CDL and weigh station sticky

[doc]

Thanks for the info Bill. Didn't know all that (small signs I guess) I drove OTR for a while and you never want to get DOT in most any state to start looking at you.

[bharrisv65]

Originally Posted by doc

Thanks for the info Bill. Didn't know all that (small signs I guess) I drove OTR for a while and you never want to get DOT in most any state to start looking at you.

Heck yes, I agree! I’d sure rather be safe and embarrassed by stopping rather
than sitting on the road side with a blue light flashing!

[lorim]

First of all CDL means Commercial Drivers License, a motorhome is a non-commercial recreational vehicle. Have you ever seen the "Not for Hire" stickers on car trailers or big toterhomes? (same reason)
In many states the RV is exempt from a lot of things and you are only required to follow your own states rules. If you reside in the state of PA and your Motorhome is registered as over 26,001 pounds - You are required to obtain a non-commercial class B license.. A CDL class B is required if you are driving a commercial vehicle. (these are not the same licenses) Also, when driving any CDL required vehicle you are also required to have physical every 2 years which is an extra card you must carry. (I have a PA class B CDL from my school bus driving days) Also many people don't know this, with having a CDL the DUI limit is half what someone with a non-CDL is.

If you are driving your RV and not doing anything super stupid or have an obvious safety issue the police won't bother you.

As for weigh stations, do not enter unless you are in some sort of dire emergency. These are to weigh commercial vehicles only, not RVs.

[Xanso]

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

1. Depends on where you live. Different states have varying requirements for licenses. None require a CDL, but some do require an enhanced license for motor homes over 26,000lbs or over a certain length. You will have to check with your DMV.



2. No, unless is specifies all vehicles over a certain weight or the sign includes RVs.

Actually residents of Hawaii and Washington DC are required to have a CDL.