Anyone been stopped or ticketed?
Thanks
2020 Ford 350 6.7 PSD & 2017 F150 3.5 EB max tow
GD Reflection 29rs
The wording of the question suggests you know you have a responsibility to take/pass the test if you want the privilege of driving your RV. Do you think you lack the skills to pass the test? Do you think you are not smart enough to get the skills needed? What makes you special enough to be allowed to share the road with others while you have so little faith in your skill level?
From Texas Driver Handbook.
Class C
2. A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 lbs. towing a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs. GVWR or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lbs.
For a combined GVWR of 26,001 lbs towing a trailer in excess of 10,000 lb GVWR you do need a class A non CDL. However, I would guess fewer than 50% of RVers do have it.
Howard and Peggy
"Don't Panic"
LouLawrence wrote:
It a class B non CDL. It's a simple process and easy test so don't put it off. I'm not even sure it cost much, if anything. The problem is not getting stopped, it's what happens with your insurance coverage when you have an accident and you don't have the proper license.
It a class B non CDL. It's a simple process and easy test so don't put it off. I'm not even sure it cost much, if anything. The problem is not getting stopped, it's what happens with your insurance coverage when you have an accident and you don't have the proper license.
Class B Non-Commercial Exempt is for motorohomes towing a tow'd less than 10,000 lbs. A truck/trailer combo over 26K requires a Class A.
OP - I have a Class A Non-Commercial Exempt but have never been stopped. There are examples of people involved in accidents being ticketed for driving without a license since they don't have the license required for the rig they're operating.
Rob
U.S. Army retired
2020 Solitude 310GK-R
MORryde IS, disc brakes, solar, DP windows
(Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
2012 F350 CC DRW Lariat 6.7
Full-time since 8/2015
2010 Suncruiser
CRL
My RV is a 1946 PA-12
Back in the GWN
Don
PA12DRVR wrote:
Drove a F350 / 5th wheel combo that was well past the 26,000 mark for about 7 years based in Ewe-stun. Blissfully ignorant for the first 6 years, planning for coming back to AK in year 7, so never got the Class A Non-Commercial, but that was what was required. Never stopped nor ticketed nor in a wreck.
Drove a F350 / 5th wheel combo that was well past the 26,000 mark for about 7 years based in Ewe-stun. Blissfully ignorant for the first 6 years, planning for coming back to AK in year 7, so never got the Class A Non-Commercial, but that was what was required. Never stopped nor ticketed nor in a wreck.
Not necessarily true in the US.
Rob
All that matters is if YOU are willing to accept the repercussions if YOU get stopped, ticketed, and/or in an accident.
Personally, getting the correct license to start with would be less worrisome than driving illegally and hoping nothing ever happens. YMMV.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)
It is a given that if your Drivers License is good for what you are driving in home state, it is good for all states.
Does it follow that if your DL is NOT good in your home state, it would not be good in any state?
I know that in my state, if don't have a good license you vehicle can be impounded. That would sure mess up a vacation.
Second Chance wrote:
Not necessarily true in the US.
Rob
PA12DRVR wrote:
Drove a F350 / 5th wheel combo that was well past the 26,000 mark for about 7 years based in Ewe-stun. Blissfully ignorant for the first 6 years, planning for coming back to AK in year 7, so never got the Class A Non-Commercial, but that was what was required. Never stopped nor ticketed nor in a wreck.
Drove a F350 / 5th wheel combo that was well past the 26,000 mark for about 7 years based in Ewe-stun. Blissfully ignorant for the first 6 years, planning for coming back to AK in year 7, so never got the Class A Non-Commercial, but that was what was required. Never stopped nor ticketed nor in a wreck.
Not necessarily true in the US.
Rob
Think you quoted the wrong hombre….
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold
toedtoes wrote:
You know what the law is regarding the license. It really doesn't matter if anyone else has been stopped or ticketed.
All that matters is if YOU are willing to accept the repercussions if YOU get stopped, ticketed, and/or in an accident.
Personally, getting the correct license to start with would be less worrisome than driving illegally and hoping nothing ever happens. YMMV.
You know what the law is regarding the license. It really doesn't matter if anyone else has been stopped or ticketed.
All that matters is if YOU are willing to accept the repercussions if YOU get stopped, ticketed, and/or in an accident.
Personally, getting the correct license to start with would be less worrisome than driving illegally and hoping nothing ever happens. YMMV.
