CDL Confusion . Anubody in the know ?

[fastfredracing]

Ive been trying to read up on all of this and trying to stay on the correct side of the law . The more I read, the more I become confused .
The truck I am looking to purchase is under 26,000, no CDL needed,as are all my current trucks , however, the new truck has air ride and air brakes .
I am 100% positive, that there are lots of vehicles used for recreational purposes, like big motorhomes, and busses, where a CDL is not required, even with air brakes . Where it gets confusing, is I will be using the vehicle for commercial purposes .
The people I am purchasing from also tell me that a CDL is not required to operate this truck , and none of the drivers in their fleet have CDL's and that their bread and butter was towing for the local municipality ,
This is what AI tells me in a google search .
In Pennsylvania, a CDL is not always required just because a vehicle has air brakes. However, if a vehicle with air brakes has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or is part of a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more (where the towed vehicle is over 10,000 pounds), then a CDL is required. Additionally, if you are transporting hazardous materials, a CDL with the necessary endorsements may be required.

Pa's site is a little more confusing
Any body know for sure before I get hemmed up by Barney Fife, in some small town again?
Thank you as always gentlemen , and ladies !

[cabmandone]

Here's the search I did.
"Is a CDL required in Pennsylvania for a commercial vehicle with air brakes." The answer came up yes.

In Ohio it was my understanding that once the vehicle has air brakes you need a CDL if the vehicle is used commercially. I think a call to the DOT would be in order just to be safe. Not a fun call since you'll probably be on hold a lot, but probably the best way to make sure you're in compliance.

More:
https://www.truckingtruth.com/cdl-requirements/pennsylvania-cdl/

At a minimum it looks like you'd need a L/Z designation for air brakes. Follow the link and scroll down to the licenses section.

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/faqs/driver-licensing-faqs/commercial-drivers-license-faqs.html

[Arizona_928]

My understanding is the Interstate vs intrastate commerce aspect.

Municipal contract must have meant that they never took the truck on the highway?…

There’s a local outfit that refuses to cross state lines and drive on the interstate…

[Dantilla]

How difficult is it to acquire the CDL?
If you have it, the confusion disappears.

Any downsides?

[greglepore]

Call Penndot. I think the AI is correct but everyone in Pa is confused.

As to the downside of a cdl, medicals and the fact that you lose your license for ANY alcohol in your blood regardless of whether you're operating the commercial vehicle or not.

[fastfredracing]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

How difficult is it to acquire the CDL?
If you have it, the confusion disappears.

Any downsides?

5500 dollars minimal cost , considerable ammount of class time, and drug screen . Im not completely opposed to the idea, but I have some caution ...

[Arizona_928]

^^

Plus any sort of normal ticket counts against cdl.

[dlockhart]

Illinois wanted a non commercial CDL for our little rig. A cop neighbor explained it is never enforced but my brother got one anyway.
Then when we moved the rig to Wisconsin it was not required.
So the real answer is, it depends.



.

[fastfredracing]

I actually got a hold of a live person at PenDot. The nice lady there, confirmed , that I do not require a CDL ,even with air brakes, as long as I stay under 26,001 lbs.
The trucks GVWR tag also confirms that the truck is under CDL limits . That is pretty much what i was reading online.
Very relieved I can still drive drunk . ( I don't drink )
Thanks all for your input .