| Author |
Message |
Jamie Lutch (65.147.25.113)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 5:32 pm: | |
I need a bus to be able to take my class B noncommercial license driving test. I am in northern california, but can travel down south if necessary. I will gladly compensate you for your time and trouble, I can be reached at busnut at simplefuels dot com. thanks a lot! jamie |
two dogs (65.179.192.234)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 5:47 pm: | |
not trying to start an arguement,but, if you are going to change your bus to a R.V....you don't need it... |
Jamie Lutch (65.147.25.113)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 5:55 pm: | |
according to california, since it has air brakes, I need an air brake endorsement, which is only available with a minimum of a class B commercial license. |
Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (12.171.163.11)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 6:04 pm: | |
Like two dogs said, not to start an argument, but there are a whoppin' load of coaches out there driven buy non-cdl drivers.
Me for instance....
I think Texas is the only state that you need one, (Right?)
Gary |
Ian Giffin (Admin) (67.68.35.48)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 6:15 pm: | |
Like Two Dogs and Gary said, not to start an argument, but you may wish to investigate whether there are courses strictly for the air brake endorsement (or whatever it's called) at your location.
In Ontario, Canada, if you drive anything with air brakes, even a private motorhome, you must have a "Z" (air brake) course. They are offered extensively both through community colleges and through private not-for-profit safety organizations.
Ian Giffin
www.busnut.com |
two dogs (63.185.72.248)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 6:33 pm: | |
I think Canada is the ONLY place..."IF" your bus is registered as a MOTORHOME....go to a r.v. dealer,he sells motorhomes that have air brakes.. |
two dogs (63.185.72.248)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 6:45 pm: | |
I "kinda" agree a little...everybody needs to know about air brakes if you are going to use them,you need to know how VERY important 100 pounds is & you need to know when you hear the low air buzzer ,you need to GET OFF THE ROAD,NOW,and,you need to know how to adjust your brakes,it is SO simple...I'd rather adjust the brakes on 5 trucks than ONE car.....BUT...REMEMBER...licence it as a MOTORHOME..(I have known people that have disconnected the buzzer,because it was annoying,BAD MOVE..) |
ChuckMC9 (Chucks) (68.240.214.112)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 6:59 pm: | |
Oh Dear. NO Gary, you do NOT need a CDL in TEXAS for a motorhome. IF it is a typical conversion, you need a Class B NON CDL. This has been recently discussed in detail. |
Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (12.171.163.11)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 7:11 pm: | |
I ain't got no dog in this fight, but it's my understanding that over a certain weight, you need some form of a CDL.
Not true?
It is worth noting that I have had widely differeing answers to this question.
Gary |
Jamie Lutch (65.146.19.60)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 7:15 pm: | |
well, just wondering what happens when I get pulled over in any random state and am driving a 30000 lb vehicle with airbrakes with a class C license. is that a fine or do they impound the vehicle? |
two dogs (63.185.72.248)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 7:18 pm: | |
go to a motorhome dealership..find the biggest one there & ask if you have to have a c.d.l
as to the original question...if you are determined to get your 'B'...find a driver to drive your bus to d.m.v. & back,if you fail |
Henry R. Bergman, Jr. (Henryofcj) (63.224.197.10)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 7:19 pm: | |
Yeah, respectfully speaking, one may NOT need a commerical license in Calfornia AT ALL for driving a non-commerical vehicle like a personal motorhome.
All of the special licenses for a below 26K vehicle with an air brake endorcement, blah, blah, deal with COMMERICAL VEHICLES ONLY and may not apply...
...to a MOTORHOME, regardless of the total GVWR. This is the situation up here in Oregon, and the nice local DMV lady patiently explained to me that the codes are now FEDERAL in nature. Good luck. |
Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (12.171.163.11)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 7:20 pm: | |
Jamie,
I'd advise not getting pulled over while driving in a "Random State" I think they have a breath test for that now....
Gary |
two dogs (63.185.72.248)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 7:22 pm: | |
like I keep saying...LICENCE IT AS A MOTORHOME...don't let anybody talk you into any other clasifacation..all 50 states recognize motorhomes.. |
Dale MC8 (66.81.134.91)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 8:08 pm: | |
Jamie, also not wanting to start blah, blah, blah, the way I read the California Code is the only thing you need a CDL (any style) for when driving a motorhome is if it is over 40' long but not over 45' long. This is from the California Commercial Driver Handbook for 2003 on page 2. HTH
Dale |
Geoff (Geoff) (66.238.120.23)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 8:19 pm: | |
The only time you need a California non-commercial Class B is while driving a converted bus or motorhome is when it is over 40' long.
