I was in CA heading to San Diego on I-8 last Friday and saw a truck doing a double tow (truck pulling a 5th wheel pulling a boat). All three vehicles had CA license plates. My understanding is this setup is illegal in CA or has the law changed?

Only if you get caught. Just kidding, I believe it's legal if that person has a commercial driver license with a double tow qualification.

It's illegal in VA too but I still see it sometimes.

It hasn't really changed it is just the CA vehicle leaves a huge grey area in its definition that makes it really hard to enforce. The CA code that refers to NOT towing more than one trailer only refers to a passenger vehicle which most of us do not use to tow. I have encountered enforcement stops twice and they would make you separate for being over length (65') but not for the doubles. They would do this for MH's towing trailers as well that were over length. And really looked for triple axle toy haulers (requires a non commercial class A). Most I know get the class A license with double endorsement to avoid any issues. The doubles or "T" endorsement is just a written exam that you take after completing the class A. Before they instituted the non commercial class there was a exception that required the first trailer to be a FW and the second could only be a boat. With this now removed one could interpret it to allow pulling two bumper tow trailers. I asked about this to a local DOT officer as to pull two trailers behind a MH and he shook his head and said keep it under 65'.

Nothing has changed. Still need a commercial license with a double tow endorsement same as it has been for a long time.As long as there are no infractions to pull you over and check your license maybe you could get away with it. I recommend getting the proper documentation.

discovery4us wrote:It hasn't really changed it is just the CA vehicle leaves a huge grey area in its definition that makes it really hard to enforce. The CA code that refers to NOT towing more than one trailer only refers to a passenger vehicle which most of us do not use to tow. I have encountered enforcement stops twice and they would make you separate for being over length (65') but not for the doubles. They would do this for MH's towing trailers as well that were over length. And really looked for triple axle toy haulers (requires a non commercial class A). Most I know get the class A license with double endorsement to avoid any issues. The doubles or "T" endorsement is just a written exam that you take after completing the class A. Before they instituted the non commercial class there was a exception that required the first trailer to be a FW and the second could only be a boat. With this now removed one could interpret it to allow pulling two bumper tow trailers. I asked about this to a local DOT officer as to pull two trailers behind a MH and he shook his head and said keep it under 65'.Then there is the definition of a passenger vehicle.....A 3/4 ton truck is still designed and sold to carry passengers? And/or are there passengers on board? so how does California define passenger vehicle? probably varies from state to state. I could see pickup, especially a crew cab or extended cab being legally classified as a passenger vehicle.

Did California change its towing laws? | Good Sam Community

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Jun 29, 2023
License are recipocal. Driving laws are not for speed limits, double tow, length, brakes, etc.
dedmiston
Moderator
Jun 30, 2023
Enforcement in CA is inconstant.

I see people towing in the wrong lanes all the time, and nobody even tries to obey the 55 mph limit. The worst is when I see people pulling trailers in the HOV lane and slowing everyone down.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jun 30, 2023
I have towed "DOUBLES" in CA for the last 6 winter months being licensed SD as CA recognizes SD. CA it is legal to "Double Tow" if you have the proper endorsement.

I tow in the right lanes at 60mph in posted 55 zones with ZERO issues.

I also tow the same in WA and OR along the I-5 corridor twice a year.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jun 30, 2023
dedmiston wrote:
Enforcement in CA is inconstant.

I see people towing in the wrong lanes all the time, and nobody even tries to obey the 55 mph limit. The worst is when I see people pulling trailers in the HOV lane and slowing everyone down.

In WA it's legal to tow in the HOV lanes up to a certain tonnage.
mkirsch
Nomad II
Jun 30, 2023
Cummins12V98 wrote:
I tow in the right lanes at 60mph in posted 55 zones with ZERO issues.

I tear the tags off my pillows and mattresses with no issues.

5MPH over the speed limit is more likely to get you a ticket for "impeding traffic" than "speeding."
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 01, 2023
When in CA if you are towing anything the MAX speed limit is 55. Towing 60 I have been slowly passed by CHIPS without a second look many times.
Thermoguy
Explorer II
Jul 01, 2023
Having just driven through parts of CA watching and following RV's and Semi's, no one is going 55. The commercial drivers are the fastest, some as fast as 70 in a 55... I was not towing so I saw lots of towing vehicles as I passed them.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 01, 2023
Kinda depends where you are. More rural areas the truckers bump it up. Many RVer's simply speed no matter!!!
dedmiston
Moderator
Jul 03, 2023
Cummins12V98 wrote:
dedmiston wrote:
Enforcement in CA is inconstant.

I see people towing in the wrong lanes all the time, and nobody even tries to obey the 55 mph limit. The worst is when I see people pulling trailers in the HOV lane and slowing everyone down.

In WA it's legal to tow in the HOV lanes up to a certain tonnage.

In CA it's not even legal to get over to the HOV lanes if you're towing. Trucks and cars towing trailers are required to stay in the two far right lanes.

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