Inter-State Travel with RV (TV/Trailer) with GCWR >26k lbs.

[otrfun]

Anyone aware of a reciprocity agreement between states that may regulate the following issue?

Each state has its own laws regulating licensing for privately-owned, recreational vehicles. When the GCWR for the tow vehicle and trailer exceed 26k lbs. special licensing is required in many states. Some states, like CA and TX, require their residents to have a non-commercial (state-issued, non-DOT) Class A/B/C license when towing RV's with higher GVWR/GCWR'S; whereas states like FL and AZ have no weight restrictions in terms of licensing for RV's. Residents in FL and AZ may drive an RV (TV and trailer) with any GCWR with only a standard Class D operator's license.

Question:

Can a legally licensed driver from FL or AZ operating an RV (TV and trailer) with an GCWR greater than 26k lbs. legally drive through CA and TX?

Thanks!

Yes, I'm aware a DOT CDL (commercial) Class A license would negate this entire issue.

[otrfun]

Leeblev wrote:
Let's back up for a moment. CA requires a NON-COMMERCIAL CLASS "A" license for 5ers over 15,000 Gross Vehicle Weight; an endorsement on a class "C" for 5ers 10-15,000. Also to take into consideration is that by definition, any vehicle or combination of vehicles OVER 26k requires at least a class "B" license. California does go on total weight of vehicles and tows, AND if you are licensed for "triples" in your home state, you ARE NOT legal in CA.
It is always smart to weigh your rig fully loaded with everything including passengers and fuel/water/sewage so you know you are legal wherever you go.

My apologies for misquoting some of the RV licensing requirements in CA. I've since corrected my original post. My misquote aside, the real issue is whether there is any documented reciprocity between states in terms of licensing for heaver RV's---especially those over 26k GCWR. 26k GCWR is the threshold used by most states for requiring special RV licensing.

[donn0128]

There is only regulation that I know of that is not recripical. And that is towing doubles.

[Leeblev]

Let's back up for a moment. CA requires a NON-COMMERCIAL CLASS "A" license for 5ers over 15,000 Gross Vehicle Weight; an endorsement on a class "C" for 5ers 10-15,000. Also to take into consideration is that by definition, any vehicle or combination of vehicles OVER 26k requires at least a class "B" license. California does go on total weight of vehicles and tows, AND if you are licensed for "triples" in your home state, you ARE NOT legal in CA.
It is always smart to weigh your rig fully loaded with everything including passengers and fuel/water/sewage so you know you are legal wherever you go.

[otrfun]

Lantley wrote:

CumminsDriver wrote:
You are only required to be legally licensed for your home state.

Rich

THat is my understanding as well. However MD has the same requirement but the rule is seldom enforced. Many Marylanders do not have the proper endorsements. Therefore they are not legal in their own state and would not be legal in CA either

That's my assumption also. However, it would set my mind more at ease to see something in writing that actually confirmed it one way or another.

For instance, it's common knowledge you can be legally licensed to tow a tandem RV in one state and ticketed in another. IMO, it wouldn't be a stretch to say this might apply to RV's with a GCWR over 26k, too.

[Carl_n_Susan]

otrfun wrote:

CumminsDriver wrote:
California requires the Non Commercial A for 5th Wheels over 15k GVWR and Travel Trailers over 10k GVWR for Ca residents. My last truck was 10k GVWR and my 5th Wheel is 15,700 GVWR. Under 26k but still required the Non Commercial A License. You are only required to be legally licensed for your home state.

Rich

Thanks for clarifying CA's Class A license requirements, Rich. If I understand you correctly, CA requires a state-issued, Class A license if the GVWR of a 5th wheel exceeds 15k, without regard to the TV's GVWR or the rig's overall GCWR?

Correct. CA bases the license requirement on the size of the trailer, not the vehicle towing it and its GVWR.

[We_Cant_Wait]

If your LEGAL in your home state of registration/license then you're legal in ALL states.
As to the requirement in Ca. that requirement is ONLY IF you live and are licensed in Ca. If you're legal in Az then you're legal in Ca.

[otrfun]

CumminsDriver wrote:
California requires the Non Commercial A for 5th Wheels over 15k GVWR and Travel Trailers over 10k GVWR for Ca residents. My last truck was 10k GVWR and my 5th Wheel is 15,700 GVWR. Under 26k but still required the Non Commercial A License. You are only required to be legally licensed for your home state.

Rich

Thanks for clarifying CA's Class A license requirements, Rich. If I understand you correctly, CA requires a state-issued, Class A license if the GVWR of a 5th wheel exceeds 15k, without regard to the TV's GVWR or the rig's overall GCWR?

[Lantley]

CumminsDriver wrote:
You are only required to be legally licensed for your home state.

Rich

THat is my understanding as well. However MD has the same requirement but the rule is seldom enforced. Many Marylanders do not have the proper endorsements. Therefore they are not legal in their own state and would not be legal in CA either

[Rich1961]

California requires the Non Commercial A for 5th Wheels over 15k GVWR and Travel Trailers over 10k GVWR for Ca residents. My last truck was 10k GVWR and my 5th Wheel is 15,700 GVWR. Under 26k but still required the Non Commercial A License. You are only required to be legally licensed for your home state.

Rich