Trucking: Do i need a CDL to tow 3 cars behind a GMC 3500 with dual rear wheels, vehicle safety inspection, cdl group

Question
I have a GMC 3500 Crew Cab (long bed) with dual rear wheels with a GVWR of 11,400lbs, and a GCWR of 26,000lbs. Is it possible to pull a 3 car hauler without getting a CDL? We have asked several people that do this, and they say they do not need a CDL but never have been able to explain how. If you need a CDL is there a different truck we can buy so we do not need a CDL?

Answer
Drivers license:  A commercial motor vehicle is a vehicle being operated to make money that weighs 10,001 lbs. and more.
CDL requirements BEGIN at 26,001 lbs. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) on the trailer will determine whether you need class A CDL or not. The trailer must be 10,001 lbs and more to fall under Class A CDL.

Example 1: (truck)GVWR 11,000 lbs. + (trailer)GVWR 9,800 lbs. = GCWR 20,800 lbs. NO CDL required {11,000 + 9,800 = 20,800 lbs}

Example 2 : (truck) GVWR 11,000 lbs. + (trailer) GVWR 15,001 lbs. = GCWR 26,001 lbs. Class A CDL required {11,000 + 15,001 = 26,001 lbs.}

Example 3 :(truck) GVWR 17,000 lbs. + (trailer) GVWR 10,000 lbs. = GCWR 27,000 lbs. NO CDL required {17,000 + 10,000 = 27,000 lbs}
(The GCWR is over 26,000 lbs., but the trailer is under 10,001 lbs.)

Important number to watch is the number 1 at the end 10,001 lbs & 26,001 lbs. That 1 lb makes all the difference.

GCWR : Gross Combination Weight Rating (truck + trailer)

A commercial motor vehicle also requires: annual vehicle safety inspection, DOT #, ALL driver qualifications, requires running a log book, and is subject to roadside safety inspection


This is the code section where I got my answer.
Part 383.91(a)(1) Combination vehicle (CDL Group A) — Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more ****provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being TOWED is in EXCESS of 10,000 pounds.****

You can find these regulation Parts at the FMCSA Regulation home page (www.fmcsa.dot.gov)

If the GCWR of your set up is 26,000 lbs. and no more, then you would NOT require a Class A CDL.

I hope this answers your question. If you need me to explain any part in more detail, just shoot me a question. I can provide the code section for any answer I give.