My understanding is if the vehicle is rated over 10k you need a DOT number. It is a Federal law I was told.
It is only required if the vehicle is over 10k and used for interstate commerce plus some states require it for intrastate commerce. If the vehicle is used non-commercially, no # is required. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number.
So technically if you are a guide or professional fisherman and you exceed 10k you fall under DOT requirements. Chances of getting pulled over are very slim however.
So technically if you are a guide or professional fisherman and you exceed 10k you fall under DOT requirements. Chances of getting pulled over are very slim however.
If the boat doesn’t have graphics the odds are “0”.
When driving to and from work today (not you Dutchie, I’m talking us working stiffs) Look at all the 3/4+ ton trucks pulling trailers that don’t have graphics or DOT #’s.
You can’t tell me they are not working.
You are correct. If the boat and or truck are wrapped you might have a problem otherwise unless you are on the road during one of DOT’s sweep weeks you will be ok. I got caught up in a sweep once where anything pulling a tandem axel got pulled over and checked. That was a equipment trailer not a boat trailer.
OP, don’t worry too much about SD’s scales. I drove a commercial vehicle for 7 years here in SD, and even though the scale and truck check signs say “all commercial vehicles must stop” anytime I rolled in, the guys would chuckle and wave me through. Might be because I was driving a mini-van with a ladder rack. 
The ones you have to worry about are the ones manned by conservation officers doing game & fish compliance. 
If you are driving a 1 ton, have Non-Commercial plates and are “for hire” you are a commercial vehicle.
And trying to cheat the system. Which may bite you. I also believe CMVs are to be inspected too
I have a one ton dually crew cab pulling a 4 horse trailer with living quarters all over the Midwest from Texas to North Dakota and never once been thru a scale or pulled over.
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