Originally Posted by
injunjoe
Again I say check with the proper offices and local laws.
Here is an example showing how Geo's opinion is wrong and it would be you getting the fine not him!
Commercial classification
In the United States a vehicle is designated “commercial” when it is titled or registered to a company. This is a broad definition, as commercial vehicles may be fleet vehicles, company cars, or other vehicles used for business. Vehicles that are designed to carry more than 16 passengers are considered a commercial vehicle.
A vehicle may be considered a commercial vehicle if:
the title was placed in the name of a company or corporation.
The vehicle is used for business but is in an individual's name such as a sole proprietor.
the vehicle is a leased vehicle and in the name of the financial institution that owns it.
the vehicle exceeds a certain weight or class and therefore is "classified" as commercial even though it may not be commercially used or commercially owned. A weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more is always consider commercial.[2]
the vehicle is used to haul any hazardous material.
A vehicles can be used for a business, if not exclusively, and remain private licensed, depending on the amount of time used for business.
[edit] Examples of commercial vehicles
Truck
Semi truck (articulated lorry)
Van
Coach
Bus
Taxicab
Trailers
Box truck (also known as a straight truck)
[edit] Commercial truck classification
Commercial trucks are classified according to the Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The United States Department of Transportation classifies commercial trucks with eight classes[3]:
Class 1- GVWR ranges from 0 to 6,000 pounds (0 to 2,722 kg)
Class 2- GVWR ranges from 6,001 to 10,000 pounds (2,722 to 4,536 kg)
Class 3- GVWR ranges from 10,001 to 14,000 pounds (4,536 to 6,350 kg)
Class 4- GVWR ranges from 14,001 to 16,000 pounds (6,351 to 7,257 kg)
Class 5- GVWR ranges from 16,001 to 19,500 pounds (7,258 to 8,845 kg).
Class 6- GVWR ranges from 19,501 to 26,000 pounds (8,846 to 11,793 kg)
Class 7- GVWR ranges from 26,001 to 33,000 pounds (11,794 to 14,969 kg)
Class 8- GVWR is anything above 33,000 pounds (14,969 kg)
Joe, I was referring to insurance companies, alone. Not anything at all to do with the DMV.
Insurance companies care about what kind of vehicle it is, how many miles per year or week roughly that you will be driving it, if it will be used for business or pleasure, etc.
DMV, yes, we all know they have much more requirements, and it can get costly, just like with insurance companies.
Also, with insurance companies, if you drive xx amount of miles, they will automatically classify you as commercial. At least all the ones I ever spoke to will.
TO THE ORIGINAL POSTER: Best bet for you is this, plain and simple. Contact a insurance company you wish to go with (cheapest for me, but with awesome customer service was Alfa Insurance. Yours might be GEICO, Nationwide, All State, Etc.). Explain to them what it would be used for, and how many miles per you plan to use, and they will tell you what they recommend or require.
Same thing with DMV. Contact them, explain to them, and they will tell you all the permits, classifications, fees, tags, etc that you will need.
Really, that is the best advice you will get, as they truly will be the only ones to know.
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