CA Non Commercial Class A License Question

christopherglenn wrote:
Incorrect driver's license info..[emoticon]

ol Bombero-JC wrote:


....... but almost everyone thinks towing a trailer over 10k with a non class A license is legal - just because it is legal in their home state. Both are illegal by federal law, and some state laws. In California it is driving out of class.

Incorrect driver's license info..:(

1. Federal law does *not* apply to non-commercial.
2. Reciprocity. If you are legally licensed in your home state, you are legal in the other 49. (That does not apply to overall length.)
You are *not* "driving out of class in CA"!..:(

Example: South Dakota Driver's License.
No special license required for private RVs inc'l towing trailers.
Was in CA often when I was licensed in SD (inc'l stopped by CHP).
No problem with the out-of-state (SD) DL.
(CA *residents* req'd to have a Non-Commercial Class A DL for same).

I always carried a copy of the SD Drivers License regs with me - for any un-informed LEOs (but, never needed to show them).


~

1. Federal law does *not* apply to non-commercial.

Federal law applies to all. There is a reason all headlights and license plate lights are white, tail lights are red, all other lights are amber. There is a reason all vehicles over 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet tall, and 65 feet long are oversize (height and length are longer in a few states, but try to pull 75 feet long in a 65 foot state and get a ticket.

2. Reciprocity. If you are legally licensed in your home state, you are legal in the other 49.

I assume you are referring to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driver_License_Agreement

Please site legislation, not internet rumors.

One state cannot regulate what is or is not legal in another. Just because you don't need a permit to carry a gun in Alaska, doesn't mean it isn't a felony in California.

I will give you another example. A few years ago I was in NY, apparently all front seat occupants need a seatbelt. Back seat over a certain age do not. Out here in CA everyone needs a seatbelt. No matter the age, or seating position (baring some kind of medical excuse). "Click it or ticket" says the billboards.

In reality the vast majority of non motor carrier CHP in CA don't know or care about trailer weights and license classes. But California vehicle code requires a class A for over 10k (special endorsement for rv 5th wheels up to 15k).

Ca Veh C 12500(d) A person may not drive a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles that is not of a type for which the person is licensed.

Since California requires a class A, you need a Class A - from any state. Remember, you read it on the internet, so it must be true.

Picky, picky - but true on the various "lights".

However - here's "picky, picky" - back at you regarding your other example/comments (NY vs CA) seat belt laws & who can be cited:

CA = Partially correct. All passengers are required to wear seat belts - (with special age/weight req's for infants).

However *if* a person in a back seat is un-belted, and *under* age 16,
the driver may be cited (even if the *driver* is properly belted).
Sixteen or over *any* un-belted passenger gets cited.
(Ex: 14 yr old kid is un-belted, driver receives the cite).

Anyway back to the real topic/subject of........

Restriction 41 - Endorsement 41 for 5th wheels.

Unfortunately, the DMV 'nomenclature' is confusing!

Restriction 41 (what it really is) - but is called an "endorsement" in the handbook - to a Class C Driver's License to tow a 5th wheel over 10,000 lbs, but not over 15,000 lbs GVWR.
The endorsement is not req'd if the driver has a commercial or non-commercial Class A driver license.

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On a Class C California Driver's License:

Front -
(To the R of your pic, under your DOB, you will find) "RSTR 41"

Back -
CLASS: (I also have a MC lic) Class C & M1-Veh w/GVWR <2600; No A; 2whl M/C, mtr-drvn Cycle, Scooter.

ENDORSEMENTS: None
RESTRICTIONS: 41-Class A restricted to operating 5th wheel travel trailer between 10,000 and 15,000 lbs GVWR

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Call it what you wish - but expect the CA DMV to be confused!