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Random Quote: Spaulding, get your foot off the boat! - Ted Knight (Caddyshack)
What we are bitching and moaning about as you say is the total lack of consistantcy within the agencies that inforce the laws. The DMV the HP and the DOT are on totaly different sheets of music here. I am sorry that you cannot see that but that is a huge problem when someone goes to register their trailer and get tags for their vehicals. Let me spell it out for you.
Someone goes to register their truck, they ask about a weighted tag the nice DMV person says you dont need a weighted tag you are exempt because your boat is recreational. The Nice DMV person gives you the tag and you are on your way. Three months later you get pulled and receive a fine for not having a weighted tag and you are exceeding 9000lbs. You can call all these agencies and from weighted tags to wide load permits you get different answers. Things might be cut and dry in your state but apperantly in NC they are not. And yes I live here and just went though updating my weighted tag and yes I received different answers whebn I asked about the details and laws concerning weighted tags. As for the wide load issue the above is what one of the boaters were told in Morhead by the HP. So yes we will bitch and moan about the trailering issue untill some consistancy between the agencies takes place. If you do not like it dont read it. These agencies are supposed to tell you what you need when you ask. They should now all the laws and should be able to give the correct information when they are asked. When that doesnt happen there is a serious breakdown somwhere. Its sad when you ask a question and the person asking for the information knows more than the agencies represenative. I guess you propose we just sit back and dont take issue with this. That might be fine with you but not with us that trailer boats in NC all the time. There is way more to this then the laws that are written..........Mark
The only thing I get from that link is for Commercial equipment (is recreational included?) then safety items cannot count in the 102" limitations. Also, that is only on highways designated for commercial use. If recreational vehicles fall into this same CFR then fenders and guides are included in the calculations.
Mark ole' buddy, you're changing tunes now. I can understand the confusion with NC's weighted plates, but that is not what your thread was about, was it?
Quote:
offshore3144 - 11/11/2007 5:25 PM
Hello Everyone,
As everyone know the Boat Trailering issue has been a
hot topic as of late. I have talked to a few people this weekend
and all is not lost for those of us who trailer boats on a regular
bases. Apparently the boating and recreational fishing industry
has been making contact with the legislators in North Carolina
to try to come up with a solution to this problem. Boat dealers
have the most to loose because of the weight and width
requirements that have been imposed over the last couple of months...
... The way the law is written now if you extend the mirrors of F250 all the way out
you could be considered a wide load because they extend out to make the
overall width of my vehicle almost 10ft!!! Go figure!!
Please take the time to write you legislators…
Tight Lines, Mark
The wide load regulations have been in effect for years, not months. Then you go on to address wide load concerns again.
Quote:
offshore3144 - 11/12/2007 5:58 PM
In the letter I stated that I most people dont mind paying for the wideload but asked to remove the restrictions for recreational boaters...Mark
You are encouraging people to fight federal laws in NC where overwidth regs are concerned. Newsflash, it ain't gonna happen. It can't happen, it's federal! I agree that in a perfect world, all these agencies should know what the others are doing. Would you be expect to be able to call the NC Dept of Revenue and have them answer quesitons about your federal tax return or vice versa?
I'm not defending NC in their handling of their weighted tag issues, but they have absolutely nothing to do with regulating wide loads. Not trying to pick or win a fight with you Mark, but there is a lot of misinformation being distributed on these threads. If you don't like what I post, don't read it. I'm just posting fact without emotion becoming involved. Maybe you should give that a shot.
__________________
"If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?"
1974 Hatteras 58TC "Freebird", 1965 Hatteras 41DC "Nancy Cay", For Sale - Click HERE for info
The only thing I get from that link is for Commercial equipment (is recreational included?) then safety items cannot count in the 102" limitations. Also, that is only on highways designated for commercial use. If recreational vehicles fall into this same CFR then fenders and guides are included in the calculations.
Thanks Mark for the info!
