Does driving a three axle m35a3 require a CDL?

Hello this is my first time posting on here so I'll try to make it short. I am in the market to purchase an m35a3 and decided on the standard 6x6. I have a Massachusetts Class D license and was wondering that even with the total net weight of the truck and a camper on it under 26,000 pounds (Class D max weight for vehicle in Mass), am I allowed to drive and register the truck with it having three axles?

I tried looking this up earlier but didn't get a clear answer.

since theres hydraulic and as you're not putting it on too heavy weight-wise altogether you might not have to bother worry about anything but maybe asking your nearest dmv office too would be a good idea nevertheless?

and btw number of axles doesn't really count in licenses but it can count in certain other uses such as with toll gates that are paid out in the number of axles you have or mm well yeah you know
(there are a lot of 3-axle converted cars&pickups as far as usa in general goes just for you to know)

Commercial drivers licenses are generally required for operating vehicles or combinations (meaning including trailers or towed vehicles) in excess of 26,000 lbs gross weight.

Axle count isn't an issue except as to its relation to the maximum combined gross weight. That is, the more axles you have, the more weight you can carry. The DMV should go by your titled weight to determine licensing requirements. Also, you may be able to "downgrade" your registered weight to get below 26,000 pounds, if that's an issue.

You will never get a clear answer since there are 50 different states interpreting what the federal law is trying to regulate. Canada gave you good advice by checking with your local DMV. Note: Always drive your car there to ask questions not your truck. Keep in mind that the DMV clerk I s not the authority that is writing the ticket.

Keep in mind that the 26,000 lb applies to commercial vehicles, you need a medical card if you are driving a vehicle over 10,000 lb. And if you are driving more than the reportable quantity of hazardous material you will need more paperwork

You will never get a clear answer since there are 50 different states interpreting what the federal law is trying to regulate. Canada gave you good advice by checking with your local DMV. Note: Always drive your car there to ask questions not your truck. Keep in mind that the DMV clerk I s not the authority that is writing the ticket.

Keep in mind that the 26,000 lb applies to commercial vehicles, you need a medical card if you are driving a vehicle over 10,000 lb. And if you are driving more than the reportable quantity of hazardous material you will need more paperwork. Compliance is a hard thing in this world unless you are a 14 year old driving a farm vehicle in North Dakota

The true and accurate answer is....

It depends.

Some states have NON-CDL class A and B licenses that are required to drive anything over 26K lbs if not in commerce, even an RV - Like Texas
Some states define ANY vehicle with 3 axles as commercial, and require a CDL - Like California
Some states don't have any requirements as long as the vehicle isn't used in commerce - Like Washington

and everywhere in between.

Glancing very quickly (and not being a lawyer) at Massachusetts laws, I'd want a class B license, but if the vehicle is going to be an RV, the A3 falls well within class D, and I didn't see an axle restriction.

Highly recommend talking to the DMV first just to be positive.

biscuitwhistler37 said:

Glancing very quickly (and not being a lawyer) at Massachusetts laws, I'd want a class B license, but if the vehicle is going to be an RV, the A3 falls well within class D, and I didn't see an axle restriction.

Highly recommend talking to the DMV first just to be positive.

Click to expand...

I often find DMV/MVA/DOL doesn't know #(%&.

In fact, in my AO, DOL is actually giving out information that's contrary to state law. They state that ANY vehicle over 26K requires a CDL - when both the RCW and WAC (State law and adminstrative code) BOTH say that a CDL is only needed for vehicles used in commerce. You're relying on a state employee who generally knows very little information other than specifically what they were taught and I guarantee you if you ask 4 employees you'll get 5 answers .... yes... 5... because one will say something and then say 'well, actually, if..' and change their answer


What you should do, is talk to commercial vehicle enforcement. They know all the statutes and minutia, for the most part. These are the *cough* special people that know how high your bumper can be and how wide your tires are allowed... and routinely write such BS tickets... so they will tell you exactly what they'll enforce.