Towing into Florida from out of state?

lancer360 · July 30th, 2012, 1:24 PM

I remember a thread a while back talking about issues with towing into Florida and getting stopped because of their interpretation of the laws saying that you needed a commercial license. Is that still an issue or has it been cleared up with the DOT? I don't have stickers on my trailer, but if they open the trailer both cars will have stickers on them.

Purple Frog · July 30th, 2012, 9:50 PM

What size trailer, and what are you pulling it with?

lancer360 · July 30th, 2012, 11:08 PM

Ram 2500, 36' 5th wheel enclosed car hauler.

Purple Frog · July 31st, 2012, 12:11 AM

I have heard of no issues. I do remember those posts a few years back.

But, I PM'ed you James Lee's phone number. Your rig is just like his, and Kyle Connery's. Norm should be home in Miami from M-O by tomorrow, and they can fill you in on the proper procedure.

With my rig, i just blow right by all the weight and inspection stations.

You may need to put some "Not for Hire" decals on the rig...

veefan · July 31st, 2012, 12:38 AM

I lived in FL for 10 years and towed a car in both an open and closed trailer. Florida has a lot of crazy laws. Try and stay away from the Florida Turnpike, if they think you a commercial carrier you'll need a special lic...and they will stop you to check. Stay on I95 you'll be better off. Plus if you break down on the Turnpike, only special contractors can assist you!!! AAA and many of the National services can't help. The "turnpike contractor" will have to tow you off the Turnpike, drop you at an exit and then the AAA or any service company can help. Sounds crazy but happened to me a few times. They even gave me a hard time when I tried to work on my own vehicle! A friend who was following me in another car was also told he had to continue on without me... the trooper said I could not receive assistance from anyone but a Licensed turnpike contractor...

Started to hear the deliverance song in my head, I was in the middle of no mans land... very reassuring since that along much of the road there are canals that have hungry alligators!!!

GBugg · July 31st, 2012, 8:14 AM

We recently got busted at work for pulling a 24' enclosed across state lines behind an F250. The trailer was empty but has our company logo on it. The DOT Trouper added up the GVWR and said we needed a Class A CDL (I have a class B, but that's not good enough.) Then the driver got a ticket for not having the propper license, no log book, and about 3 other things. Needless to say, we'll all have Class A's before we head back out.

I get a lot of different answers when I talk to local folks about towing my 18' trailer behind my 1500. Some say it requires a CDL, some say only if I cross state lines, some say don't worry about it. I haven't worried about it. However, since it looks like I'll be upgrading at work, I'll throw a log book in the truck as a CYA.

(Who'd'a guessed an engineer would need to take "Truck Driving 101" as an elective?)

Beartrax · July 31st, 2012, 9:27 AM

Sort of a highjack: What is the best resource for "Truck Driving 101"?

Is there a central source for information like if GVWR = X, you need a Class __ license?
Are there different rules for different states?

lancer360 · July 31st, 2012, 9:46 AM

It is very confusing. Every state has different rules and to make matters worse, not every state has reciprocity (i.e. recognize other states requirements) for out of state drivers. I'm making the trip from Charlotte to Daytona in a couple of weeks so I will be going through Georgia which does not have reciprocity. Some states like NC, SC, and Georgia have an unposted (55 mph) maximum speed limit for towed vehicles. However Florida does not dictate a lower maximum speed for towing.

Here is a good place to start, but you should locate the specific laws for the states you are traveling in.

http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

Awhile back there were some issues in Florida that they were stopping trailers and if you had any stickers on the car they were declaring that your racing was commercial (even though we race for a $5 trophy) and therefore you were now a commercial vehicle. Most drivers did not meet the extra requirements such as a CDL, log book etc. They were given a chance to either turn around and leave the state or face huge fines. I think I remember some that were pulled over much further into the state and they were left stranded and had to hire a commercial driver to come drive their rig out of the state. I read on another forum that some race organizers were canceling races because out of state drivers refused to come into Florida for these reasons.

Top · July 31st, 2012, 10:20 AM

I live about 15 miles outside of Florida and I've never had any problems with my Chevy 2500 and 20' enclosed trailer with no name on the side. I've crossed the state line plenty of times.

One slightly on topic / off topic thing about towing into Florida. If your trailer looks at all like it could haul livestock any agricultural product do not pass an Agricultural Inspection Station. They will come after you and hit you with a $1000 fine. When towing horses from east of Pensacola to I-75 on I-10 I have to plan for at least an extra hour of inspections, even empty they will inspect.

*formulasuper* · July 31st, 2012, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lancer360

It is very confusing. Every state has different rules and to make matters worse, not every state has reciprocity (i.e. recognize other states requirements) for out of state drivers. I'm making the trip from Charlotte to Daytona in a couple of weeks so I will be going through Georgia which does not have reciprocity. Some states like NC, SC, and Georgia have an unposted (55 mph) maximum speed limit for towed vehicles. However Florida does not dictate a lower maximum speed for towing.

Here is a good place to start, but you should locate the specific laws for the states you are traveling in.

http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

Awhile back there were some issues in Florida that they were stopping trailers and if you had any stickers on the car they were declaring that your racing was commercial (even though we race for a $5 trophy) and therefore you were now a commercial vehicle. Most drivers did not meet the extra requirements such as a CDL, log book etc. They were given a chance to either turn around and leave the state or face huge fines. I think I remember some that were pulled over much further into the state and they were left stranded and had to hire a commercial driver to come drive their rig out of the state. I read on another forum that some race organizers were canceling races because out of state drivers refused to come into Florida for these reasons.

"Some states like NC, SC, and Georgia have an unposted (55 mph) maximum speed limit for towed vehicles."

Georgia? Evidently doesn't apply to vans towing open trailers!

*jimh3063* · July 31st, 2012, 11:20 AM

I travel back and forth from Fla to MA and back way to much.
Most of the time I'm towing. I used to have a 48' gooseneck towed by and F350.
I was pulled over for speeding. I was told the I needed a Not For Hire sticker on the truck and trailer. I did and had no further trouble.

lancer360 · July 31st, 2012, 11:22 AM

Having the law is one thing, whether they enforce it or not is another.

Personally, towing at 55 mph on an wide open interstate when surrounding traffic is doing 75 mph is just asking to cause an accident. I love the 5.9 Cummins. I set the cruise at 65 mph and the truck just cruises along even up the hills.