TXDOT IS GIVING OUT FINES UNDER NEW RULING INTERPRETATIONS!!!!!!!!!!

October 17, 2011

We have been made aware that TXDOT is now issuing $500 fines to folks driving ¾ and 1 ton pickup trucks when they are pulling trailers with heavy loads!  

If your vehicle weight PLUS the weight of any pulled trailer and load exceeds 26,000 pounds , you may be required to register your vehicle as a motor carrier with Texas Department of Motor Vehicle (TxDOT) and United States Department of Transportation (USDOT).   These rules have been in place a good while; however it is only the last few months since TXDOT has decided to crack down on these rules.

We know that many of our clients might use this size pickup to pull large loads.   If you do not consider the trailer and cargo weight, these vehicles do not have to be registered.   If you are using them to pull heavy loads, we need to know in order to help you avoid a costly fine.

According to TXDOT, you must register as a motor carrier when you:

• Operate a vehicle designed or used to transport cargo and having a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of greater than 26,000 pounds
• Transport hazardous materials in a quantity that requires placarding
• Operate a vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver
• Transport household goods on a for-hire basis, regardless of vehicle weight, or
• Operate a commercial motor vehicle that is owned or controlled by a person or entity that is domiciled in, or a citizen of, a country other than the United States.