--Geoff
'82 RTS CA 40' |
James Maxwell (Jmaxwell) (66.81.53.123)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 8:29 pm: | |
Geoff is correct. If your bus is 40' or less, u do not need a special endorsement or a different class of license in Calif. to operate it as a personal vehicle as an RV. In fact, you may register it as an automobile, bus body, rather than as a Motor Home or RV. I have 2 converted buses, both 40', CA. The air-brake Class B does not apply to RV's, and the over 40' only requires a special RV endorsement of Class C license, not a Class B. |
H3Jim (68.107.62.94)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 9:24 pm: | |
Geoff and Jim are correct, Cal does not require a special licnese unless over 40', for an RV. Its scary, since you'd think that there should be a test for all us duffers out there driving these things. I live in the San Diego Area, and I did have to get the license (Non-commercial class B) since my bus is 41'. The lady at the DMV tried to talk me out of getting it. When I finally did take the road test(I drove there and back by myself and nobody checked), all they did was read to me the procedures about air brakes. For a CDL, you have to recite / do them correctly, but all I had to do was sign a paper saying that they had read them to me. |
Doug (68.83.48.39)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 9:40 pm: | |
true you do not "need" a CDL for a motorhome.
however if you are involved in an accident while driving any vehicle over 26,000# and don't have one you will lose alot of the things you own....even if you are not at fault.
lawyers will take it.....and your insurance company will find the reason not to cover it.
a CDL is small price to pay for law suit insurance. |
Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (12.171.163.11)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 9:50 pm: | |
Now THAT's a new one on me.
Please elaborate.
Gary |
H3Jim (68.107.62.94)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 10:01 pm: | |
Doug, big difference between a CDL and a non commercial class B.
Are you talking about a Class C vs a CDL in your scenario? And like Gary, I'd like to hear more about your supposition.
Any experiences to back it up or just a logical conclusion? |
Dale MC8 (69.19.145.44)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 10:02 pm: | |
I repeat, California Commercial Driver Handbook, 2003, page 2,CDL Exceptions: Exceptions to the CDL requirements are: .... Drivers of housecars over 40 feet but not over 45 feet, with endorsement. Endorsements are listed on page 1 and do not include private, ordinary vehicles. |
Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (12.171.163.11)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 10:40 pm: | |
It's this part we're interested in:
"however if you are involved in an accident while driving any vehicle over 26,000# and don't have one you will lose alot of the things you own....even if you are not at fault."
Gary |
S.M. Heath (66.82.53.77)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 10:40 pm: | |
jamie L., I Have had my 35'Gillig Coach with A/B in Ca. since 98'. I Strongly Sudjest Looking for Ca. DMV onhttp://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d01/vc362.htm
DMV-V.C. Section 362 - House Car. S.M. H. |
S.M. Heath (66.82.53.77)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 10:57 pm: | |
"Or permently alterd for Human habitation" is the Key in your case I bilive. I also noticed that it seems that the requirement for a Tandem/Tag axel Endorsement on Ca. Class C DL also has ben omited IE: last paragraph on web page in my previous thred on this topic. S.M. H. |
mel 4104 (66.119.34.39)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 10:59 pm: | |
Jamie as Two dogs says get the air ticket as it is not only the code stamp they put on your lc. but the learning about the air brake system that is really what you want, it is one of the best things that you can do for your self as then you will know what to look for when some thing starts to act up. here in Canada you must have a air endorsement on your lic. even if you are riding a bike that you put air brakes on, as every thing that you operate on the public road requires that you have the end. on your lic. if it is air brake equiped. very very few RV dealers will tell you that you must have it as it might kill a sale of a rv unit,they will just say -oh i do not know ,just check at the drives lic office and see what they say.-- |
S.M. Heath (66.82.53.77)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 3:59 am: | |
I checked DMV Via phone sevral times in Ca. & got a different ansur EVRVY single time! (At least 6 times). My insurance co. knows I have a class C Lic. & they know What my gillig is Because they were in the process of Revokeing My insurance policy untill I sent to them Photos of "Bus" With all the paseenger seats remooved & the Stove, Toilet & sink that I was mearly intending to put in. They were satisfied with that.Also "Intent" in Ca. is actuly a Legal term which is even spasificaly mentiond in Ca. Motor Vehicle code. ok to (for instance/example) drive a "Bus" with a class C Lic. even with all of the seats as long as,the "intent" 1-is to transport (Drive) your own personal Non Comercial vehicle to where the vehicle is to have any mechanical or "Housecar" work done on it, 2-to transport (Drive) vehicle to a "storage" lot/space (Your driveway), 3- there is not more than 9 pasengers (Last time I checked). There is absoultly No mention of a Requirement for an "Air brake Endorsement" for driveing a Housecar in Ca. 1998 & 2003 Motor Vehicle Code book (The thick one). Also to get any kind of CDL tests You are required to have the same physical exam/s by MD. as a Comercial Driver. As I understand it Ca. dosen't even have a Non comercial A/B test anymore. Jamie L, Where in N. Ca. are you? I live in NW. Sonoma Co. now & May be mooveing N. to Mendecino Co next Mo. S.M. H. |
Doug (68.83.48.39)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 8:57 am: | |
Problem is with DMV is that they are generally not that bright...or maybe it is just they arew not capable of free thinking. If you ask three people the same difficult nontypical question you WILL get different answers.
