California CVRA decal question

[tomve]

This question is primarily for CA registered vehicle owners, and I’m not looking for the weight police to chime in on “what is the safe weight my truck can carry”.

Background information:
Recently purchased a 2013 F350 CC. With a GVWR of 11500lbs. Rating. Traded in a 2006 F350 CC w/ GVWR of 11400lbs.

This new truck puts me in a different (higher) GVW range (10,001-15000), which requires I place CVRA decals on my side doors. Didn’t have to place decals on the ’06 F350.

I see a lot of newer trucks/camper combos (2011-2013), specifically F350’s and F450, and I don’t see them with the CVRA decals on. The question is do most people in this category of trucks, just not place the decals on the doors and hope CHP doesn’t stop them? Or what? 2nd question….I know normally pick-up trucks do not need to stop at CHP weight stations, but with the CVRA decal on, does that change things?

[tomve]

Buzzcut1 wrote:
glad my advice was of help

thank-you, it was!

[Buzzcut1]

glad my advice was of help

[tomve]

Long read...

So, here’s the latest information I have. I visited the CHP Field office in Redwood City, CA., with my F350 and talked to one of the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Officers. At first he was puzzled as to why I received the CVRA decals and thought there was a clerical/registration error made.

He went out to inspect my truck to confirm it was not a commercial truck (for hire) and it was privately owned (not for hire), and that it was what I was saying it was.

He then reviewed my registration and checked some regulations in a thick book. The officer discovered the “Unladen/G/CGW” section on the registration was declared to be 10,001-15,000lbs., based on Form “Reg. 4008”. “Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW)” filled out by the dealership for the vehicle registration. This is because my truck is rated at 11,500lbs GVWR and falls within the above mentioned range. Clearly stated on the window sticker and on the label on driver’s side door jam. On the declaration form it states what is excluded (as far as pick-up trucks is concerned), and that is an Unladen weight under 8,001lbs, and a GVWR of 11,499lbs and under. Because my truck is at 11,500lbs, I’m going through this exercise. (Side note my 2006 F350, which I traded in, was rated at 11,400lbs GVWR and is the reason I didn’t have to deal with this before.)

Keep in mind all this has nothing to do with whether your truck is a commercial vehicle (for hire) or privately owned (not for hire). It is solely based on Unladen weight and GVWR. It most definitely is not brand specific.

Depending on what options you have on your F350 (2011-2013, not sure about other model years) will determine if you are under or over the 11500 GVWR. I don’t understand why you don’t see more pick-up trucks displaying the CVRA decals here in California. For those of you that have newer F450's, which are over 11500 GVWR, I’m surprised no one has chimed in. Or maybe you know something I don’t!

So now I will deal with additional registration fees, possibly additional insurance rates, and most concerning, displaying the CVRA decal on the doors of my new 2013, F350 Lariat. The officer spoke to me “off the record” regarding the decals and I will choose to keep that information to myself.

All this is FYI. It is based solely on my conversation with one CHP officer.

[Reddog1]

I have seen trucks with just hand written numbers or hardware store numbers on them.

It could be the dealer's person who does their DMV stuff simply made a mistake and registered the truck incorrectly.

In all the years I have been on RV.NET, I think this is the first time the CVRA issue has come up.

[RZAR66]

Like I said before CVRA is more of a CHP thing. And as far as the sticker being a courtesy...LOL those little stickers don't come cheap.

[tomve]

Reddog1 wrote:
The phone call is to get the appointment. I too think the weigh station would have the correct answer.

As for the CVRA decal, I bet the dealer simply gives them out to new owners as a courtesy. If the vehicle owner needs it, they put it on. If they do not need it, put in the trash.

I don't think the CVRA is a courtesy offered by the dealer...as there are additional registration fees associated with the CVRA decal being issued.

Contacting CHP is a good idea. I will look into that as an option. Thanks

[Buzzcut1]

or just call or drop by the local CHP office and ask to speak with the commercial vehicle inspection officer.

[Reddog1]

The phone call is to get the appointment. I too think the weigh station would have the correct answer.

As for the CVRA decal, I bet the dealer simply gives them out to new owners as a courtesy. If the vehicle owner needs it, they put it on. If they do not need it, put in the trash.

[tad94564]

Reddog1 wrote:

tomve wrote:
If you live in California and have a 2011-2013 F350, 6.7L, 4x4, Crew Cab, with a 11500# GVWR. I could really use your help in understanding how your truck was registered in CA. Specifically. were you issued a CVRA decal. If you don't feel comfortable with publishing the info here. Please pm me the information. Thanks inadvance for your help.

With all due respect, have you contacted DMV? My suggestion is that you make an appointment, and go to DMV, ask the question. Only DMV can register a vehicle in California. Many people have made suggestions, even people from other states. Can any of them register your truck? I say no.