I completely agree. We pull a 39' fifth wheel that is usually pretty close to the GVWR when loaded (although that is irrelevant with regard to the current conversation). What IS important is what the truck / trailer combined GVWR is. In Texas, if it is over 26,001#, then you are required by law to have a non-CDL Class A license. I studied for and took the written test, then I had a CDL driver take my truck / trailer down to the DMV (I forget which one in the Dallas area) for me to take the driving test portion. I have too much invested in my home and personal life to take even the remotest of chances that I could be sued, and possibly lose, were I to be in an accident, even if it wasn't my fault. But, to each his own. I'm a rule follower.
Scott
2022 Ford F-350 LWB DRW PSD Platinum
2012 Hitchhiker Champagne 36LKRSB
jdgreen42 wrote:
Contact the Texas DPS and get the correct and official answer.
Contact the Texas DPS and get the correct and official answer.
BEST answer yet.
IB853347201 wrote:
Driving with out the correct license will void your insurance coverage. You could lose your truck and fifth wheel in an accident for failure to obey the law.
Driving with out the correct license will void your insurance coverage. You could lose your truck and fifth wheel in an accident for failure to obey the law.
I have saw others post this but no one has ever posted that it actually happened.
Also saw posts where supposedly someone was pulling a trailer and got stopped in another state. Because they had the wrong license they weren't allowed to drive with that trailer and had to get someone with the correct license to come and take over. This makes no sense?? How would a cop in Virginia for example even know what license was required for a Texan? He wouldn't..
JRscooby wrote:
A question, because many owners of RVs are known to travel;
It is a given that if your Drivers License is good for what you are driving in home state, it is good for all states.
Does it follow that if your DL is NOT good in your home state, it would not be good in any state?
I know that in my state, if don't have a good license you vehicle can be impounded. That would sure mess up a vacation.
A question, because many owners of RVs are known to travel;
It is a given that if your Drivers License is good for what you are driving in home state, it is good for all states.
Does it follow that if your DL is NOT good in your home state, it would not be good in any state?
I know that in my state, if don't have a good license you vehicle can be impounded. That would sure mess up a vacation.
If half of the TX DPS officers don't know which license is required how do you expect cops in other states too?
IB853347201 wrote:
Driving with out the correct license will void your insurance coverage. You could lose your truck and fifth wheel in an accident for failure to obey the law.
Driving with out the correct license will void your insurance coverage. You could lose your truck and fifth wheel in an accident for failure to obey the law.
Sorry I have to call "Barbra Streisand" on that claim!!!!!
As a friend would always say "prove it".
2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"
"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600
2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable
2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD
2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS
way2roll wrote:
I would research the requirements in your state. It's binary, either you need a different license or you don't. If you need it, get it. It's pretty simple. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The question about whether you get pulled over and the consequences is just noise. If you have the proper license it's no longer a question.
I would research the requirements in your state. It's binary, either you need a different license or you don't. If you need it, get it. It's pretty simple. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The question about whether you get pulled over and the consequences is just noise. If you have the proper license it's no longer a question.
I was in an interesting situation pertaining to a Texas DL.
Class A - a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lbs and towing a trailer with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb.
Class B - a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lb and towing a trailer under 10,000 lb.
Class C - a vehicle not falling under class A or class B towing a trailer with a GVWR of under 10,000 lb.
My truck/5er conbined GVWR was under 26,000 lbs. So I did not fall under the class A license. Or class B. But my 5er GVWR was about 14,000 lb, so did not fall under class C. So my situation did not meet any of the requirements. I continued to tow with my class C wondering how a LEO would respond if I got stopped and he questioned my license class and I then ask him what class I should have based on my weights.
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/scratchead.gif "scratchead")
Never got stopped to find out.
johndeerefarmer wrote:
If half of the TX DPS officers don't know which license is required how do you expect cops in other states too?
JRscooby wrote:
A question, because many owners of RVs are known to travel;
It is a given that if your Drivers License is good for what you are driving in home state, it is good for all states.
Does it follow that if your DL is NOT good in your home state, it would not be good in any state?
I know that in my state, if don't have a good license you vehicle can be impounded. That would sure mess up a vacation.
A question, because many owners of RVs are known to travel;
It is a given that if your Drivers License is good for what you are driving in home state, it is good for all states.
Does it follow that if your DL is NOT good in your home state, it would not be good in any state?
I know that in my state, if don't have a good license you vehicle can be impounded. That would sure mess up a vacation.
If half of the TX DPS officers don't know which license is required how do you expect cops in other states too?
So you are willing to bet any LEO you meet will not know, or have the ability to check with in-car computer what requirements are?