Alot of states do not have a Non Comercial Class B.
having had several conversations with lawyers and insurance loss prevention specailists and two CHP officers I am freinds with it has become clear to me that it is in anyones best interest to have a CDL. This is based on several things.....One your bus conversion was built as a comercial vehicle and despite the fact that you are not using it in a comercial venture it is still a vehhicle of that class.
Secondly, a CDL is a higher level of licensing and although it may not be true that that comes along with any additional skills or brain function.
Third, The CDL requires a physical on a regular basis which will help any claims of medical issues that might come up in a law suit or investigation.
Fourth, despite the fact that the vehicle code says certain things...or rather does not mention things does not mean there is legal grounds for you doing it. The vehicle code is not a peice of legislation that gets alot of review and updating especially for sections covering things like House cars/motorhomes.
Fifth, the Motorhome lobby is a huge and powerful lobby today and has a tremendous ammount of political clout. It is in the motorhome industries best interest not to have a need for a CDL for sales purposes. Read as Jobs, Tax revenue and economy. Beleive me the motorhome industry's lawyers will not come rescue you if you have an at fault accident due to Driver error. Keep in mind this section was written into the code probably long before it was common for people to convert buses and well before Motor home manufacturers were building heavy rigs.
I am not suggesting that a CDL will save your house and possessions when you get a judgement against you......but it will give you a short leg to stand on.
ex. You don't need anything but a permit to operate a motorcycle.......but if you get in an accident with a permit unless it is clear you are not at fault.......youo will most likely be blammed....A CDL give you a smidgeon of credibility whether you ever use it for comercial purposes or not.
For those that have issue with the CDL medical exam........if you can't pass it perhaps you should think twice about motoring down the road in a 26,000# or better vehicle.
To Clearly cover Gary's interest.
If you are involved in a serious accident or accident with injury a lawyer will be involved......they will attack the fact that you are driving a bus without a comercial Driver's Lic. You will lose a jury judgement in todays courts. if you lose there will be a judgment against you for X ammount of dollars. at this point your insurance company will find reasosn not to cover the accident. This is what even good insurance companies do....it is therir job to prevent loss even if it is not ethical.
Just my thoughs andf thoughts of people in the legal and insurance industries.
remember you can do anything......it's only when you get caugth or cause an accident that it will effecct you. |
John that newguy (199.232.240.16)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 9:26 am: | |
Giving up your rights arbitrarily is never in your best interest.
You give up your state issued driver's license when you receive your
CDL. Once you receive a CDL you are subject to -all- the restrictions
and nuances the bureaucratic system places you peril to. That includes
annual health certifications to insure you are of sound enough health
to be driving. High blood pressure -at the time of the test-, can take you
off the road. The CDL system also leaves you subject to drug testing.
Many prescription drugs that -do not- impair driving can cause you to
lose your CDL certification. It is -very- difficult to be re-licensed after
losing a CDL, but the CDL system does little, if absolutely nothing, to
take "bad drivers" off the road. Drivers that pass a CDL do not know
more than, nor are they better drivers than, those that do not have a CDL.
Why would anyone desire to place themselves under such a system
when it isn't necessary? Holding a CDL license does not protect you
from a lawsuit or fines if you have acted negligently and/or caused
damage or loss to another.
Insurance companies are the scourge of humans. They will fight to
keep from paying a claim, regardless of fault. The money they delay
paying is invested and pays interest, reducing their cost. It's not
a matter of "right or wrong", morals, or "ethics", it all about money.
