Question of license requirements across states

[Rjmckay]

Hey guys... Forgive if this is a common question, but I didn't see it.

So my state only requires a standard license. My question is... If I drive across country will I need to meet licensing requirements of each state or Candian Providence I went through? Or will it be considered... I meet the requirements of my issued state so that's good enough even if I'm in a CDL state/Providence?


Thanks guys!

Rj

[Rjmckay]

mowermech wrote:
Apparently, not ALL states are signatories of the Compact!
From Wikipedia:
"Georgia, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Tennessee are not members.[2] American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators:[3] Nevada repealed the authorizing legislation in 2007,[4] although it still generally conforms to the agreement through regulations.[2]

Actually, this applies to the reporting of violations, but it is reasonable to think that it also applies to licensing reciprocity. While a state may not be a signatory of the Reciprocity Agreements, it is doubtful that any such state would refuse to recognize a license from another state.

Wow! Awesome information. Thanks.

Never dreamt this thread would take off like it did... But being new to the community, I have learned so much from all of you already. Thank you. 🙂

Rj

[mowermech]

Apparently, not ALL states are signatories of the Compact!
From Wikipedia:
"Georgia, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Tennessee are not members.[2] American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators:[3] Nevada repealed the authorizing legislation in 2007,[4] although it still generally conforms to the agreement through regulations.[2]

Actually, this applies to the reporting of violations, but it is reasonable to think that it also applies to licensing reciprocity. While a state may not be a signatory of the Reciprocity Agreements, it is doubtful that any such state would refuse to recognize a license from another state.

[hipower]

DrewE wrote:
As others have said, your license is honored in every state, just as if you were driving a car. If you're legal to drive your RV in your home state, you can drive it anywhere in the country.

There is no state that requires a CDL to drive a personal RV for noncommercial uses. Some states do require different classes of driver's licenses for their residents, and often these classes parallel the CDL classes, but such licenses are not commercial driver's licenses and do not have the same requirements for logging hours and submitting to drug tests and getting approved physicals and so on.

Several years ago PA introduced Class A & B non-CDL licenses which are as you described. When my last renewal for my CDL came due I was well into retirement and found that by downgrading to the non-CDL my renewal was about half the price and allowed the same things the CDL did except as you stated there was no requirement for physicals, etc. The limitation is I can't drive for pay. Although I haven't really checked into it the non-CDL class A may not allow for doubles and triples like my CDL did.

[DrewE]

As others have said, your license is honored in every state, just as if you were driving a car. If you're legal to drive your RV in your home state, you can drive it anywhere in the country.

There is no state that requires a CDL to drive a personal RV for noncommercial uses. Some states do require different classes of driver's licenses for their residents, and often these classes parallel the CDL classes, but such licenses are not commercial driver's licenses and do not have the same requirements for logging hours and submitting to drug tests and getting approved physicals and so on.

[luvlabs]

While all states grant reciprocity for driving licenses, this reciprocity doesn't apply to anything else related to your coach. If your state doesn't require toad brakes but the state you are passing through does, you are violating their laws. If your state allows double towing and the state adjacent does not, you can be stopped and ticketed (more likely forced to disconnect). So you do have to pay attention to traffic laws that apply to your vehicle in the state you are in.

[tommy_g]

Rjmckay wrote:
Good to know, I did not know that. when you say proof of insurance, not just the card, are you referring to the binder?

Thanks!

Just the card.

[Rjmckay]

GGoodsell wrote:
In the U.S. it is a Constitutional right that all legal licenses from one state are honored in all others. That includes driver's licenses. Also marriage licenses...can you imagine having to get married again every time you cross a state line on your cross-country trip?

This has gone off topic... But this is wrong. It is not a constitutional right. In fact, TECHNICALLY you are not married in each state you move to. However, each state recognizes it as well as the IRS. I can go on, but it would really take this into a tangent that has noting to do with RVs. 🙂

Rj

Actually. It is in the constitution. 10th amendment: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

[msmith1199]

Not all legal licenses are recognized across all states. In fact most are probably not. Most professional licenses are not recognized across all states. For example lawyers generally have to be licensed in each state they practice in. Same with doctors, private investigators, and many others. Many states do recognize each others licenses and have reciprocal agreements.

[Jarlaxle]

Yes, it is: the Full faith and credit" clause.

[gbopp]

GGoodsell wrote:
In the U.S. it is a Constitutional right that all legal licenses from one state are honored in all others. That includes driver's licenses. Also marriage licenses...can you imagine having to get married again every time you cross a state line on your cross-country trip?

Is that actually in the constitution? What about hunting/fishing licenses? 🙂

[TNGW1500SE]

GGoodsell wrote:
In the U.S. it is a Constitutional right that all legal licenses from one state are honored in all others. That includes driver's licenses. Also marriage licenses...can you imagine having to get married again every time you cross a state line on your cross-country trip?

Hold on there! Lets not confuse anyone! You don't have to be married to drive a class "A" but you do need two incomes to pay for the fuel.

[Old-Biscuit]

GGoodsell wrote:
In the U.S. it is a Constitutional right that all legal licenses from one state are honored in all others. That includes driver's licenses. Also marriage licenses...can you imagine having to get married again every time you cross a state line on your cross-country trip?

That would be easier than getting a drivers license from each state :B

[GGoodsell]

In the U.S. it is a Constitutional right that all legal licenses from one state are honored in all others. That includes driver's licenses. Also marriage licenses...can you imagine having to get married again every time you cross a state line on your cross-country trip?

[Rjmckay]

That is useful to know MSmith. Thank you!

BTW... I'm new to RV... Haven't even bought one yet... But I am already loving this forum. People here are so great, friendly, and genuinely helpful. 🙂

Rj