About 30 years ago departments in my area started sending officers to training for commercial vehicle enforcement. I think many LEOs understand the truck driver, (and RVer) is unlikely to attack them, so if have a reason to stop will, and once stopped, will check everything can think of so have excuse to stay out of danger.
Insurance will pay, if there is accident. But that does not solve all the problems. By the time the case is settled the other lawyer will be saying "Yes, the car full of nuns pulled out in front of him, but his state does not think he is qualified to drive the vehicle. And if state law says unlicensed drivers go to jail they will not lock up insurance company.
BB_TX wrote:
I was in an interesting situation pertaining to a Texas DL.
Class A - a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lbs and towing a trailer with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb.
Class B - a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lb and towing a trailer under 10,000 lb.
Class C - a vehicle not falling under class A or class B towing a trailer with a GVWR of under 10,000 lb.
My truck/5er conbined GVWR was under 26,000 lbs. So I did not fall under the class A license. Or class B. But my 5er GVWR was about 14,000 lb, so did not fall under class C. So my situation did not meet any of the requirements. I continued to tow with my class C wondering how a LEO would respond if I got stopped and he questioned my license class and I then ask him what class I should have based on my weights. Never got stopped to find out.
way2roll wrote:
I would research the requirements in your state. It's binary, either you need a different license or you don't. If you need it, get it. It's pretty simple. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The question about whether you get pulled over and the consequences is just noise. If you have the proper license it's no longer a question.
I would research the requirements in your state. It's binary, either you need a different license or you don't. If you need it, get it. It's pretty simple. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The question about whether you get pulled over and the consequences is just noise. If you have the proper license it's no longer a question.
I was in an interesting situation pertaining to a Texas DL.
Class A - a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lbs and towing a trailer with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb.
Class B - a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lb and towing a trailer under 10,000 lb.
Class C - a vehicle not falling under class A or class B towing a trailer with a GVWR of under 10,000 lb.
My truck/5er conbined GVWR was under 26,000 lbs. So I did not fall under the class A license. Or class B. But my 5er GVWR was about 14,000 lb, so did not fall under class C. So my situation did not meet any of the requirements. I continued to tow with my class C wondering how a LEO would respond if I got stopped and he questioned my license class and I then ask him what class I should have based on my weights.
Never got stopped to find out.Don't know about non-commercial, but when it comes to CDL, if the GVWR of the trailer is over 10,000, no matter what the actual weight of the trailer, a class A CDL is required.
BB_TX wrote:
I was in an interesting situation pertaining to a Texas DL.
Class A - a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lbs and towing a trailer with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb.
Class B - a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lb and towing a trailer under 10,000 lb.
Class C - a vehicle not falling under class A or class B towing a trailer with a GVWR of under 10,000 lb.
My truck/5er conbined GVWR was under 26,000 lbs. So I did not fall under the class A license. Or class B. But my 5er GVWR was about 14,000 lb, so did not fall under class C. So my situation did not meet any of the requirements. I continued to tow with my class C wondering how a LEO would respond if I got stopped and he questioned my license class and I then ask him what class I should have based on my weights. Never got stopped to find out.
way2roll wrote:
I would research the requirements in your state. It's binary, either you need a different license or you don't. If you need it, get it. It's pretty simple. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The question about whether you get pulled over and the consequences is just noise. If you have the proper license it's no longer a question.
I would research the requirements in your state. It's binary, either you need a different license or you don't. If you need it, get it. It's pretty simple. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The question about whether you get pulled over and the consequences is just noise. If you have the proper license it's no longer a question.
I was in an interesting situation pertaining to a Texas DL.
Class A - a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lbs and towing a trailer with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb.
Class B - a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lb and towing a trailer under 10,000 lb.
Class C - a vehicle not falling under class A or class B towing a trailer with a GVWR of under 10,000 lb.
My truck/5er conbined GVWR was under 26,000 lbs. So I did not fall under the class A license. Or class B. But my 5er GVWR was about 14,000 lb, so did not fall under class C. So my situation did not meet any of the requirements. I continued to tow with my class C wondering how a LEO would respond if I got stopped and he questioned my license class and I then ask him what class I should have based on my weights.
Never got stopped to find out.Class C is fine for what you have. Many hotshoters have their truck derated to 10k lbs (which is why Ford offers this option when you order) and with a truck rated at 10k they can tow a trailer with a GVWR of 16k and still only run Class C
Registration on a 10k truck is cheaper and so is insurance I think
JRscooby wrote:
Maybe it is because I'm not from Texas, but this kind of question always confuses me.
