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Old 09-11-2011, 08:30 AM   #1
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Restrictions in California

I am planning a trip to Palm Springs, CA in late October and I was told that California restricts the length of motor homes on highways. They said that you have to have a special license for anything between 40 and 45 feet.
I was told that you can drive only on an Interstate and State highways, and can exit for gas, food, and lodging, but your destination has to be one mile or less from the exit. If this is true, how does this affect me as I have a Florida driver's license?
Another reason I'm asking is that we are considering trading in our current motor home and have two that we are looking at. One is 40', the other is 42'. Maybe this would sway our decision as to which one we choose.
I'm not sure I understand the reasoning for this but can someone validate this information? Thanks!
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Old 09-11-2011, 08:39 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sourmug2 View Post
I am planning a trip to Palm Springs, CA in late October and I was told that California restricts the length of motor homes on highways. They said that you have to have a special license for anything between 40 and 45 feet.
I was told that you can drive only on an Interstate and State highways, and can exit for gas, food, and lodging, but your destination has to be one mile or less from the exit. If this is true, how does this affect me as I have a Florida driver's license?
Another reason I'm asking is that we are considering trading in our current motor home and have two that we are looking at. One is 40', the other is 42'. Maybe this would sway our decision as to which one we choose.
I'm not sure I understand the reasoning for this but can someone validate this information? Thanks!
Look at the link below.

http://http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648pt2.htm
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Old 09-11-2011, 09:00 AM   #3
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Link doesn't work
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Old 09-11-2011, 09:02 AM   #4
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Drop the unnecessary http bits:

www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648pt2.htm

It does not address where you can drive a big rig. I have had mine well off the interstate, and I drag a Suburban behind my 42 footer.
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Old 09-11-2011, 09:06 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by distaff View Post
Drop the unnecessary http bits:

www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648pt2.htm
Boy I do need some coffee!!!
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Old 09-11-2011, 09:20 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sourmug2 View Post
I am planning a trip to Palm Springs, CA in late October and I was told that California restricts the length of motor homes on highways. They said that you have to have a special license for anything between 40 and 45 feet.
I was told that you can drive only on an Interstate and State highways, and can exit for gas, food, and lodging, but your destination has to be one mile or less from the exit. If this is true, how does this affect me as I have a Florida driver's license?
Another reason I'm asking is that we are considering trading in our current motor home and have two that we are looking at. One is 40', the other is 42'. Maybe this would sway our decision as to which one we choose.
I'm not sure I understand the reasoning for this but can someone validate this information? Thanks!

try this link State of California

this is caltrans road info on busses and motorhomes
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Old 09-11-2011, 10:01 AM   #7
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It appears by the wording that the restrictions apply to 40' or greater for a single unit. It addresses combination units when towing, in red on the web site, so I would assume that you are not restricted if you are 40' and towing a car. I'm 39'3" towing a vehicle which puts me over 60' total. I don't worry about it. If I were over 40' I'd be studying the charts.
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Old 09-11-2011, 10:15 AM   #8
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As you can tell by my sign in I have 43' and tow a 4dr Jeep. I have had no issues driving on any Hwy in the State. Residents of Ca. are required to have a modifies Class B License and have a physical every 2 years when driving an RV GREATER than 40'. Out of state visitors should have the appropriate license for their state, visitors are NOT required to have the same level of license as residents. The speed limit in California for ANYONE towing is 55MPH and restricted to slow and middle lane on any Hwy with more than 2 lanes. I usually set my cruise control at 58-59 MPH and to date have not had an issue.

All that being said come and enjoy California. The coast is wonderful and the mountains terrific.
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Old 09-11-2011, 11:40 AM   #9
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As said above.

You do not need a special driver license if visiting the state and have a longer than 40' motorhome, as long as your state's license requirements are met.

The highway restrictions apply to your rig and any fixed frame rig over 40' in length.

However, many 40'+ rigs registered in CA ignore the restrictions and have not yet been cited by a LEO.

You will probably encounter such routes getting to your RV resort in Palm Springs. The route to the Outdoor Resort facilities in Indio is one such circumstance as vehemently explained to a couple of us by a lady Highway Patrol officer.

However, I suspect no one has been cited over the years, and the CHP may have no authority over those surface streets.
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Old 09-11-2011, 02:46 PM   #10
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Welcome to California...land of too many regulations.
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Old 09-11-2011, 04:45 PM   #11
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California does have some road restrictions for coaches over 40' regardless if you're a resident or not. 45' Bus & Motorhome Map
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Old 09-11-2011, 06:17 PM   #12
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There isn't enough money to enforce whatever restrictions there might be in place. Feel free to do anything you like.
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Old 09-11-2011, 06:31 PM   #13
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Quote:
and the CHP may have no authority over those surface streets.
CHP may enforce any penal code, vehicle code and a bunch of other codes on any street/highway/blvd/avenue etc...in the state. Peace Officers jurisdiction extends throughout the state.
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Old 09-11-2011, 06:38 PM   #14
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FYI
The only restrictions that I am aware of in California is that if you have an IQ over 75 you are not alowed to run for public office. If your IQ is 50 or below you are qualified to serve on the 9th circuit court.
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