Community Forums

captainchuck · 03-16-2014, 08:48 AM

We reside in Florida and under FL law a CDL is not required for a 5th wheel RV. Our 5'er loaded is about 16,880#. That said as I read, in particular California and Illinois regulations especially CA, a Class A Non-Commercial license is required and for IL this appears to be much the same. TX could also be a problem as we are over 15,000#. How have others handled the license issue? What license regulations should we concern ourselves with in Canada? FL does not offer a Non-Commercial linense rather a full CDL is the only option. To those who have traveled North America what has been your license requirement experiences?

wb7auk · 03-16-2014, 09:07 AM

All states honor other state drivers licenses, that includes what is allowed under those
licenses. You have no problem.

Walt Bennett · 03-16-2014, 09:07 AM

If you're registered and have a license from one state and are in compliance with that state's laws, you won't have any problem elsewhere. Almost all states only require a CDL for commercial purposes (that's why it's called a "Commercial Drivers License"). If I wanted to tow someone else's trailer with my F350 for a fee, I'd need a CDL. If I was doing it as a favor, I wouldn't. At least that's in Virginia.

336muffin · 03-16-2014, 09:09 AM

You must comply for the home state in which you are licensed for. We're not a 5er but we weigh 14'600 just on our steer axel alone. DOT requires that a tractor and trailer cannot weigh more than 12,000 on the steer but we are not a commercial vehicle. It would be almost impossible to be legal in all states, Canada and Mexico.

TXiceman · 03-16-2014, 09:16 AM

If you are properly licensed in your home state for the class and weight, your license is recognized by the other states.

Next item is you are legally required to meet the states (which you travel through) speed, weight and overall lengths. Also you must meet their requirements for double towing (allowed or not allowed).

Ken

BobGed · 03-16-2014, 09:23 AM

All states offer reciprocity, or something close to it, and recognize your home state driver's license, vehicle registration and insurance.

However there are some highways in some states, particularly California, that have restrictions based on weight and/or length, and you would be subject to those restrictions.

wingnut60 · 03-17-2014, 07:09 PM

If you are legal in FL, you are ok in the other states. I think you are overly concerned with a non-problem. My trailer weighs 17400 and my truck 10000--definitely non-commercial CDL range in TX, but I don't worry about it. No one is going to check your trailer weight. Horror stories about having a wreck with an overweight setup, and getting sued, seem to be anecdotal on a lot of forums, but no factual evidence have I ever seen of someone having this happen to them.
Enjoy your travels.
However, if you really want to complicate your life, go ahead and get a CDL...
Joe