The wording of the question suggests you know you have a responsibility to take/pass the test if you want the privilege of driving your RV. Do you think you lack the skills to pass the test? Do you think you are not smart enough to get the skills needed? What makes you special enough to be allowed to share the road with others while you have so little faith in your skill level?
Maybe it is because I'm not from Texas, but this kind of question always confuses me.
The wording of the question suggests you know you have a responsibility to take/pass the test if you want the privilege of driving your RV. Do you think you lack the skills to pass the test? Do you think you are not smart enough to get the skills needed? What makes you special enough to be allowed to share the road with others while you have so little faith in your skill level?
Been towing FARM trailers for 40 years. Skill isn't the issue. The PIA of having me and my GF to have to try and schedule and take tests is an issue. Around here you have to wait half a day or more just to renew your drivers license.
I also know MANY horse folks that tow 45' trailers with large trucks and just use their regular drivers license. How do they all get away with it? It must not be enforced (at least in Texas) for the horse folks and RV folks
johndeerefarmer wrote:
Class C is fine for what you have. Many hotshoters have their truck derated to 10k lbs (which is why Ford offers this option when you order) and with a truck rated at 10k they can tow a trailer with a GVWR of 16k and still only run Class C
Registration on a 10k truck is cheaper and so is insurance I think
Class C is fine for what you have. Many hotshoters have their truck derated to 10k lbs (which is why Ford offers this option when you order) and with a truck rated at 10k they can tow a trailer with a GVWR of 16k and still only run Class C
Registration on a 10k truck is cheaper and so is insurance I think
I got flagged over for safety check. Guy there had a Bobcat trailer stickered OOS. While I was waiting for the scales to get there guys wife showed up with MT trailer behind the company F150. I watched them write her up because of Class C.
3 weeks later, I hooked a MT Bobcat trailer behind a dump truck so class B driver could tow it back to yard. He got stopped, had to get him tested for Class A before court date.
johndeerefarmer wrote:
Class C is fine for what you have. Many hotshoters have their truck derated to 10k lbs (which is why Ford offers this option when you order) and with a truck rated at 10k they can tow a trailer with a GVWR of 16k and still only run Class C
Registration on a 10k truck is cheaper and so is insurance I think
BB_TX wrote:
I was in an interesting situation pertaining to a Texas DL.
Class A - a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lbs and towing a trailer with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb.
Class B - a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lb and towing a trailer under 10,000 lb.
Class C - a vehicle not falling under class A or class B towing a trailer with a GVWR of under 10,000 lb.
My truck/5er conbined GVWR was under 26,000 lbs. So I did not fall under the class A license. Or class B. But my 5er GVWR was about 14,000 lb, so did not fall under class C. So my situation did not meet any of the requirements. I continued to tow with my class C wondering how a LEO would respond if I got stopped and he questioned my license class and I then ask him what class I should have based on my weights. Never got stopped to find out.
way2roll wrote:
I would research the requirements in your state. It's binary, either you need a different license or you don't. If you need it, get it. It's pretty simple. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The question about whether you get pulled over and the consequences is just noise. If you have the proper license it's no longer a question.
I would research the requirements in your state. It's binary, either you need a different license or you don't. If you need it, get it. It's pretty simple. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The question about whether you get pulled over and the consequences is just noise. If you have the proper license it's no longer a question.
I was in an interesting situation pertaining to a Texas DL.
Class A - a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lbs and towing a trailer with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb.
Class B - a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lb and towing a trailer under 10,000 lb.
Class C - a vehicle not falling under class A or class B towing a trailer with a GVWR of under 10,000 lb.
My truck/5er conbined GVWR was under 26,000 lbs. So I did not fall under the class A license. Or class B. But my 5er GVWR was about 14,000 lb, so did not fall under class C. So my situation did not meet any of the requirements. I continued to tow with my class C wondering how a LEO would respond if I got stopped and he questioned my license class and I then ask him what class I should have based on my weights.
Never got stopped to find out.Class C is fine for what you have. Many hotshoters have their truck derated to 10k lbs (which is why Ford offers this option when you order) and with a truck rated at 10k they can tow a trailer with a GVWR of 16k and still only run Class C
Registration on a 10k truck is cheaper and so is insurance I think
Not according to the definition of class C. It specifically says a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs. My 5er was about 14,000 lbs.
