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. 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.

Thank you all for the responses. I've figured out what I want to move forward on in terms of what I will buy. I think I am going to set the M35A3 camper truck idea aside for now, the best choice for the convience of size and compactability is going to probably be an extended van with a raised roof. I still want to pursue the M35A3 or other trucks, however I think my personal best choice should be going for a smaller van to maneuver better and be stealthier.

A little background on why I am doing this in the first place. I am a veteran going through culinary school and using the GI bill. The school is still a bit expensive on housing even with the GI bill and NY housing prices for apartments are nuts. Long story short, I want to go van life so I can continue through college worry free about the housing finances that it comes with. Thank you again for your advice, if anyone knows a good reliable van that'd be of cheapish price with the criteria of an extended body and raised roof I would love to hear.

@Heander well I don't know how their actual reliability is but many people seem to own the old ones without any issues nevertheless so .. there is always the highroof-spec mercedes sprinter from 1995 onward, as long as you perhaps opt to only look for diesel ones torqueoutput-wise

Heander said:

...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?...

Click to expand...

"26001# AND UP" are the magic federal words. (some states misinterpret the cutoff as 26000) .. The M35A3's gvw is around 24k, thus with hyd brakes you are fine without CDL .. Keep in mind if you ever haul a trailer, the trailer GVW is additive to the truck's GVW and may put you over

Med Card or Med Cert : a med card is required for INTERSTATE driving if you have a CDL .. However, for Intra-State (stays in one state) CDL drivers, commercial or not, there are exceptions whether or not you have to have a MedCert, it depends on the State and depends on what you are hauling and/or what your operation is about