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We_retheRussos's avatar
We_retheRussos
Explorer
Oct 14, 2014

California License Req for Class A Motorhomes

This topic has probably been beaten to death but after everything I have read, I am fairly certain I am COMPLETELY confused.

So my wife and I want the largest MH we can get without having to get the non-commercial Class B license in California. According to the DMV site https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/cdl_htm/lic_chart
With our basic Class C license, we can drive ANY "house car" that is 40' or less.

So here is where the confusion/questions come in:
- If our MH is above 26,000 GVWR but less than 40', are we still ok with a Class C since the law states "ANY" housecar 40' or less?
- If other states require any type of CDL for a large MH, are we ok with our Class C if we're legal in CA (reciprocity) ?
- Can I assume that the MH's we are looking at that are marketed as "40 feet" but are actually 41.7 ft, for example, fall outside the Class C license and require us to get the Class B?

Thanks for the help. This will be our first MH and we will be full timing in it. We considered a 42" with a tag but my wife refuses to go through the licensing requirements (written and driving tests) in order to get the Class B...so I am thinking we'll need to find a nice 36-38 footer.
Class A
  • Bob_AnnaMarie's avatar
    Bob_AnnaMarie
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2014
    We'retheRussos wrote:
    This topic has probably been beaten to death but after everything I have read, I am fairly certain I am COMPLETELY confused.

    Over the years I have learned that questions like this on forums like this get tons of opinions and few facts. You seriously need to go directly to the CA DVM and get their opinion on the rule. Unfortunately, you cannot get them to sign some paper to document their information. But, that is the only source that I would trust.

    That's my opinion.
    Bob
  • supercub's avatar
    supercub
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2014
    I had a motor home that was a model 40E........meaning 40 feet. However that actually length via the specs was 40' 9" per the CA law, I was required to obtain a Non commercial class B license.
    Brian
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Oct 15, 2014
    My two cents....you mention going full time...whether you get a 40' or larger, get a tag axle. Better ride, better performance and better stability. Also, if you go larger than 40', make sure the tag can be lifted.

    Also, if you're really going full time, you might want to consider changing your state of residency. We were in California when I decided to retire, which I put six months out. We began transferring our residency to South Dakota. By the time I retired AND purchased our current coach, we were residents of SD even though we still owned our California residence. South Dakota has no licensing requirements like California, no income tax and only a 3% sales tax. EVERY State will recognize and accept your DL from your residency state. Something to consider.....

    Finally, from someone who went from a 40' to a 45' for full timing, the extra 5', CCC, towing capacity, generator size etc. was worth the extra price. YMMV....Dennis
  • msmith1199's avatar
    msmith1199
    Explorer II
    Oct 14, 2014
    Also just to note, the description I gave you applies to vehicle length as it applies to drivers license requirements. When you measure for vehicle length as it applies to being on roads that are restricted to vehicles that are 40 foot max, (I'm going from memory here and haven't looked it up recently) then mirrors and ladders still don't count, but things like a bike rack or any type of cargo hanging off the vehicle does count. So you could potentially be legal to drive without the special license, but not legal to drive on roads like Highway 1 that have a 40 foot max vehicle length restriction.
  • TripleE's avatar
    TripleE
    Explorer
    Oct 14, 2014
    Yes, it is bumper to bumper but you probably won't have a problem unless you get stopped for some reason or are in an accident. I think it would take a real stickler of a police officer to actually measure your rig but it could be a problem in an accident.
  • msmith1199's avatar
    msmith1199
    Explorer II
    Oct 14, 2014
    I see you edited just as I posted and you now have it at 40'5". So bumper to bumper will likely keep you within the limits.
  • msmith1199's avatar
    msmith1199
    Explorer II
    Oct 14, 2014
    azdryheat is correct. Any other vehicle weighing over 26k GVWR requires the non-commercial class B or whatever is appropriate. Motorhomes are specifically exempted from the weight requirement. Now the length requirement does apply and it will go by the actual length of the motorhome, not to include things like bike racks, spare tires, mirrors, ladders, etc. I'd have to look it up, but I'm pretty sure bumpers are included so the measurement would be bumper to bumper regardless of what the length sticker on the motorhome says.

    Now having said that, if you have a sticker on the side of your motorhome that says it's 40 feet long, I seriously doubt that any cop is going to get out there with a tape measure to find out it's really 41', but that's a risk you have to decide if you want to take. Check first on the Allegro and see what that extra 1'1" really is. It may be the front mirrors and the ladder combined, which would make you legal.
  • We_retheRussos's avatar
    We_retheRussos
    Explorer
    Oct 14, 2014
    Thanks - that answers our first question.

    The other burning question is the RV measured from bumper to bumper or is there some other place of measure. I ask because we're looking at a 40' Allegro Bus and stated length on that is 40' 5" I assume this is too big but just checking. (also I dont know if these measurements typically include the ladder or not, etc)
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Oct 14, 2014
    Cally has the length requirement only; 40 feet or less and you don't need any special licensing.

    CA DMV

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