A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 lbs. towing a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs. GVWR or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lb
johndeerefarmer wrote:
Been towing FARM trailers for 40 years. Skill isn't the issue. The PIA of having me and my GF to have to try and schedule and take tests is an issue. Around here you have to wait half a day or more just to renew your drivers license.
I also know MANY horse folks that tow 45' trailers with large trucks and just use their regular drivers license. How do they all get away with it? It must not be enforced (at least in Texas) for the horse folks and RV folks
Been towing FARM trailers for 40 years. Skill isn't the issue. The PIA of having me and my GF to have to try and schedule and take tests is an issue. Around here you have to wait half a day or more just to renew your drivers license.
I also know MANY horse folks that tow 45' trailers with large trucks and just use their regular drivers license. How do they all get away with it? It must not be enforced (at least in Texas) for the horse folks and RV folks
Why bother getting a driver license at all then. It's just a time wasting technicality. People drive without licenses all the time so why should you bother.
About the time I simultaneously realized I needed a Class A non-CDL AND decided to ditch Texas for Alaska, I found a couple of places that (for a fee) would provide, over the weekend, training and testing for the Class A non-CDL, including (they were a contractor of some sort for DPS) issuing the new / upgraded license. Fairly steep (recall it being $400 at the time) cost, but it was essentially a plug and play...set aside a weekend and $400, come out of it with a Class A non-CDL.
Never attended and it might be only in the bigger areas, but something like that might be an option.
BB_TX wrote:
Not according to the definition of class C. It specifically says a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs. My 5er was about 14,000 lbs.
A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 lbs. towing a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs. GVWR or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lb
johndeerefarmer wrote:
Class C is fine for what you have. Many hotshoters have their truck derated to 10k lbs (which is why Ford offers this option when you order) and with a truck rated at 10k they can tow a trailer with a GVWR of 16k and still only run Class C
Registration on a 10k truck is cheaper and so is insurance I think
BB_TX wrote:
I was in an interesting situation pertaining to a Texas DL.
Class A - a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lbs and towing a trailer with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb.
Class B - a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lb and towing a trailer under 10,000 lb.
Class C - a vehicle not falling under class A or class B towing a trailer with a GVWR of under 10,000 lb.
My truck/5er conbined GVWR was under 26,000 lbs. So I did not fall under the class A license. Or class B. But my 5er GVWR was about 14,000 lb, so did not fall under class C. So my situation did not meet any of the requirements. I continued to tow with my class C wondering how a LEO would respond if I got stopped and he questioned my license class and I then ask him what class I should have based on my weights. Never got stopped to find out.
way2roll wrote:
I would research the requirements in your state. It's binary, either you need a different license or you don't. If you need it, get it. It's pretty simple. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The question about whether you get pulled over and the consequences is just noise. If you have the proper license it's no longer a question.
I would research the requirements in your state. It's binary, either you need a different license or you don't. If you need it, get it. It's pretty simple. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The question about whether you get pulled over and the consequences is just noise. If you have the proper license it's no longer a question.
I was in an interesting situation pertaining to a Texas DL.
Class A - a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lbs and towing a trailer with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb.
Class B - a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lb and towing a trailer under 10,000 lb.
Class C - a vehicle not falling under class A or class B towing a trailer with a GVWR of under 10,000 lb.
My truck/5er conbined GVWR was under 26,000 lbs. So I did not fall under the class A license. Or class B. But my 5er GVWR was about 14,000 lb, so did not fall under class C. So my situation did not meet any of the requirements. I continued to tow with my class C wondering how a LEO would respond if I got stopped and he questioned my license class and I then ask him what class I should have based on my weights.
Never got stopped to find out.Class C is fine for what you have. Many hotshoters have their truck derated to 10k lbs (which is why Ford offers this option when you order) and with a truck rated at 10k they can tow a trailer with a GVWR of 16k and still only run Class C
Registration on a 10k truck is cheaper and so is insurance I think
Not according to the definition of class C. It specifically says a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs. My 5er was about 14,000 lbs.
A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 lbs. towing a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs. GVWR or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lb
Correct, so you clearly don’t fall in A or B class by those definitions, and the first line for a class C says something like “any vehicle or combo that doesn’t fall under A or B.”
Therefore C is the correct answer. And additionally class C doesn’t say under 10klb. Only farm trailers under 20k. Maybe the lingo changed since back in the day but idk.
Grit dog wrote:
Correct, so you clearly don’t fall in A or B class by those definitions, and the first line for a class C says something like “any vehicle or combo that doesn’t fall under A or B.”
