Community Forums

RV-Writer · 09-27-2016, 09:55 PM

I am seriously looking at buying a 1999 American Coach Eagle Diesel. These are the specs on the rig according to the dealer.
Dry Weight26,767 lbs
Gross Weight31,000 lbs
Cargo Weight4,233 lbs

Question is, in Colorado do I have to have a special drivers license to operate this rig?

Thanks

Atom Ant · 09-27-2016, 09:57 PM

Nope

Sounds like a nice coach!

RV-Writer · 09-27-2016, 10:13 PM

All the CO manual says is anything above 26,001 lbs requires a CDL class B - so I am confused

Atom Ant · 09-27-2016, 10:17 PM

Or I am. I just have a regular license

RV-Writer · 09-27-2016, 10:21 PM

LOL

I think it is fine until something happens. I will have to go to the DMV and ask. If they say nothing required I'll say great - can I have that in writing please

Atom Ant · 09-27-2016, 10:33 PM

I just tried researching a little, and I'm pretty sure the 26000 lbs applies to commercial vehicles. They don't make it easy to find. If you ask, I'd be curious to learn what you hear.

jrbarber · 09-27-2016, 10:43 PM

I went thru this with CO DMV several years ago. Digging this stuff out from my archives wasn't as tough as I thought it might be.

Here ya go:

I went to 20th & Pierce, took a number and only had to wait about
five minutes before I was called.

I said "I need to find out if I need to upgrade my license so I can
drive my 30,000 lb. motorhome."

"You mean like an rv?"

"Yes, exactly like an rv, only heavier."

"I don't think so."

"Well, on the back of my license, it says it's only good up to 26,000 lbs."

"I think that's just a commercial thing."

"My license doesn't say anything about commercial, one way or the
other. So you're positive I don't need a different license?"

"I don't think you do."

"Is there anyone here who would KNOW for sure?"

"My supervisor might."

"Is your supervisor in on Mondays?"

"Yeah!"

"Could we talk with your supervisor?"

I ended up with a clerk, her supervisor, her supervisor's supervisor
and that supervisor's supervisor, who I understand sits at the right
hand of Governor Ritter. The consensus is they don't think I need to
upgrade my license. My license still says it's only valid up to 26,000 lbs.

And here is the letter I received a few weeks later:

Your email was forwarded to Driver License for a response. The Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Regulation part 383.3 has granted certain vehicle groups
exemption from the Commercial Motor Vehicle category and CDL requirements.
Recreational vehicles (motor homes, travel trailers, etc) used strictly for
non-business purposes are CDL exempt, therefore you do not need to upgrade
your license. Thank you for your inquiry.
Rhonda Reichel
Driver License Services
State of Colorado
~~~~~~~~~~~~

I continue to hope the cop who stops me interprets it the same way as the DMV folks do.

Dale & Mark Bruss · 09-27-2016, 10:51 PM

CO 42-2-402 (4) (b) (i). exempts RVs from CDL license.

RV-Writer · 09-27-2016, 11:15 PM

Woohoo - exactly what I was looking for. Thank you all

Jim

Atom Ant · 09-28-2016, 08:31 AM

Interesting - I never noticed that on the back of the license - but just read it. It also says Class R which is a new term to me, I always thought it was class C. Guess I don't pay much attention anymore.

Is class R = Risk, Retired, Reckless? or all of the above

RV-Writer · 09-28-2016, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atom Ant

Interesting - I never noticed that on the back of the license - but just read it. It also says Class R which is a new term to me, I always thought it was class C. Guess I don't pay much attention anymore.

Is class R = Risk, Retired, Reckless? or all of the above

for me it means RUN! Rookie Rig Runner

Atom Ant · 09-28-2016, 11:49 AM

Scottybdivin · 09-28-2016, 12:09 PM

That's very interesting that you got that response, going up the chain of command. I went through an almost identical scenario, in Texas, but with a different outcome. Does CO offer a Class A or B non-CDL license at all?

Atom Ant · 09-28-2016, 12:26 PM

ya, they do:

Classes of Commercial Licenses:

Class A - combination vehicles - consists of any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds
Class B - straight trucks and light combinations - consists of any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or any such vehicle towing a vehicle which does not have a GVWR in excess of 10,000 pounds
Class C - single vehicles less than 26,001 GVWR - consists of any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that do not meet the definition of a Class A or B commercial vehicle, but that transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver) OR is placarded for transportation of hazardous materials

I knew that Texas had a requirement, as we bought our 5er there and the Dealer was talking about it.