California DL towing an Exactly 10,000 lb GVWR trailer

[jthrv]

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)

[DrewE]

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.