California thanks the RV Industry Association!
California Approves Legislation to Resolve Fifth Wheel Length Issue.
California Governor signed into law RVIA-backed legislation that brings clarity to the state vehicle code and will allow longer fifth wheel travel trailers in the state.
RVIA, working closely with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the California Highway Patrol, and the RV Dealers Association of California, was able to get legislation enacted that permits fifth wheel trailers to be up to 48 feet in overall length, provided the kingpin to rear axle length is 40 feet or less for a fifth wheel with two or more axles, or, if there is only one axle, the kingpin to axle length may not exceed 38 feet.
There was no measurement standard for fifth wheel trailers included in any California statute or regulation, and the new DMV enforcement position created problems for the RV industry because models in excess of 40 feet could no longer be titled or registered as a vehicle with the DMV.
As part of the new law, a manufacturer of a fifth wheel trailer of any size must include in the delivery documents information necessary to register that fifth wheel travel trailer, including the vehicle’s overall length and a declaration that the vehicle is in compliance with the kingpin to rear axle length provision.
“Officially, the law takes effect on January 1, 2014,” said Director of Government Affairs Mike Ochs, who led the effort for RVIA. “However, since we worked closely with DMV and CHP in crafting this bill, it is not likely that a DMV field office will refuse to register or title a fifth wheel that falls within the new length requirements prior to the effective date.”
California Governor signed into law RVIA-backed legislation that brings clarity to the state vehicle code and will allow longer fifth wheel travel trailers in the state.
RVIA, working closely with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the California Highway Patrol, and the RV Dealers Association of California, was able to get legislation enacted that permits fifth wheel trailers to be up to 48 feet in overall length, provided the kingpin to rear axle length is 40 feet or less for a fifth wheel with two or more axles, or, if there is only one axle, the kingpin to axle length may not exceed 38 feet.
There was no measurement standard for fifth wheel trailers included in any California statute or regulation, and the new DMV enforcement position created problems for the RV industry because models in excess of 40 feet could no longer be titled or registered as a vehicle with the DMV.
As part of the new law, a manufacturer of a fifth wheel trailer of any size must include in the delivery documents information necessary to register that fifth wheel travel trailer, including the vehicle’s overall length and a declaration that the vehicle is in compliance with the kingpin to rear axle length provision.
“Officially, the law takes effect on January 1, 2014,” said Director of Government Affairs Mike Ochs, who led the effort for RVIA. “However, since we worked closely with DMV and CHP in crafting this bill, it is not likely that a DMV field office will refuse to register or title a fifth wheel that falls within the new length requirements prior to the effective date.”
