northeast the wife and I decided it was time to be around family again. We will be relocating to Cape Cod. On our recent visit I was informed my dually is now classified as a commercial vehicle because the GVWR is over 10,000 lbs. Ok, I don't like it, but will live with it until we decide it's time to go from the camper to a trailer (wife is tiring of the climb into the bed). I have searched all of the online information on the RMV sites and could not find a definitive answer on whether I will also have to get a CDL to operate my truck. So my question to Massachussetts residents is if you have a dually do you also have a CDL? Also, how bad is it going to be to insure the truck versus a SRW? Will they allow me to have a veteran plate too? Just trying to get ahead of things as there is a lot of changes between WA and MA. And yes, it was a hard thought decision, but we are out here on the west coast with no family. Kids have moved elsewhere and with aging parents and siblings now is the time to be there with them.

Doug
Truck Campers
  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2015
    You do not need a CDL until the GVWR of the truck is over 26,000 pounds, then you need a medical certificate, ect. However if it is a motorhome, then the weight does not matter, if it is your personal vehicle, it is considered a motorhome, and you do not need a CDL.

    Of course if you are hired, say your employer wants you to drive a 35,000 pound motorhome for use as a office, then that would require a CDL.

    In California, if the trailer is over 15,000 GVWR (does not matter if it is a 3,500 pound empty three axle trailer, just the GVWR matters) you are required to have a trailer endorsement.

    You do not stop at a weight station with a pickup truck. However a flatbed truck over a certain weight has to stop at weight stations, it is not a pickup anymore.

    Have fun on your trip!

    Fred.
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Aug 06, 2015
    Each state has those laws a bit different, but in CA commercial registration on vehicle is for revenue-getting purpose and has nothing to do with driver licence requirement.
    You can register station wagon as commercial vehicle, what will cost you here in $50 range a year and will allow you parking in commercial zones.
    I think it is federal law that you don't need CDL on vehicles up to 26,000 lb and trailers up to 10,000 lb.
    RV are exempt from CDL requirement all the way.
    Good luck on your move.

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