There is no distinction on commercial vs recreational on wide load regulations.
You're welcome.
__________________
"If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?"
1974 Hatteras 58TC "Freebird", 1965 Hatteras 41DC "Nancy Cay", For Sale - Click HERE for info
All right I have a "ole buddy"!! Anyway This has always been a "weight and width issue" if you read the all the threads. And it is not about the laws you put up links for, its about how the laws are being interpreted by the agencies. I will say it one more time for you it is about getting consistantcy between the agencies but I guess you keep missing that part. And you are right that these laws have been in place for more than a few months but when a overwidth fine is given like the one above it calls for attention by the lawmakers of the state. The legislators need to make sure the laws are followed correctly. And no, Federal law will not be changed but the state can make sure the fines are given correctly. And if I am not mistaken the state issues the wideload permits and can make changes to the restrictions imposed if a wide load permit is needed. The restrictions not being able to tow on Sundays, certain holidays, and before dusk and after sunset could be eased. If leeway can be given for campers and other rereational vehicles in NC leeway can be given to those of us that trailer boats ....................Mark
These guys with tickets might try and take this to their DA or at least to court and the letters should have this included.
Thanks Bird, you might not have a dog in this fight but the info is good.
For all, please note the section on WIDTH:
Federal on the National Network
Overall vehicle length
No federal length limit is imposed on most truck tractor-semitrailers operation on the National Network.
Exception: On the National Network, combination vehicles (truck tractor plus semitrailer or trailer) designed and used specifically to carry automobiles or boats in specially designed racks may not exceed a maximum overall vehicle length of 65 feet, or 75 feet, depending on the type of connection between the tractor and trailer.
Trailer length
Federal law provides that no state may impose a length limitation of less than 48 feet (or longer if provided for by grandfather rights) on a semitrailer operating in any truck tractor-semitrailer combination on the National Network. (Note: A state may permit longer trailers to operate on its National Network highways.)
Similarly, federal law provides that no state may impose a length limitation of less than 28 feet on a semitrailer or trailer operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer (twin-trailer) combination on the National Network.
Vehicle width
On the National Network, no state may impose a width limitation of more or less than 102 inches. Safety devices (e.g., mirrors, handholds) necessary for the safe and efficient operation of motor vehicles may not be included in the calculation of width.
Vehicle height
No federal vehicle height limit is imposed. State standards range from 13.6 feet to 14.6 feet.
Only down side I see to this, this is for Commercial Vehicle Size Limits however, I'd think the law would be more strict for the commercial guys than the recs. ??
__________________ Ron
We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to
visit violence on those who would harm us." George Orwell
... And if I am not mistaken the state issues the wideload permits and can make changes to the restrictions imposed if a wide load permit is needed. The restrictions not being able to tow on Sundays, certain holidays, and before dusk and after sunset could be eased. If leeway can be given for campers and other rereational vehicles in NC leeway can be given to those of us that trailer boats ....................Mark
Mark, you are mistaken in that the state can make changes to federal wide load restrictions. I assume you read the excerpt from the link if you didn't bother to click on it. There is no leeway given for campers or other recreational vehicles in ANY state as it relates to overwidth. To that end, you will not find any campers or other recreational vehicles which exceed 102".
I would simply suggest that you and others who contact your state offices keep your focus on clarification of laws that NC can actually do something about. Otherwise, you're going to look like a bunch of whiners who they will simply ignore.
__________________
"If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?"
1974 Hatteras 58TC "Freebird", 1965 Hatteras 41DC "Nancy Cay", For Sale - Click HERE for info
... And if I am not mistaken the state issues the wideload permits and can make changes to the restrictions imposed if a wide load permit is needed. The restrictions not being able to tow on Sundays, certain holidays, and before dusk and after sunset could be eased. If leeway can be given for campers and other rereational vehicles in NC leeway can be given to those of us that trailer boats ....................Mark
Mark, you are mistaken in that the state can make changes to federal wide load restrictions. I assume you read the excerpt from the link if you didn't bother to click on it. There is no leeway given for campers or other recreational vehicles in ANY state as it relates to overwidth. To that end, you will not find any campers or other recreational vehicles which exceed 102".
