Commercial Reg. in Calif.
In California, under Cal. Vehicle. Code Ann. § 260, the definition of a commercial vehicle includes any vehicle used for profit, and the ensuing regulations include both "for hire" and "not for hire", so equipping the trailer with a fabrication shop which would be used for profit would be a commercial vehicle in California and in most states I suspect. Therefore, IMHO boroko would be much safer paying the additional cost of commercial registration and including the costs as business expenses on his taxes. If the vehicle chosen is over the GVWR requirement set forth in his state then he should get a CDL as well. As Doug pointed out, the penalties may include jail time but even if jail time can be avoided, the cost of mounting a defense to any charges will far exceed the cost of commercial registration and a CDL.
Mike
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