Therefore C is the correct answer. And additionally class C doesn’t say under 10klb. Only farm trailers under 20k. Maybe the lingo changed since back in the day but idk.
BB_TX wrote:
Not according to the definition of class C. It specifically says a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs. My 5er was about 14,000 lbs.
A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 lbs. towing a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs. GVWR or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lb
johndeerefarmer wrote:
Class C is fine for what you have. Many hotshoters have their truck derated to 10k lbs (which is why Ford offers this option when you order) and with a truck rated at 10k they can tow a trailer with a GVWR of 16k and still only run Class C
Registration on a 10k truck is cheaper and so is insurance I think
BB_TX wrote:
I was in an interesting situation pertaining to a Texas DL.
Class A - a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lbs and towing a trailer with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb.
Class B - a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lb and towing a trailer under 10,000 lb.
Class C - a vehicle not falling under class A or class B towing a trailer with a GVWR of under 10,000 lb.
My truck/5er conbined GVWR was under 26,000 lbs. So I did not fall under the class A license. Or class B. But my 5er GVWR was about 14,000 lb, so did not fall under class C. So my situation did not meet any of the requirements. I continued to tow with my class C wondering how a LEO would respond if I got stopped and he questioned my license class and I then ask him what class I should have based on my weights. Never got stopped to find out.
way2roll wrote:
I would research the requirements in your state. It's binary, either you need a different license or you don't. If you need it, get it. It's pretty simple. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The question about whether you get pulled over and the consequences is just noise. If you have the proper license it's no longer a question.
I would research the requirements in your state. It's binary, either you need a different license or you don't. If you need it, get it. It's pretty simple. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The question about whether you get pulled over and the consequences is just noise. If you have the proper license it's no longer a question.
I was in an interesting situation pertaining to a Texas DL.
Class A - a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lbs and towing a trailer with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lb.
Class B - a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of 26,001 lb and towing a trailer under 10,000 lb.
Class C - a vehicle not falling under class A or class B towing a trailer with a GVWR of under 10,000 lb.
My truck/5er conbined GVWR was under 26,000 lbs. So I did not fall under the class A license. Or class B. But my 5er GVWR was about 14,000 lb, so did not fall under class C. So my situation did not meet any of the requirements. I continued to tow with my class C wondering how a LEO would respond if I got stopped and he questioned my license class and I then ask him what class I should have based on my weights.
Never got stopped to find out.Class C is fine for what you have. Many hotshoters have their truck derated to 10k lbs (which is why Ford offers this option when you order) and with a truck rated at 10k they can tow a trailer with a GVWR of 16k and still only run Class C
Registration on a 10k truck is cheaper and so is insurance I think
Not according to the definition of class C. It specifically says a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs. My 5er was about 14,000 lbs.
A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 lbs. towing a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs. GVWR or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lb
Correct, so you clearly don’t fall in A or B class by those definitions, and the first line for a class C says something like “any vehicle or combo that doesn’t fall under A or B.”
Therefore C is the correct answer. And additionally class C doesn’t say under 10klb. Only farm trailers under 20k. Maybe the lingo changed since back in the day but idk.
The paragraph in blue above with the 10,000 lb limit is in the current description of class C now. So I didn’t fit class C either. LEO or a judge’s interpretation would be interesting since they could say I didn’t meet A, B, or C but they also couldn’t actually tell me what class I did meet. A loophole in the wording.
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/classes-driver-licenses
But whatever….it’s not actually an issue because you were correct at the time I’m sure and still are, but don’t need to be any longer…
https://escapees.com/texas-drivers-license-requirements-for-rvers/
To be "legal" I can also get the toy hauler derated as well if I want.
For example, Big Tex
https://dealerportal.bigtextrailers.com/......../wp-content/uploads/form_vin_re-rate.pdf
Then your only worry is if you are stopped and weighed and weigh over the 26k lbs. I have never in 45 years of driving saw a non-commercial rig weighed.
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
Jerry
.jpg)
johndeerefarmer wrote:
Class C is correct as I said, which is why you can buy a truck derated from the factory. As far as I know this is the reason that Ford and others started selling derated trucks. You can tow 16k lbs with a 10k truck
https://escapees.com/texas-drivers-license-requirements-for-rvers/
To be "legal" I can also get the toy hauler derated as well if I want.
For example, Big Tex
https://dealerportal.bigtextrailers.com/......../wp-content/uploads/form_vin_re-rate.pdf
Then your only worry is if you are stopped and weighed and weigh over the 26k lbs. I have never in 45 years of driving saw a non-commercial rig weighed.
