Does anyone know the rules about driving a 44' Class A Motorhome across country? Some states (i.e. GA, TX etc. require a different drivers license for motorhomes above 26,000 lbs. (GVW) but we reside in FL and they don't require it. Are you in violation when driving thru or staying in states that do require additional license? Can this invalidate your insurance if in an accident in one of the states that require a different license? Thanks in advance for any information.

Its called recripical.Driving license and vehicle license covers you for all 50 states, canada and mexico

As donn0128 said, driver's licensing and registration are accepted reciprocally by all states, so if you're legal in your home state with your license, you're legal everywhere.This does not apply to equipment requirements, however; things like overall length limits or the permissibility of recreational double towing or trailer brake requirements or tire chain laws vary, and you need to comply with the laws of whatever state you're in.

donn0128 wrote:Its called recripical.Driving license and vehicle license covers you for all 50 states, canada and mexicoThere is one huge caveat to that however. As stated previously, reciprocity does NOT cover equipment regulations, so if your coach has air brakes and your home State does not require an air brake endorsement, you are NOT legal in states (or Canada) where such IS required.

JaxDad wrote:donn0128 wrote:Its called recripical.Driving license and vehicle license covers you for all 50 states, canada and mexicoThere is one huge caveat to that however. As stated previously, reciprocity does NOT cover equipment regulations, so if your coach has air brakes and your home State does not require an air brake endorsement, you are NOT legal in states (or Canada) where such IS required.If this were true, you could not use your motor home in those states or Canada, since you can't get a driver's license or endorsement anywhere other than your home state.

Home State rules rule. If you are a TX resident then you must have a "big" RV rider added to your license. If you are from FL (and many other States, you do not). You just have to follow the rules that apply to the State where your RV is registered and your drivers license is issued.

Special DL Required for RV's over 26,000 GVWR | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

JaxDad
Explorer III
Oct 22, 2018
donn0128 wrote:
Its called recripical.
Driving license and vehicle license covers you for all 50 states, canada and mexico

There is one huge caveat to that however.

As stated previously, reciprocity does NOT cover equipment regulations, so if your coach has air brakes and your home State does not require an air brake endorsement, you are NOT legal in states (or Canada) where such IS required.
DrewE
Explorer II
Oct 22, 2018
As donn0128 said, driver's licensing and registration are accepted reciprocally by all states, so if you're legal in your home state with your license, you're legal everywhere.

This does not apply to equipment requirements, however; things like overall length limits or the permissibility of recreational double towing or trailer brake requirements or tire chain laws vary, and you need to comply with the laws of whatever state you're in.
donn0128
Explorer II
Oct 22, 2018
Its called recripical.
Driving license and vehicle license covers you for all 50 states, canada and mexico

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Special DL Required for RV's over 26,000 GVWR

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