No CDL class B consequences

[Txice]

I've been reading Buly's post and answers regarding obtaining a class B non CDL to legally drive a MH over 26,001 gross weight.
I know there are many Texas residents that own a 26,001 plus MH who do not have anything more than a class C.
I wonder if any of my fellow Texans have learned the hard way that the state requires a special endorsement to drive a MH (+26,001 GW)and what were the consequences of not having one. You can "my friend did this" if you want to, but your story might help others get informed at the very least.

[BobGed]

My state of NV has the same non-commercial driver's license requirements as TX, but I don't have any stories to pass on as I've never been stopped while driving my coach by a LEO except the INS when I was in AZ.

My main concern would be if I was ever involved in an accident. Even if it wasn't my fault, I think I would be in a lot of legal trouble and expense for not possessing the proper license for the vehicle I was operating.

[Cricco]

Well, I'm a Police Officer, a Class A owner and I also have a class B CDL. That being said, the penalty is usually "Operating a MV without a license". This is usually an arrestable offense. Your coach will be towed. You will face a court hearing. May get a fine, or potentially jail time. I wouldn't risk it.

[rgvtexan]

Originally Posted by Cricco

Well, I'm a Police Officer, a Class A owner and I also have a class B CDL. That being said, the penalty is usually "Operating a MV without a license". This is usually an arrestable offense. Your coach will be towed. You will face a court hearing. May get a fine, or potentially jail time. I wouldn't risk it.

X2, Just ask yourself, what are the consequences of driving without a license. If you never get stopped, never have an accident, nothing to worry about. But when you do you don't want to meet my legal team. ONE CALL etc.

In my home state it is not required, and when I drive in TX I am legal.
Just sayin!

[vtwinwilly]

Originally Posted by Cricco

Well, I'm a Police Officer, a Class A owner and I also have a class B CDL. That being said, the penalty is usually "Operating a MV without a license". This is usually an arrestable offense. Your coach will be towed. You will face a court hearing. May get a fine, or potentially jail time. I wouldn't risk it.

But to the OPs point, do you know of a case where any of what you've listed above has happened?

Can you site real life examples? ...and when I say that, real life examples that involve a motorhome?

[bluepill]

I did not want to be a "Test Case", so I got my NY "Over 26K lbs. endorsement" I had to get a few hours of CDL training. The information I got from instruction was well worth the $75/hr. fee. I recommend it to ANY MH owner.

[V3600]

Here in AZ there are no special licensing requirements but Calif does - CLass A non-commercial for a 5th wheel over 15,000 GVWR. Stories I've heard from Calif is that the Highway Patrol pulls over the triple axle toy haulers to inspect the driver's license endorsements knowing those toy haulers require the special license. I don't know the penalties but tickets are being issued. CA drivers beware.

[FlaRider]

I have a CDL class B. I do not drive commercial, I have it from when I did I long time ago. When I went to renewal my license a few years ago they just changed the law about CDL, (I can't remember what the change was, maybe it was the need of a medical ) they were not going to renewal it as a CDL because I wasn't driving commercial at the time. Since it just changed and I was adamant about keeping it encase I needed it they let me keep it. My friend went to renewal his license a few months later and they would not let him keep his CDL class B (with other endorsement). He now has just a plane Jane license. This is in Florida. Has anyone else had a problem keeping their CDL if they weren't driving commercial?


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[CountryFit]

i have a non-cdl endorsement and i am glad i did. yes, dmv treat the "non" applicants just like how they are picky towards cdl applicants. at the time, the computer test was easy, i only did once and passed; cone test was ok, but road test was an entirely different thing - they took time to let me drive for about an hour each time, marked the score on each turn/handling. i had to go back to do it for 4 times!! it was pain, but now i really appreciate their super strict requirement/discipline/training. it has been about 4 years by now, i vaguely remember it was less than $100 for the cost. but definitely worth it.

[BobGed]

Originally Posted by FlaRider

I have a CDL class B. I do not drive commercial, I have it from when I did I long time ago. When I went to renewal my license a few years ago they just changed the law about CDL, (I can't remember what the change was, maybe it was the need of a medical ) they were not going to renewal it as a CDL because I wasn't driving commercial at the time. Since it just changed and I was adamant about keeping it encase I needed it they let me keep it. My friend went to renewal his license a few months later and they would not let him keep his CDL class B (with other endorsement). He now has just a plane Jane license. This is in Florida. Has anyone else had a problem keeping their CDL if they weren't driving commercial?


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My understanding is FL does not require any special license to drive a motorhome regardless of its weight. Unless you're engaged in some other commercial driving activity why would you want to keep your Class B CDL license?

[Txice]

Same reason I wanted to keep my class A CDL with all the endorsements when I retired. You never know when you're going to need it Bob

[HD4Mark]

Originally Posted by BobGed

My understanding is FL does not require any special license to drive a motorhome regardless of its weight. Unless you're engaged in some other commercial driving activity why would you want to keep your Class B CDL license?

I looked into this and agree. For non-commercial use you only need a regular drivers license in Florida for a MH.

[luckyd]

I believe Canada is standard across the country.
If you drive anything with air brakes you require
an air endorsment.
In some Provinces you now require a special license
to tow a fiver over 10K

[Pa Miller]

My Texas registration states mine is 25,800lb .... what do I need in the state of Texas ?