Class C is correct as I said, which is why you can buy a truck derated from the factory. As far as I know this is the reason that Ford and others started selling derated trucks. You can tow 16k lbs with a 10k truck
https://escapees.com/texas-drivers-license-requirements-for-rvers/
To be "legal" I can also get the toy hauler derated as well if I want.
For example, Big Tex
https://dealerportal.bigtextrailers.com/......../wp-content/uploads/form_vin_re-rate.pdf
Then your only worry is if you are stopped and weighed and weigh over the 26k lbs. I have never in 45 years of driving saw a non-commercial rig weighed.
I can't say I have ever seen a non-commercial rig weighed.
But I can say that setting in the county courthouse in Lexington Mo, waiting my turn to argue to get my overweight fine reduced, I watched 3 guys tell the judge they did not know they needed to license their pickups for total weight, truck+trailer+boat. Also the judge announced "warrant" for 1 from Iowa, another from Kansas. I'm fairly certain LEO did not write numbers on that ticket with putting them on his portables.
And like I say, I know nothing about the non-commercial, but real CDL, the rating is where the line is drawn. Around here, a lot of small contractors run into issues getting class A CDL, without the air brake endorsement, to haul Bobcats and such.
SUBCHAPTER D. CLASSIFICATION OF DRIVER'S LICENSES
Sec. 521.081. CLASS A LICENSE. A Class A driver's license authorizes the holder of the license to operate:
(1) a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more; or
(2) a combination of vehicles that has a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, if the gross vehicle weight rating of any vehicle or vehicles in tow is more than 10,000 pounds.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 521.082. CLASS B LICENSE. (a) A Class B driver's license authorizes the holder of the license to operate:
(1) a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating that is more than 26,000 pounds;
(2) a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds or more towing:
(A) a vehicle, other than a farm trailer, with a gross vehicle weight rating that is not more than 10,000 pounds; or
(B) a farm trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating that is not more than 20,000 pounds; and
(3) a bus with a seating capacity of 24 passengers or more.
(b) For the purposes of Subsection (a)(3), seating capacity is computed in accordance with Section 502.253, except that the operator's seat is included in the computation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093), Sec. 20.017, eff. September 1, 2013.
Sec. 521.083. CLASS C LICENSE. A Class C driver's license authorizes the holder of the license to operate:
(1) a vehicle or combination of vehicles not described by Section 521.081 or 521.082; and
(2) a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds towing a farm trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating that is not more than 20,000 pounds.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
The bolded sections are the pertinent sections.
The main difference between the class A and class B is that the Class A refers to the Combined gvwr and the Class B refers to the tow vehicle's gvwr.
In BB_TX's case, the Class C is the appropriate license because his combined gvwr is less than 26,001 and his tow vehicle gvwr is less than 26,000. The Class C requirement does not limit the gvwr of the trailer to 10,000 or less.
In the OP's case, the Class A is the required license because the combined gvwr is 26,001 or more and the towed has a gvwr of over 10,000.
MFL wrote:
^^Now you are opening another can of worms for many. Lots of sticker readers![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
on these forums, that do not know why that F350 sticker reads GVWR 10,000. Now that F350 diesel can not even tow a 1/2 ton towable FW!
Jerry
^^Now you are opening another can of worms for many. Lots of sticker readers
on these forums, that do not know why that F350 sticker reads GVWR 10,000. Now that F350 diesel can not even tow a 1/2 ton towable FW! Jerry
I think why so many RV'rs here don't have the correct license as the C hand book states RV's don't need a special license but as I said the CDL book spells it out.
Not an rv but a friend was towing his 36 ft gooseneck dovetail loaded with metal building material with his F450 on US 59 near Texarkana & he got stopped. Trooper made him drop trailer and get someone with correct license so it does get enforced occasionally
toedtoes wrote:
Here is the actual law:
SUBCHAPTER D. CLASSIFICATION OF DRIVER'S LICENSES
Sec. 521.081. CLASS A LICENSE. A Class A driver's license authorizes the holder of the license to operate:
(1) a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more; or
(2) a combination of vehicles that has a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, if the gross vehicle weight rating of any vehicle or vehicles in tow is more than 10,000 pounds.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 521.082. CLASS B LICENSE. (a) A Class B driver's license authorizes the holder of the license to operate:
(1) a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating that is more than 26,000 pounds;
(2) a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds or more towing:
(A) a vehicle, other than a farm trailer, with a gross vehicle weight rating that is not more than 10,000 pounds; or
(B) a farm trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating that is not more than 20,000 pounds; and
(3) a bus with a seating capacity of 24 passengers or more.
