Community Forums

RickO · 06-05-2007, 01:20 PM

Thanks for the views shared on the license issue and ramifications on not meeting the requirements of those few states which require drivers of large MHs to meet special license requirements. It does make sense that all states would accept being licensed in one's home state as acceptable.

I probably used the wrong term when I said "confiscate". I wasn't really worried about losing my rig for good. My concern was being stopped for say a burned out tail light... not having a license which met the local requirements... and, as such, not being legally qualified to drive my rig to the state line. I guess that could still happen and I'd have to find someone with the proper license to drive it there for me but it sounds like this is really a corner case and doesn't happen in "real life".

Thanks Again,

RickO

JJ Hamick · 06-07-2007, 12:41 AM

Just afew points to add. The weight that determins license classification is the GVWR not GVW. If your state requires a non-commercial class B license to operate this type vehicle and you didn't have it you might be cited for a classification violation, not for unlicensed driving, big difference. Most states will honor the requirement in your home state. States are changing their requiremnts on this issue every year. You best answer will probably come from your state DMV. They may not know the correct answer though.

hondo122 · 06-07-2007, 11:52 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JJHamick:
Just afew points to add. The weight that determins license classification is the GVWR not GVW. If your state requires a non-commercial class B license to operate this type vehicle and you didn't have it you might be cited for a classification violation, not for unlicensed driving, big difference. Most states will honor the requirement in your home state. States are changing their requiremnts on this issue every year. You best answer will probably come from your state DMV. They may not know the correct answer though. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi John, haven't seen many posts lately hope all is well. Boy don't we know the DMV might not have the right answer. Mike

Don (W5IT) · 06-07-2007, 02:01 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RustyJC:
Almost all states are members of the Driver's License Compact. Under the Compact, a driver who is legally licensed in his/her home state is legal in the other Compact member states through which one might travel - in other words, these states practice reciprocity regarding driver licensing. Otherwise, one would conceivably have to satisfy 50 state driver license requirements to travel in every state.

Rusty </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Rusty hit the nail right dead set on the head. As long as you are properly licensed in the state you reside and the vehicle is registered in you are good to go.

Same goes for equipment on the vehicle more or less. Your best bet is to make sure the vehicle meets the Federal DOT requirements. Then you should have no trouble wherever you travel.

That said....... If you catch a LEO on a bad day or do something to PUT him in a bad mood, it is a safe bet you can and most likely will get a ticket. But if it is unfounded or warranted, that is what the Cort system is for.....

Tansyrv · 06-07-2007, 03:27 PM

NYS is one of the states that requires an "R" requirement on your license or a CDL for rigs over 26000 lbs. Dealers do not bother informing buyers of this requirement. A problem develops if you are in an accident and you do not have the proper license for the rig you are driving, licensed in a state that has the additional requirements. I've heard of big fines and many problems with insurance companies refusing to provide coverage under those conditions.

NeilV · 06-08-2007, 12:47 AM

Connecticut is one state to watch out for. They do take licenses and impound vehicles there. Once got a $150 fine because the fuel sticker was not displayed properly on the vehicle. We had the paperwork but the dock manager forgot to apply the sticker to the outside of the vehicle. They turned us back and threatened us with impound if we tried to continue onward. Back accross the Massachusetts border we went.

If they take your license and you don't have another driver your are in touble as you will need to quickly hire one to get your vehicle off the road for you.

JoeT · 06-18-2007, 04:37 PM

Texas does require a Class B if your motorhome is over 26,000 lbs.
I got my class B last week. I took a 20 question written test and a driving test in my motorhome.

j griff · 07-10-2007, 06:47 AM

Illinois requires a Class "c" license for a motor home over 16,000 GVWR. It is a "non-CDL" license which requires both a special written test and a road test.

Gary RVRoamer · 07-10-2007, 01:26 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">many problems with insurance companies refusing to provide coverage under those conditions. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is a myth. For private vehicles, the vehicle itself is insured, not the driver. The insurance company might terminate your policy afterwards, but they will pay any liability claims resulting from operation of the vehicle, even if the operator doesn't have a driver license at all. About the only thing you can do to void coverage is to use the vehicle in a bank robbery or other felony crime.

Ray,IN · 07-10-2007, 04:47 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Tansyrv:
NYS is one of the states that requires an "R" requirement on your license or a CDL for rigs over 26000 lbs. Dealers do not bother informing buyers of this requirement. A problem develops if you are in an accident and you do not have the proper license for the rig you are driving, licensed in a state that has the additional requirements. I've heard of big fines and many problems with insurance companies refusing to provide coverage under those conditions. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If your read previous posts, you know a CDL is not required unless you are driving for profit. The legal requirements are at: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. If you voluntarily desire one, that is fine, just never has been a requirement.

Traveling Texans · 07-18-2007, 07:04 PM

I've never heard of anyone being cited for something like this. I don't think that you have to have a class A (non-commercial) in Texas unless you are over the 26,000 lbs. I would think the biggest problem you would have is in an accident if you were not properly licensed. If you are licensed correctly in your home state then you should be fine in any other state.

Nell · 07-20-2007, 03:59 PM

Ok, this is getting me confused. In NY, you need a "R" endorsement to drive a vehicle with a weight of 26,000lbs for a RV correct? Now I have a CDL B with passenger, airbrake and school bus endorsements. Do I have to take another road test to add the "R" endorsement if we get a home that's over the weight limits? Can I drive it under my current license?

Nell

adj · 07-22-2007, 07:15 PM

Logic tells me that a CDL license would encompass a R designation on a standard license.

TXiceman · 07-22-2007, 08:41 PM

In Texas, the combined GVWR has to be 26001# and you need a non-commercial CDL.

Our 5er was 14,400# GVWR and the truck was 11500# GVWR and the combined was 25,900# so we were in the clear. Different states have different rules, so you need to research your home state.
Ken