If it is not required you have a CDL, do not be so foolish to relinquish
your present license for one. It only opens your vulnerability to the entire
bureaucratic system that is not suited to individual needs. |
h3jim (68.107.62.94)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 12:18 pm: | |
Cal does have non commercial Class A and B licenses, I just got one, a class B. The medical part is also much abgreviated over the CDL version - all I had to do was self certify - read, I filled out a one page form saying I am in good health, NO DOCTOR was required.
I tend to agree with John the newguy (when will you be an old guy?) If you get the license, you have greater liability than if you didn't if it was not required. You should have known better per the CDL. If not required, don't get it, but do get training and learn about safety in these multi ton missles. |
S.M. Heath (66.82.55.251)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 1:41 pm: | |
To Clarify (somewhat)
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/cdl_htm/lic_chart.htm#classbnon
CA Driver License Classes .Seems if you want to tow anything with a "Housecar" that will exceed 26,000 lbs.CGVW A Non Comercial Class B DL IS Required. HO CRUD!, Now I Have to go & get one... Sigh. S.M. H. |
Jim Ashworth (Jimnh) (172.131.161.206)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 5:22 pm: | |
This subject has to be the most discussed one when it comes up over and over again. The problem is that 90% of the responses are opinion, not fact. At least not fact that others can use because they are in a different state.
For those of you who just don't know what you need, get to YOUR state and ask them. Licensing varies greatly from state to state, what is true for CA is absolutely not true in NH. Same for KS and NY.
What this thread results in is entertainment, ONLY entertainment. Don't rely on this information to cover your butt in your state.
One quick example: in NH I have a CDL-B. I do not have a medical card. It expired 4 years ago when I quit driving commercially. I still have the CDL legally, I just can't drive commercially.
If you all want some eye opening lawsuit information, go get some copies of National Bus Trader and read Ned Einstein's column on "Safety and Liability". Not one case in the past year depended on licensing, just neglegence on the drivers part or stupidity on the passengers part. Its amazing how cases are decided when a high priced, clever lawyer gets involved. (I guess you can tell I'm a little biased when it comes to bus drivers).
Keep the opinions coming. Its fun to read this stuff.
Jim |
S.M. Heath (66.82.50.1)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 5:26 pm: | |
FYI. All writen tests for Class C & M1(If you Have M1 on class C)+ Air Brakes ARE Required. In addition to that, A Licenced Class B with A/B Driver is to drive you to DMV for Driveing & A/B test. driveing + A/B test will be schueled AFTER you pass the Writen Tests in Ca. for a Non Comercial Class B DL. S.M. H. |
madbrit (67.136.94.210)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 7:58 pm: | |
SMH,
If you read the Ca. list again, it states that you can tow any trailer of 10,000 lbs or less with any housecar of 40' or less. There you have your 40ft bus and trailer, so why do you want to get a license that you do not need and possibly involve yourself in regulations that are unnecessary.
Most of these regulations are Federal and if you look real hard, they are basically the same apart from a few States that require a non-commercial license and Ca is not one of them.
Peter. |
Steve Toomey PAbusnut (66.109.229.101)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 8:54 pm: | |
In PA, Any MOTORHOME with a GVWR over 26K requires a Class B NON-Commercial license.
It is right in the Class C driver's manual. I found out when my 16 year old son asked why I was driving my motorhome(bus) illegally. He was studying for his permit. I think they slipped it in on me while I wasn't looking!
Upon calling D.O.T. several times, I found out that the test that you must take is the CDL written and driving test. You are issued a CLASS B NON-Commercial license when you pass. To take the test you must bring a Class B non-commercial vehicle, (not necessarily the motorhome or bus) and obviously be accompanied by a licensed driver who holds either a CDL or a Class B NON-commercial license. There is no medical portion like on the CDL.
I am sure there are many out there who don't have the appropriate license, but I would rather have it even though I could probably get away without it. I'm not sure what would happen if I were involved in an accident with the wrong license. I'd rather have the proper training validated with the proper credentials. |
John that oldfart (199.232.244.207)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 10:10 pm: | |
Jimnh..
With a CDL license, if you run into a speed trap in downtown La
that ticket will stay with you. Get three speedos, one each in any
state of the union, and you don't have a CDL.
With a local license, one state's ticket doesn't necessarily mean
squat to the state you're licensed in. I could get 30 speedos
in NJ and still drive myself silly in Massachusetts...legally.
