Gents,
I don't think a log book is required in CA, when towing RV doubles. I always want to check these types of things with the CA drivers' handbook, CA Vehicle Code, or in this case with the CalTrans regulations/vehicle code. I have been given so much bad info over the years regarding towing laws in CA. Much of the bad info comes from the CHP or DMV. The real problem is that CA has too many laws and they are written horribly for the most part. Pasted below are the clauses in the law that I think make it clear that I don't need a log book in CA, while towing recreationally. As a side note, I've not been asked for a log book in any of the half dozen times I've been pulled over in CA while towing doubles.
The second excerpt, 34501.2 of the vehicle code clearly states that the vehicle must be engaged in inter or intra state commerce, which we are not. The first excerpt exempts camp trailers, which I'd argue includes a 5th wheel. Lastly, I've posted where the vehicle code discusses being ASKED for your driver's log book vs. getting in trouble if you don't produce it without being asked...
34500. The department shall regulate the safe operation of the
following vehicles:
(k) A commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating
of 26,001 or more pounds or a commercial motor vehicle of any gross
vehicle weight rating towing a vehicle described in subdivision (e)
with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, except
combinations including camp trailers, trailer coaches, or utility
trailers. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "commercial
motor vehicle" has the meaning defined in subdivision (b) of Section
15210.
34501.2. (a) The regulations adopted under Section 34501 for
vehicles engaged in interstate or intrastate commerce shall establish
hours-of-service regulations for drivers of those vehicles that are
consistent with the hours-of-service regulations adopted by the
United States Department of Transportation in Part 395 of Title 49 of
the Code of Federal Regulations, as those regulations now exist or
are hereafter amended.
(b) The regulations adopted under Section 34501 for vehicles
engaged in intrastate commerce that are not transporting hazardous
substances or hazardous waste, as those terms are defined by
regulations in Section 171.8 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, as those regulations now exist or are hereafter amended,
shall have the following exceptions:
(1) The maximum driving time within a work period shall be 12
hours for a driver of a truck or truck tractor, except for a driver
of a tank vehicle with a capacity of more than 500 gallons
transporting flammable liquid, who shall not drive for more than 10
hours within a work period.
This is relative to some of the statements here that say you have to produce a log book in CA or get cited if they ask you for it...:
34501.4. Any driver subject to the hours of service limitations and
logbook requirements of this division, who is unable to produce upon
request of a representative of the department any driver's logbook
or is only able to produce an incomplete driver's log book for the
prior 24-hour period, is rebuttably presumed to be in violation of
the hours of service limitations in Sections 34501 and 34501.2.
Phil B.
