Can you register a CDL truck under CDL weight ?

[fastfredracing]

Im kind of new to the heavier truck thing .
The states info seems a little bit foggy on this issue online. Ill just ask my notary next time I am there, but wondering ....
I am looking to upgrade my tow truck this season . I really have a hankering for a Peterbuilt , or KW, . I see them registered right at CDL frequently, but there seem to be more of them available registered at higher weights .
So, can I change the registration of say a vehicle registered at 33,000, lbs , down to 25,999? then legally use it without a CDL?
It gets even more complicated because, I will not be registering it, I have Pa towing plates, so I will definitely have to speak with some one at PA Dot to make sure I don't end up in the hoosegow.
I really regret not getting a CDL when I was younger and it was easy . I will eventually , once I start slowing down at the shop some ,and can put aside some time .
As always, thanks for your input

[greglepore]

Yes. Here's the language from the pa statute:
The department shall register trucks, truck tractors and trailers at the gross weight requested by the applicant, provided that the weight is not greater than allowed in subsection (d) or less than allowed in subsection (e).
(e) Minimum registered gross weight.--No truck, truck tractor or trailer shall be registered at less than the total of the weight of the unladen vehicle, the maximum weight of the proposed load, the equivalent weight of the fuel capacity, 150 pounds times the seating capacity, and the weight of any permanently or temporarily attached appurtenances.


https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.013.004.000..HTM

Just don't get caught over 26000-you'd have both a license and a registration violation, a world of problems.

[unclebilly]

What do you plan to do with it?

You can also put a decal on it something like ‘Private Coach, Not for Hire’ and then do what you like.

We had this on our Freightliner body job we used as a race support vehicle for the 911 chump car. I got pulled over by the Idaho commercial vehicle guys just south of the Canadian border one time, I pointed out that it was a private vehicle and pointed at the decal, the nice man instructed me to have a nice day and a safe trip home.

The key is that we were only using it for non commercial uses.

[fastfredracing]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

What do you plan to do with it?

You can also put a decal on it something like ‘Private Coach, Not for Hire’ and then do what you like.

We had this on our Freightliner body job we used as a race support vehicle for the 911 chump car. I got pulled over by the Idaho commercial vehicle guys just south of the Canadian border one time, I pointed out that it was a private vehicle and pointed at the decal, the nice man instructed me to have a nice day and a safe trip home.

The key is that we were only using it for non commercial uses.

Unfortunately, I will be using it commercially .

[Zeke]

"...and the weight of any permanently or temporarily attached appurtenances."

That looks like the loophole. What do the scales say? Since they are leaving open the attachments, of lack thereof, you might make it. Just avoid the state scales when towing.

[Dan J]

I don't know the answer to your question. However I do have 2 trucks that weigh more then 26K and can tell you what a giant PIA the reg is. You have to have IRP, UCR, and IFTA on them record ypur mileage in all states file bi annually what a pain plus have a CDL A license and use EDL

[wilnj]

Something like this?

https://www.peterbilt.com/trucks/medium-duty/536

Actually the PB 325 doesn’t require a CDL. How about something like F450 o 550?