If a guy doesn't have to have a federal license, it'd be foolish for
him to put himself in that bureaucratic mess. |
John that newguy (199.232.244.207)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 10:15 pm: | |
By the way.... the grits are here:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyprogs/CDLFactSheet.htm |
S.M. Heath (66.82.50.1)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 3:33 am: | |
I am glad I don't have Foot-Rot. (as i am now remooveing my foot from my mouth). I did go to the Ca. DMV today & got the Ca. commercial driver handbook. After reading most of the way through it I decided to more carefully look at the very first page as it looked exactly like the page in the 2003 "thick book". Then I noticed it was 2003!... It states: "You May Drive... "With A Class C Licence:*a 2-axel Vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less *a3-axel vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. or less gross *any housecar 40' or less." Ect.(YATA YATA YATA.)...And You May Tow: *a single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less including a tow dolly, if used. *a boat trailer provided the GCWR does not exceed 26,000 lbs. when the towing is for recreational purposes or repair, is not used in commerce or contract carryer operations, or in business, is not for hire, and does not require oversize permit (VC 35780).* With a vehicle weaighing 4,000 lbs. or more unladen, you may tow a: trailer coach or 5th-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for compensation * 5-th wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but not exceeding 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for compensation and with endorsement. NOTE: No psssenger vehicle regardless of weight, may tow more than one vehicle. No motor vehicle under 4,000 lbs. unladen may tow any vehicle weaighing 6,000 lbs. or more gross. (VC 21715). Seems to me that if the "housecar"(bus)is under 40'long & you are not towing a large/wide Yaght,& all the weights are within the legal limits it is ok in Ca. for now. (No mention of air brakes).Well I hope the toping on my toast tomorow morning is NOT toe-jam!(LOL!) S.M. H. |
DrivingMissLazy (66.168.175.51)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 9:40 am: | |
At least here in WV, to get a CDL license,you must take the driving test in a vehicle that requires a CDL drivers license to operate. Since a RV does not require a CDL to operate, then you can not even get a CDL license using the RV as your test drive vehicle.
Richard |
James Maxwell (Jmaxwell) (66.81.213.193)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 1:42 pm: | |
So, does this mean that the dog can go back to sleep for this week? Logic would have answered this question. CA has a well deserved reputation of parting it's citizens of their hard earned money by any means they can contrive. Stands to reason that if these 10's of thousands motorhomes, rv's, housecars, etc. on our hiways were being operated in violation of operator licensing laws the CHP would have been on such a "cash cow" like funk on a skunk. |
Niles (4.4.112.82)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 10:10 pm: | |
Here's an interesting tidbit which just occured in florida - gentlemen was stopped for speeding in his personal 2003 ford f250 and was given a ticket for operating it w/o a class D commercial (lowest commercial class in fla)license - seems ford changed the GVW on all f250 and larger pickups (manufacturer not individual assigns GVW)in 2003 (along w/ chevy and dodge etc.) invoking an old law on the books requiring commercial license basd on GVW and GCW - seems there are over 1/2 million drivers illegally driving these pickups in fla - media is having a field day w/ it - I know a few judges who have em too
Niles |
John that newguy (199.232.240.7)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 10:32 pm: | |
Egads. Ok, from the Flor-a-duh website:
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ddl/dlclass.html
CDL Exemptions:
The following persons are exempt from the requirements to
obtain a commercial driver license:
Drivers of authorized emergency vehicles that are equipped
with extraordinary audible warning devices that display red
or blue lights and are on call to respond to emergencies;or
Military personnel driving military vehicles; or
Farmers transporting farm supplies or farm machinery, or
transporting agricultural products to or from the first
place of storage or processing or directly to or from
market, within 150 miles of their farm; or
Drivers of recreational vehicles used for recreational
purposes; or
Drivers who operate straight trucks (single units) that are
exclusively transporting their own tangible personal
property which is not for sale.
An employee of a publicly owned transit system who is
limited to moving vehicles for maintenance or parking
purposes exclusively within the restricted-access confines
of a transit system's property.
----------------------
The Georgie-Boy I had weighed 7 tons. No special license
needed. |
Niles (4.4.112.82)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 11:30 pm: | |
OOPS - right not a commercial license but an exemption for special non-commercial license for certain exempted vehicles that normally would require them - but up until now pickups were not considered commercial type vehicles (even vehicles used in commercial ventures) - my ford excursion has a gvw greater than 8000 lbs. but is considered a passenger vehicle - 'all' passenger vehicles regardless of gvw are class E licenses - sorry for the mistake - don't like to mislead any one
Niles |
Niles (4.4.112.82)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 11:32 pm: | |
Also can be seen in Florida Statute 322.53 |
James Maxwell (Jmaxwell) (66.81.211.100)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 11:50 pm: | |
Niles: My previous point exactly. