Man on a mission, sorry but it's kind of long
It's been quite a while since I've posted here. Been dealing with some health issues that are, for now anyway, under control.
Living in California has its challenges and one of those is pulling triple, or actually double since it's only 2 trailers. Unlike any other state in the nation that allows triple towing, California requires the driver to have a FULL class A COMMERCIAL drivers license with Doubles/triples endorsement and a current DOT medical card. Don't believe it? Check with the CHP at any truck scale.
Now, under the reciprocity laws that exist between all the states, what your license allows you to operate in your home state is good in any other state. For example, in Utah there is no additional license requirement to pull any RV and it is the same if you want to pull triple. Under the reciprocity agreement that Utah driver can pull his triple combination up and down the state of California all day long and be perfectly legal. How is this fair and equitable? In fact I would argue that under the Equal Protection clause in the Constitution wouldn't California's law be unconstitutional?
Are there any lawyers (real, not jailhouse) here on the forum who would know if I'm on the right track or if I'm barking up an empty tree?
It is my new goal in life to right this injustice and get the vehicle code changed. I have spoken with the Commercial Division of the CHP in Sacramento and to my State Assemblyman's office and both agreed that it is something that should be addressed.
I'd like some input from the members here, law enforcement, lawyers, judges, anybody who can offer some meaningful insight on this subject.
As a side note, as a retired truck driver, I do have the necessary license in place. I'm just getting tired of having to get the DOT physical every year now. I have to see a "DOT Certified" physician and my regular doctor isn't DOT Certified so I have to find someone else for that function only and insurance doesn't pay a dime.
If the law can't be changed through the proper channels, I would be willing to go "out of compliance" and intentionally get a citation then argue my case in court and see where that takes me.
After all, it would only be an infraction, no big deal.
It's good to be back on the forum after a looonnnnnggggg absence, actually it's good to be ANYWHERE.
Thanks for reading
Steve
I woke up not dead again today......Willie Nelson
Living in California has its challenges and one of those is pulling triple, or actually double since it's only 2 trailers. Unlike any other state in the nation that allows triple towing, California requires the driver to have a FULL class A COMMERCIAL drivers license with Doubles/triples endorsement and a current DOT medical card. Don't believe it? Check with the CHP at any truck scale.
Now, under the reciprocity laws that exist between all the states, what your license allows you to operate in your home state is good in any other state. For example, in Utah there is no additional license requirement to pull any RV and it is the same if you want to pull triple. Under the reciprocity agreement that Utah driver can pull his triple combination up and down the state of California all day long and be perfectly legal. How is this fair and equitable? In fact I would argue that under the Equal Protection clause in the Constitution wouldn't California's law be unconstitutional?
Are there any lawyers (real, not jailhouse) here on the forum who would know if I'm on the right track or if I'm barking up an empty tree?
It is my new goal in life to right this injustice and get the vehicle code changed. I have spoken with the Commercial Division of the CHP in Sacramento and to my State Assemblyman's office and both agreed that it is something that should be addressed.
I'd like some input from the members here, law enforcement, lawyers, judges, anybody who can offer some meaningful insight on this subject.
As a side note, as a retired truck driver, I do have the necessary license in place. I'm just getting tired of having to get the DOT physical every year now. I have to see a "DOT Certified" physician and my regular doctor isn't DOT Certified so I have to find someone else for that function only and insurance doesn't pay a dime.
If the law can't be changed through the proper channels, I would be willing to go "out of compliance" and intentionally get a citation then argue my case in court and see where that takes me.
After all, it would only be an infraction, no big deal.
It's good to be back on the forum after a looonnnnnggggg absence, actually it's good to be ANYWHERE.
Thanks for reading
Steve
I woke up not dead again today......Willie Nelson
