Drivers license requirements going state to state

[Popsie]

When we lived in Texas, I had a Class B drivers license because my RV weighs more than 26,000 pounds. That required passing a written test and a driving test.

When we moved to another state, they did not require or offer a similar license for driving our personal Motorhome because in this state, personal Motorhomes are exempt from the requirements for driving commercial vehicles.

We plan to return to Texas for a wedding, and will be traveling in our RV.

Am I legal driving our Motorhome in Texas with my home state license, or does Texas require me to have the Class B license again even though it's not available to me in my current state of residence unless I go through the entire commercial drivers license test, physical exam, etc?

Where would I find this information in the Texas motor vehicle code?

thanks :?

[dpsdebi7]

I'm a retired manager from TX DPS Driver License and Texas has reciprocity with all other states. A resident of Texas is required to obtain a Texas Class B for motor homes over 26,000 lbs. It is not a CDL, but exempts the vehicle from CDL laws. We call them Class B Exempts for lack of any other name.

[usersmanual]

Kayteg1 wrote:
Those topics keep on coming every few months and the truth is that there is no short answer.
When RV are generally exempt from CDL, some states require non-commercial ClassB or whatever, some states require special licence for >40' motorhome, some have endorsement for air brakes, some for dual trailers.
To top it, all those laws change every few years and even if you did something last year, doesn't mean it has to apply today.
Bottom line >>> for legal questions call your state DMV.
In CA DMV usually has 1 hr hold, but they make convenient call-back so you don't have to spend an hr with phone to your ear.

no short answer?? BS;; the short answer is like the 2+3 posts here 2 pages back.U simply use the DL of the state you live in and can drive all us states and cdn provinces pretty simple when u think about it

[Kayteg1]

Those topics keep on coming every few months and the truth is that there is no short answer.
When RV are generally exempt from CDL, some states require non-commercial ClassB or whatever, some states require special licence for >40' motorhome, some have endorsement for air brakes, some for dual trailers.
To top it, all those laws change every few years and even if you did something last year, doesn't mean it has to apply today.
Bottom line >>> for legal questions call your state DMV.
In CA DMV usually has 1 hr hold, but they make convenient call-back so you don't have to spend an hr with phone to your ear.

[usersmanual]

J-Rooster wrote:
In Washington State there are no current laws governing RV's. Washington State recognizes an any other States license.

yup as mentioned on page one

[J-Rooster]

In Washington State there are no current laws governing RV's. Washington State recognizes an any other States license.

[usersmanual]

Trumpet Player wrote:

donn0128 wrote:
I assume the MH is also licensed in your new home state? If so, you are legal to drive it in any state and Canada, Mexico. Only thing you need to worry about are speed laws.

What does the state of vehicle registration have to do with it? Using that theory, rental vehicles/cars would be a problem for everyone.

everything in the world difference the rental cars not in your name the motor home most likely is.the rental car your kinda of borrowing the motor home your not
don't know about US but in Canada (eg)you cant drive a private BC plated vehicle (in your own name) with a alberta drivers licence and vice versa legally

[tropical36]

Ivylog wrote:
Google search... reciprocity of driver's license. Cannot post a link because the link has a percent sign in it.

Say what? Try using the green link tab above your composition, if you haven't already done so.

[Trumpet_Player]

donn0128 wrote:
I assume the MH is also licensed in your new home state? If so, you are legal to drive it in any state and Canada, Mexico. Only thing you need to worry about are speed laws.

What does the state of vehicle registration have to do with it? Using that theory, rental vehicles/cars would be a problem for everyone.

[Old-Biscuit]

msmith1199 wrote:

dougrainer wrote:
In 37 years in Texas as a Motorhome Service Tech, I have never heard or had a customer get a ticket with just a standard Drivers License. Even when driving over 26k motorhomes. Doug

Is it actually required in Texas? In California a Class B license is also required to drive a vehicle over 26k GVWR. But if you check the fine print there is a little provision in there that exempts RV's. I have spoken with people who didn't realize RV's were exempt from that weight section.

What about in CA......
MHs over 40' but under 45'
MHs over 45'?
Trailers over 10,000#/5th wheels over 15,000#?

[tkcas01]

msmith1199 wrote:
Is it actually required in Texas?

It is. I just went through that after changing residence to TX. While the details can be found in the statutes and such, here is the application for a non-CDL Class A or B exempt license. Note item 4 where you certify that you will be driving an RV over 26,000 lbs.

https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/CDL-2.pdf

[wolfe10]

msmith1199 wrote:

dougrainer wrote:
In 37 years in Texas as a Motorhome Service Tech, I have never heard or had a customer get a ticket with just a standard Drivers License. Even when driving over 26k motorhomes. Doug

Is it actually required in Texas? In California a Class license is also required to drive a vehicle over 26k GVWR. But if you check the fine print there is a little provision in there that exempts RV's. I have spoken with people who didn't realize RV's were exempt from that weight section.

Yes, in Texas, a Class B exempt is required for over 26k GVWR.

Agree, VERY unlikely that one would be stopped for a license check.

But (no read that a BIG BUT) if involved in an accident, would sure not want to be driving a rig for which I was not licensed.

[msmith1199]

dougrainer wrote:
In 37 years in Texas as a Motorhome Service Tech, I have never heard or had a customer get a ticket with just a standard Drivers License. Even when driving over 26k motorhomes. Doug

Is it actually required in Texas? In California a Class B license is also required to drive a vehicle over 26k GVWR. But if you check the fine print there is a little provision in there that exempts RV's. I have spoken with people who didn't realize RV's were exempt from that weight section.

[Mondooker]

What about the ones out of a Cracker Jack box? You see a lot of those!

[fla-gypsy]

Drivers licenses are reciprocal in the US for the time being.

[wa8yxm]

The rule on driving across state lines is this:

If the license you have is the proper license for operating of your Motor home/RV on the street where your legal residence is.. You are legal in the United States. The fact you used to live in the great state of Taxes, (And still do, let me correct that, The Great state of Texas) makes no difference. You are legal "At home" you are legal in Dallas.