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jthrv's avatar
jthrv
Explorer
Oct 13, 2020

California DL towing an Exactly 10,000 lb GVWR trailer

Can I tow an Exactly 10,000 lb GVWR trailer ?

The DMV Handbook says No, as it has to be "under 10,000".
The Vehicle Code says Yes, as it is "Not exceeding 10,000".

Why would they be different ?

DMV Handbook, Page 9 https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2020/06/dl600.pdf
Class C DL - ...."With a vehicle weighing 4,000 lbs. or more unladen, you may tow a: — Trailer coach or fifth-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for compensation."

Section 12804.9 of the Vehicle Code https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=12804.9&lawCode=VEH#
(3) Class C ... (F) (i) "A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing either a trailer coach or a fifth-wheel travel trailer not exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation."

(edited to fix url)

15 Replies

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  • wgriswold's avatar
    wgriswold
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2020
    The Handbook also states for a regular class C license:

    If the towing vehicle weighs 4,000 lbs. or more unladen, you may tow a:
    Trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 lbs. gross.

    I suppose the law says the same thing but don't know how to check that.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator II
    Oct 13, 2020
    It’s a good question and the “rules” are contradictory in other states as well.
    Many say “under 10k” when they really should say under 10.001k or “over” 10k.

    Don’t sweat it. It’s the 10klb law which is a federal DOT standard.

    If it wasn’t, the “standard “ 3/4 tons would be rated 9999lb gvw and same with trailers.
    (Yes I realize there are many class 2 trucks now rated over 10klbs as well in recent years. )
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 13, 2020
    You can tow 10K or Under with your Class C Drivers License

    You can NOT tow a 10,001# with your Class C DL

    SIMPLE....
  • RoyF's avatar
    RoyF
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2020
    The online DMV handbook contains the following disclaimer:

    "The state makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the absolute accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this website and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this website."

    So the vehicle code should hold up in court. This is an amusing exercise for lawyers.

    It seems to be OK to overload a trailer if the weight rating is less than 10,000 lbs.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Oct 13, 2020
    The vehicle code is law. The DMV handbook is not law, just a (mostly) authoritative informational publication. If you are cited for not having the correct license and go before a judge, the vehicle code is what the decision will be based on.

    As an aside, I'm rather surprised that they codified it based on the GVWR rather than the actual weight, but that's not really relevant to the question.

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