I would simply suggest that you and others who contact your state offices keep your focus on clarification of laws that NC can actually do something about. Otherwise, you're going to look like a bunch of whiners who they will simply ignore.
Actualy the leeway is given to SUVs campers and other recreational vehicles on the weighted tags. Sorry for not including that. But Im sure we will whine on.......Mark
Actualy the leeway is given to SUVs campers and other recreational vehicles on the weighted tags. Sorry for not including that. But Im sure we will whine on.......Mark
Sorry, but it just sounds like you and some others keep getting answers you just don't want to hear, both from the state of NC and your's truly. I thought carmudgeon and crabpotman explained the weight thing pretty well. As I recall, in NC you have to buy a tag which is equal to or greater than the combined weights of your tow vehicle plus whatever you plan to tow with it. Unless I missed something, which is entirely possible, that sounds pretty simple. Seems the other problem with determining commercial status as per DOT regs was a bit more complicated.
I missed the part about other vehicles getting a break on the weighted tags, but as you pointed out, you never mentioned it on this thread. You mentioned them only in regard to being able to pull wide loads on Sunday and after dark. Forgive me if this has already been covered in one of the other two threads, but what kind of break are they getting?
__________________
"If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?"
1974 Hatteras 58TC "Freebird", 1965 Hatteras 41DC "Nancy Cay", For Sale - Click HERE for info
Plus, banners and flags are required in NC along with the permit if it's over 8 feet, six inches. And there are limitations to routes you can travel as well. Your chosen routes must be declared on the permit application, and your hours of travel are limited, as well.
Now the beam of my boat is 9'-2".
Here's my point: I'd like to be legal, but I'm not going to pay a $100.00 annual fee to NC that limit's me just to certain roads within NC and covers me no where else in the country.... including another state that is twenty miles from me.
And, I'm not spending no money on banners or flags or lights or nothing else. And I probably will trailer my boat anytime before sunrise or after sunset on any road that I personally feel safe on.
If these "so called" lawmakers and their "dunkin-donut" cops decide to put me in jail then I'll just pay the fine...which probably want be much more than the fee...and a whole lot less paperwork for me. If not paying the fine, I'll just serve my time watching cable TV and reading Sport Fishing Magazine in the prison library... just like all the other "true" criminals and terrorists they "arrest" and then let go.
I figure I stand a decent chance with no traffic violations in over thirty years. I'll just be hoping I'll I get a good judge if the time comes.
__________________ Dog Tired
I'm for a government that is by the people and for the people!
As far as weekend/ night/ specific route travel, there are no "blanket" restrictions. As per the book these restrictions are customized for each permit.....
Do NOT expect anything in the oversize laws to be changed, the commercial trucking lobby is as, or more influential than the boating industry.
DogTired - 11/14/2007 9:02 PM
Here's my point: I'd like to be legal, but I'm not going to pay a $100.00 annual fee to NC that limit's me just to certain roads within NC and covers me no where else in the country.... including another state that is twenty miles from me.
And, I'm not spending no money on banners or flags or lights or nothing else. And I probably will trailer my boat anytime before sunrise or after sunset on any road that I personally feel safe on.
If these "so called" lawmakers and their "dunkin-donut" cops decide to put me in jail then I'll just pay the fine...which probably want be much more than the fee...and a whole lot less paperwork for me.
So, are you going to draw the line on how much income tax you pay as well?
The fine for pulling without a permit is $500 as I recall. Pull your boat through three states with no permits, and you'll get $1,500 in fines PLUS have to buy permits for each state before they would let you move your boat.
__________________
"If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?"
1974 Hatteras 58TC "Freebird", 1965 Hatteras 41DC "Nancy Cay", For Sale - Click HERE for info