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Old 01-19-2025, 09:57 PM   #1
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Canadian with a Phaeton 40IH

I am looking at the Phaeton 40IH behind which I will tow my Ford Escape. I see that states like California and others, require a Class B non-commercial license which cannot be obtained by a non-resident. Does anyone know if they accept Canadian licenses in this situation and if there are Canadian ones that they consider equivalent. If I can't drive in a lot of the US states then obviously I won't be purchasing this vehicle. Thanks........Jackie
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Old 01-19-2025, 10:11 PM   #2
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I am looking at the Phaeton 40IH behind which I will tow my Ford Escape. I see that states like California and others, require a Class B non-commercial license which cannot be obtained by a non-resident. Does anyone know if they accept Canadian licenses in this situation and if there are Canadian ones that they consider equivalent. If I can't drive in a lot of the US states then obviously I won't be purchasing this vehicle. Thanks........Jackie
You do not need a Class B to drive a motorhome in California unless it is longer than 40'.
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Old 01-19-2025, 10:20 PM   #3
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To the best of my knowledge ; if you have the proper license for driving your coach in your home state/province then that is accepted wherever you travel in North America .

So check your local requirements ( note ; the RV salesman won't tell you ) be there weight restrictions or air brake endorsements you have to be legal in the province that issued your drivers license.
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Old 01-20-2025, 12:01 AM   #4
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This is America, go where you want, your DL is good anywhere. [Mod Edit]
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Old 01-20-2025, 09:56 AM   #5
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To the best of my knowledge ; if you have the proper license for driving your coach in your home state/province then that is accepted wherever you travel in North America .

So check your local requirements ( note ; the RV salesman won't tell you ) be there weight restrictions or air brake endorsements you have to be legal in the province that issued your drivers license.
I don't believe that is correct anymore. California and about another 8 or 10 states have put tighter restrictions on rigs longer than 40 ft. Various website emphatically tell you that you need additional levels (categories?) to drive in those states. Although you typically aren't stopped, you can be and if you have any problems you could have insurance difficulties driving without the right license for that state.

In Canada we do our licensing by weight not by length so it doesn't match up with the new laws in quite a few states. Since I am looking at a 38 foot RV vs a 41 foot RV it makes a difference south of the border. Since they are the same weight there is no difference in Canada.

I might try and find out where I can send my question in writing to a couple of the states and I will check with my insurance company. After paying for insurance I don't want it invalidated..........Jackie
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Old 01-20-2025, 10:41 AM   #6
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Well , lets look at it this way ; if you have to be a resident to get the " Class B non commercial license " and a number of states don't require the upgraded license ; then every tourist from other states and Canada wouldn't be legal driving a motorhome in California ( which I've been doing for 14 years and never been questioned ) so I doubt that out of state drivers are subject to the requirement.

Only issues I've heard of from Canadians being stopped in California , have been for speeding and double tow overlength.

I imagine the biggest part of the non commercial license ; is the complete understanding of the chassis air and air brake systems ; safety and pre trip system checks.

So as I did when I purchased my coach , make sure you have the correct level of license for your RV in your home province .
NOTE: I could have purchased insurance without my air brake endorsement, but it wouldn't have been valid in the event of an accident .
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Old 01-20-2025, 05:13 PM   #7
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I'll add that this involves the interstate reciprocity act. If you are legal to drive in your own state, then you are legal to drive in any other state. I can't confirm this includes Canadian provinces, but I don't believe there is an issue since we have tons of Canadian residents come south every winter.
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Old 01-20-2025, 05:42 PM   #8
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I'll add that this involves the interstate reciprocity act. If you are legal to drive in your own state, then you are legal to drive in any other state. I can't confirm this includes Canadian provinces, but I don't believe there is an issue since we have tons of Canadian residents come south every winter.


If you have the proper licence in your province, you are good to go in any state or province in USA or Canada. It's called a bilateral agreement.

That said, I would take in a basic air brake course just for your own interest.
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Old 01-20-2025, 05:52 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by JackieAJ View Post
I don't believe that is correct anymore. California and about another 8 or 10 states have put tighter restrictions on rigs longer than 40 ft. Various website emphatically tell you that you need additional levels (categories?) to drive in those states. Although you typically aren't stopped, you can be and if you have any problems you could have insurance difficulties driving without the right license for that state.

In Canada we do our licensing by weight not by length so it doesn't match up with the new laws in quite a few states. Since I am looking at a 38 foot RV vs a 41 foot RV it makes a difference south of the border. Since they are the same weight there is no difference in Canada.

I might try and find out where I can send my question in writing to a couple of the states and I will check with my insurance company. After paying for insurance I don't want it invalidated..........Jackie
Jackie….
Your Georgetown 378TS is 37’ give or take.
Your Phaeton will be 40’ give or take?
Your Phaeton may require you to have a Z endorsement because of the air brakes…..here in Canada.
I drove school buses here in Ontario for over a dozen years. I needed a “B” license. They did NOT have air brakes , so no Z endorsement.
Just an fyi as you decide on your next rig.
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Old 01-20-2025, 06:32 PM   #10
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First off, JackieAJ, unless you are trying to go to Yosemite or up to the wine country, for a excellent glass of wine...... stay out of California. California might be equal to your fuel costs in Canada but there are states that charge less than $3.25 a gallon for diesel.... thats about $.80 US , a liter of fuel and with your Canadian dollar sucking wind, everything helps. Kidding about staying outta California (fuel up before you drive in though) Canadian drivers license (whatever's required in your province) valid registration and insurance. Obey the traffic laws and you'll be ok.... eh?
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Old 02-04-2025, 04:32 PM   #11
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You do not need a Class B to drive a motorhome in California unless it is longer than 40'.
Wrong, anything over 26,000 Gvw requires a class b non commercial license, not just in California
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Old 02-04-2025, 04:50 PM   #12
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In NM it’s a class E, non CDL license for recreational vehicles.
But as mentioned as long as you are properly licensed in your State or Province, you’re covered through compacts with the US, Canada and Mexico. Although Mexico also requires their insurance in addition.
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Old 02-04-2025, 05:30 PM   #13
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In South Carolina it’s based on GVW. If u r over 26000 lbs u have to get a non commercial DL. They have 2 classes: E and F. E is for 26k lbs without towning. Class F for the same but includes a tow vehicle. Go figure? I had to take an eye test and exam then received a learners permit. I have a year to go and have a driving test similar to a CDL test. Then I will be good to go in any state (actually I suspect I’m good right now with the learners permit)
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Old 02-04-2025, 05:45 PM   #14
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No longer can we assume that over 26,000 pounds will have air brakes. I see many newer ones using hydraulic both disc and drum. Probably going that way to support the improved antilock, traction control, and collision avoidance systems.
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