(b) For the purposes of Subsection (a)(3), seating capacity is computed in accordance with Section 502.253, except that the operator's seat is included in the computation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093), Sec. 20.017, eff. September 1, 2013.
Sec. 521.083. CLASS C LICENSE. A Class C driver's license authorizes the holder of the license to operate:
(1) a vehicle or combination of vehicles not described by Section 521.081 or 521.082; and
(2) a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds towing a farm trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating that is not more than 20,000 pounds.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
The bolded sections are the pertinent sections.
The main difference between the class A and class B is that the Class A refers to the Combined gvwr and the Class B refers to the tow vehicle's gvwr.
In BB_TX's case, the Class C is the appropriate license because his combined gvwr is less than 26,001 and his tow vehicle gvwr is less than 26,000. The Class C requirement does not limit the gvwr of the trailer to 10,000 or less.
In the OP's case, the Class A is the required license because the combined gvwr is 26,001 or more and the towed has a gvwr of over 10,000.
Here is the actual law:
SUBCHAPTER D. CLASSIFICATION OF DRIVER'S LICENSES
Sec. 521.081. CLASS A LICENSE. A Class A driver's license authorizes the holder of the license to operate:
(1) a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more; or
(2) a combination of vehicles that has a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, if the gross vehicle weight rating of any vehicle or vehicles in tow is more than 10,000 pounds.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 521.082. CLASS B LICENSE. (a) A Class B driver's license authorizes the holder of the license to operate:
(1) a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating that is more than 26,000 pounds;
(2) a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds or more towing:
(A) a vehicle, other than a farm trailer, with a gross vehicle weight rating that is not more than 10,000 pounds; or
(B) a farm trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating that is not more than 20,000 pounds; and
(3) a bus with a seating capacity of 24 passengers or more.
(b) For the purposes of Subsection (a)(3), seating capacity is computed in accordance with Section 502.253, except that the operator's seat is included in the computation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093), Sec. 20.017, eff. September 1, 2013.
Sec. 521.083. CLASS C LICENSE. A Class C driver's license authorizes the holder of the license to operate:
(1) a vehicle or combination of vehicles not described by Section 521.081 or 521.082; and
(2) a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds towing a farm trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating that is not more than 20,000 pounds.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
The bolded sections are the pertinent sections.
The main difference between the class A and class B is that the Class A refers to the Combined gvwr and the Class B refers to the tow vehicle's gvwr.
In BB_TX's case, the Class C is the appropriate license because his combined gvwr is less than 26,001 and his tow vehicle gvwr is less than 26,000. The Class C requirement does not limit the gvwr of the trailer to 10,000 or less.
In the OP's case, the Class A is the required license because the combined gvwr is 26,001 or more and the towed has a gvwr of over 10,000.
Interesting. The quote in blue in my post above specifying the 10,000 lb limit came from the Texas Department of Public Safety TEXAS DRIVER HANDBOOK January 2022 edition.
What you posted above was enacted in 1995 in the state codes without the 10,000 lb limitation. So the million dollar question is; is the new handbook wrong to have that additional limitation or is the on-line access to the codes not up to date?
Second, Here is that statute per the Texas.gov website. It shows revisions on other sections eff 2022. Yet it doesn't show any revision to section 545.083.
Third, it would not make sense to revise the section to "not more than 10,000lbs" because that would create the problem you indicated, whereas the original "not more than 20,000lbs" does NOT create that problem.
So for those three reasons, I would say it is safe to say that the 2022 driver license book is incorrect and likely a typo error.
In my case, back in the 2010 era, when I spent a couple hours with a DPS examiner, she and I both got comfortable with the idea that I needed a Class A non-commercial to use my fully rated F350 towing the 16,000 GVWR KZ Escalade...which I promptly ignored for the remaining few months before I sold the truck and trailer.
free radical wrote:
BEST answer yet.
jdgreen42 wrote:
Contact the Texas DPS and get the correct and official answer.
Contact the Texas DPS and get the correct and official answer.
BEST answer yet.
X-2 (or 3 or 4)
BTW - ask on the Escapees Forum. Many/most licensed in TX, towing
5ths, etc. HQ'd in Livingston, TX - again many/most use the TX DMV there - and know the "ropes" !!
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