Wayne

Personally, I would not trust what ever the DMV told you over the phone. Get it in writing, and even then, they will not be responsible if it's wrong.

Stop at a weigh station, and ask them. They are the ones doing enforcement - and would know exactly what you need.

[tomve]

Reddog1 wrote:

tomve wrote:
If you live in California and have a 2011-2013 F350, 6.7L, 4x4, Crew Cab, with a 11500# GVWR. I could really use your help in understanding how your truck was registered in CA. Specifically. were you issued a CVRA decal. If you don't feel comfortable with publishing the info here. Please pm me the information. Thanks inadvance for your help.

With all due respect, have you contacted DMV? My suggestion is that you make an appointment, and go to DMV, ask the question. Only DMV can register a vehicle in California. Many people have made suggestions, even people from other states. Can any of them register your truck? I say no.


Wayne

I have not contacted DMV as of yet, but plan to. I was isssued a CVRA decal and I'm trying to understand why and collect as much information that I can. I don't see vehicles, specifically Ford F350 pickups displaying the CVRA decals. I'm asking for others experiences with a truck that is similiar to mine.

[CAJW]

This might help those of us who wondered if we needed an additional license endorsement to drive our privately operated rigs.

Ca DMV Commercial DL info

With a Noncommercial Class B License:

any vehicles under Class C
any housecar over 40' but not over 45', with endorsement

With a Basic Class C License:

a 2-axle vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less
a 3-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. or less gross
a motorized scooter
any housecar 40' or less

A farmer or employee of a farmer may also drive:

any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less if used exclusively in agricultural operations and it is not for hire or compensation.


With a Commercial Class C License:

Any Class C vehicle carrying hazardous materials which requires placards. The hazardous materials (HAZMAT) endorsement must be on the license. Drivers who transport hazardous wastes, as defined by VC §§353 and 15278, are also required to have the HAZMAT endorsement.


a single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less including a tow dolly, if used.

With a vehicle weighing 4,000 lbs. or more unladen, you may tow a:

trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 lbs. gross.
trailer coach or 5th-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for compensation
5th-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but not exceeding 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for compensation and with endorsement.

NOTE: No passenger vehicle regardless of weight, may tow more than one vehicle. No motor vehicle under 4,000 lbs. unladen may tow any vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. or more gross. (VC §21715)

[Reddog1]

tomve wrote:
If you live in California and have a 2011-2013 F350, 6.7L, 4x4, Crew Cab, with a 11500# GVWR. I could really use your help in understanding how your truck was registered in CA. Specifically. were you issued a CVRA decal. If you don't feel comfortable with publishing the info here. Please pm me the information. Thanks inadvance for your help.

With all due respect, have you contacted DMV? My suggestion is that you make an appointment, and go to DMV, ask the question. Only DMV can register a vehicle in California. Many people have made suggestions, even people from other states. Can any of them register your truck? I say no.


Wayne

[Buzzcut1]

wintersun wrote:
The odd thing is that technically any pickup truck in CA has to have commercial plates and pay the extra fees but with regard to commercial trucks if they are pickups you are never going to have to stop at a weigh station in this state - Utah is different in this regard.

CA gets you at the DMV and after that you are going to be left alone, especially if you are not engaged in anything that looks like a commercial enterprise. Someone pulling a very large livestock or horse trailer could expect more scrutiny but it is still highly unlikely.

The CHP that target trucks are looking for grossly overloaded vehicles that are unsafe or beating up the highways. Other than that they prefer to focus on catching speeders.

the exception being on I5 near the grapevine or just south of Sacramento if you are hauling a large trailer expect to get pulled and checked to see if you have a valid non commercial class A drivers Lic. If the trailer has a stamp for GVWR over 10,001 pounds and you don't have the Lic you are not driving any further towing that rig. The fine is unreal $5000+. I know of a few horse friends that have been tagged

[wintersun]

The odd thing is that technically any pickup truck in CA has to have commercial plates and pay the extra fees but with regard to commercial trucks if they are pickups you are never going to have to stop at a weigh station in this state - Utah is different in this regard.

CA gets you at the DMV and after that you are going to be left alone, especially if you are not engaged in anything that looks like a commercial enterprise. Someone pulling a very large livestock or horse trailer could expect more scrutiny but it is still highly unlikely.

The CHP that target trucks are looking for grossly overloaded vehicles that are unsafe or beating up the highways. Other than that they prefer to focus on catching speeders.

[tomve]

If you live in California and have a 2011-2013 F350, 6.7L, 4x4, Crew Cab, with a 11500# GVWR. I could really use your help in understanding how your truck was registered in CA. Specifically. were you issued a CVRA decal. If you don't feel comfortable with publishing the info here. Please pm me the information. Thanks inadvance for your help.