DennisZ
Well-known member
I might be the only one that didn't know, but according to the California DMV, I don't have the proper license to tow my 5th Wheel Trailer.
I guy I was parked next to in Pahrump last weekend told me about the tow weight limits for California drivers, so I looked up the details today.
If your 5th wheel weighs between 10,000 and 15,000 lbs, you need to have a RECREATIONAL TRAILER ENDORSEMENT.
If you have a 5th wheel trailer over 15,000 lbs: You must have at least a Non-commercial Class A License, with the following requirements:
I guy I was parked next to in Pahrump last weekend told me about the tow weight limits for California drivers, so I looked up the details today.
If your 5th wheel weighs between 10,000 and 15,000 lbs, you need to have a RECREATIONAL TRAILER ENDORSEMENT.
A driver must have a fifth-wheel recreational trailer endorsement
added to his/her Class C driver license to pull a fifth-wheel recreational
trailer over 10,000 lbs., but not over 15,000 lbs. GVWR, which is
not used for hire. This endorsement is not required if the driver has a
Class A or Noncommercial Class A driver license.
• There is no fee unless your license expires within six months.
• You will take a law test for a noncommercial Class A license based
on the information contained in this booklet. You must also pass the
Class C law test unless you qualified for a Class C license within the
past twelve months.
• You are
added to his/her Class C driver license to pull a fifth-wheel recreational
trailer over 10,000 lbs., but not over 15,000 lbs. GVWR, which is
not used for hire. This endorsement is not required if the driver has a
Class A or Noncommercial Class A driver license.
• There is no fee unless your license expires within six months.
• You will take a law test for a noncommercial Class A license based
on the information contained in this booklet. You must also pass the
Class C law test unless you qualified for a Class C license within the
past twelve months.
• You are
not required to submit a Health Questionnaire.
• You are not required to take a driving test to add a Recreational
Trailer endorsement to your current license.
• No other tests are required.
• You are not required to take a driving test to add a Recreational
Trailer endorsement to your current license.
• No other tests are required.
If you have a 5th wheel trailer over 15,000 lbs: You must have at least a Non-commercial Class A License, with the following requirements:
To obtain an original noncommercial Class A license, you must:
• Complete an application for a driver license (DL 44).
• Pay the application fee.
• Submit a Health Questionnaire (DL 546) dated not more than two
years prior to the date of your application.
• Pass the basic Class C law test (unless you qualified for a Class C
license within the past 12 months).
• Pass the Noncommercial Class A Vehicles test.
• Pass a vision test.
• Pass a pre-trip inspection test.
• Pass the skills test.
• Pass a driving test towing the type of vehicle you wish to tow.
I was surprised, guess I need to make an appointment to take the test. If you were in an accident, your insurance company as well as the CHP could have fun with you. It will be interesting to see if any other states have similar laws.
Here is a link for the full document http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648.pdf
Dennis
• Complete an application for a driver license (DL 44).
• Pay the application fee.
• Submit a Health Questionnaire (DL 546) dated not more than two
years prior to the date of your application.
• Pass the basic Class C law test (unless you qualified for a Class C
license within the past 12 months).
• Pass the Noncommercial Class A Vehicles test.
• Pass a vision test.
• Pass a pre-trip inspection test.
• Pass the skills test.
• Pass a driving test towing the type of vehicle you wish to tow.
I was surprised, guess I need to make an appointment to take the test. If you were in an accident, your insurance company as well as the CHP could have fun with you. It will be interesting to see if any other states have similar laws.
Here is a link for the full document http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648.pdf
Dennis