When I bought my 8000 Ford dump truck a couple years ago I was only going to use it to haul dirt for myself.I needed to have 600 yrds for my driveway,and I thought I'd insure it for personal use,rather than commercial use,thinking I'd save money.I had trouble finding "personal" insurance for a dump truck,but was able to get it through Progressive,to the tune of $468.00/6 months.(34,000lbs GVWR)
Later I decided I might as well make some money with it,rather than let it sit there doing nothing,so I changed my policy to commercial use,with a provision to allow for plowing snow with it commercially.The premium went to $956/yr.(or $478.00/6 months)???????That was also with Progressive.I can't understand why it had only went up $20.00/yr,so I double checked with them to make sure I was properly insured.They told me I'm covered for everthing,except if I plow public roads/streets.
I do have a radius limit of 50 miles,although I can't go over that hauling dirt/sand/gravel "for hire" without my own authority anyway,so that's not a problem.
As for plates,atleast here in Minnesota,all vehicles from 1 ton pick-ups and up have the same plates,whether commercial or not.The plates price depends on the vehicles GVWR,and a sticker is affixed to the plate with the weight class.(R.V's,school buses & farm have their own plates) If you use the vehicle commercially,you cannot leave the state,and must apply for a DOT#.If not used commercially,you can cross state lines.Commercial vehicles that cross state lines must have a different "apportioned" plate.This allows the other states to collect for their portion of the plate fees,and to collect taxes on the fuel used while driving in their state,regardless of where you purchased it.
Minnesota commercial vehicles must also have an annual inspection,with a sticker affixed to your windshield.When I asked two different officers whether I needed this inspection on a dump truck not used commercially,one said yes,the other one said no.I spent hours at the scale having them explain what I needed to do before I drove the dump truck on the road.I was also informed that ANY trailer I pulled behind a commercial vehicle,became a commercial trailer,which meant it needed the annual inspection,and it's own insurance(the tow vehicles insurance will not cover it,like a private vehicles insurance would)The liability insurance for my 25k backhoe trailer was an additional $321/yr.
I would definately drive down to a weigh scale in your state(in your personal vehicle,so they don't have an excuse to keep you there)and tell them exactly what your going to be doing with your trucks/trailers.They can whip out their handy dandy book-o-rules,and find out what you'll need to be legal.You might be there a while though,as I don't think they always know off the top of their heads what the laws are either,as they're so confusing.
Lastly,if you've a commercial vehicle,and need a CDL to operate it,then you are also bound by the drug testing enforcement policies while operating it.You get tested "on the spot" if you've an accident that cause injury to a person,or over a certain $ amount,so there goes any chance to "spark up a fatty" or indulge in any "smokey treats" ever again!!!You also have a lower limit for DWI no matter what vehicle you drive,even your own car. :cussing
I finally ended up getting "clean and sober"for good because of that last part(well that,and I was slowly chasing everything good in my life off,but I'd rather blame the Feds.)
They're not going to be happy till they suck all the fun out of everything.....The Feds,I mean!!
