NovacaineFix
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- San Diego, California
I caught this thread a little behind but I would like to throw my 2¢ in, if I may.
Now I know this is a hot topic for those wanting to own and god forbid actually drive a 5-ton in California, but there is some information that is not correct and some that is.The determining factor is going to be the formal use of the vehicle in question and that will support which direction you need to go in order to be 100% legal.
Is the said Deuce or 5-ton going to be used for Commercial use? or Personal use?
You'll have to determine if it is practical for you to go through this, but it depends on which path you take. Like Yoda says "Decisions make, hard they are"
If it is going to be used for Commercial Use, then there is no question or doubt about it, you need the appropriate CDL to accommodate the truck. I just leave it as CDL, because depending on what you are carrying and how heavy it is will determine the type of CDL and Endorsement will be required, simple.
My friend and SS member Blendmaster2002 did a good write up on the restrictions and conditions for heavy MV's used for commercial purposes. You have to weigh your options here, for some, it may be worth it to follow the new California diesel laws, but for most it does not.
Blendmaster2002's write up can be found here:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...g-Law-and-GL-loadout-info-for-M35-Deuce-5-Ton
Blendmaster2002 and his dad own a few Deuces and they are tagged and road legal.
Personal Use
Now if you are strictly going to use the vehicle for personal use, then there are some options. But remember, personal use cannot be sometimes used for commercial purposes, not without possible consequences.
I own a 5-ton, a '70 M818, and it is fully tagged and road legal in California. It is tagged as a Historic Vehicle and there is no CDL required to drive it. Actually stopped by the local CHP office to verify, but they would not go on record to re-affirm that.
Now, it is not without saying that some municipalities may still stop and question you about the legality of your vehicle, especially if you are doing something you shouldn't be. As long as you are tagged, registered and insured and not breaking any laws including traffic laws, you should be fine.
In my travels for work, I see a few MV's around town. What I did and what Blendmaster did is not just some random couple of guys finding a loop-hole in the CA vehicle codes, but it seems more like the obvious and more important "legal" choice.
Now I see this guy, I never met him personally, but he owns a M920 (I believe, correct me if I am wrong [it has 2 axles in the rear not 3 (?)]). He used to have it set up for commercial use, but it seems that he has went the Historic route as well. I recently saw his truck on the roads with Historic plates instead of the standard California plates. He also has it stenciled as "Not for Hire". I blocked out his name for privacy.
Insurance
Don't worry moderators, not making this an insurance thread, I know that is against the rules. Just explaining what other restrictions may render their decision on owning a heavy MV in CA.
Now if you are planning on driving a heavy MV like a 5-ton, you may run into some issues with insurance coverage. You'll have to check with your agent/company for coverage and restrictions of use. CDL use will be very different than personal, but we can't get into that on here, rules.
There are some threads about this, just use the search bar to find those, but insurance threads are a no-no on here, .
Good Luck and keep us updated on your progress.
Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.
Now I know this is a hot topic for those wanting to own and god forbid actually drive a 5-ton in California, but there is some information that is not correct and some that is.The determining factor is going to be the formal use of the vehicle in question and that will support which direction you need to go in order to be 100% legal.
Is the said Deuce or 5-ton going to be used for Commercial use? or Personal use?
You'll have to determine if it is practical for you to go through this, but it depends on which path you take. Like Yoda says "Decisions make, hard they are"
If it is going to be used for Commercial Use, then there is no question or doubt about it, you need the appropriate CDL to accommodate the truck. I just leave it as CDL, because depending on what you are carrying and how heavy it is will determine the type of CDL and Endorsement will be required, simple.
My friend and SS member Blendmaster2002 did a good write up on the restrictions and conditions for heavy MV's used for commercial purposes. You have to weigh your options here, for some, it may be worth it to follow the new California diesel laws, but for most it does not.
Blendmaster2002's write up can be found here:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...g-Law-and-GL-loadout-info-for-M35-Deuce-5-Ton
Blendmaster2002 and his dad own a few Deuces and they are tagged and road legal.
Personal Use
Now if you are strictly going to use the vehicle for personal use, then there are some options. But remember, personal use cannot be sometimes used for commercial purposes, not without possible consequences.
I own a 5-ton, a '70 M818, and it is fully tagged and road legal in California. It is tagged as a Historic Vehicle and there is no CDL required to drive it. Actually stopped by the local CHP office to verify, but they would not go on record to re-affirm that.
Now, it is not without saying that some municipalities may still stop and question you about the legality of your vehicle, especially if you are doing something you shouldn't be. As long as you are tagged, registered and insured and not breaking any laws including traffic laws, you should be fine.
In my travels for work, I see a few MV's around town. What I did and what Blendmaster did is not just some random couple of guys finding a loop-hole in the CA vehicle codes, but it seems more like the obvious and more important "legal" choice.
Now I see this guy, I never met him personally, but he owns a M920 (I believe, correct me if I am wrong [it has 2 axles in the rear not 3 (?)]). He used to have it set up for commercial use, but it seems that he has went the Historic route as well. I recently saw his truck on the roads with Historic plates instead of the standard California plates. He also has it stenciled as "Not for Hire". I blocked out his name for privacy.
Insurance
Don't worry moderators, not making this an insurance thread, I know that is against the rules. Just explaining what other restrictions may render their decision on owning a heavy MV in CA.
Now if you are planning on driving a heavy MV like a 5-ton, you may run into some issues with insurance coverage. You'll have to check with your agent/company for coverage and restrictions of use. CDL use will be very different than personal, but we can't get into that on here, rules.
There are some threads about this, just use the search bar to find those, but insurance threads are a no-no on here, .
Good Luck and keep us updated on your progress.
Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.
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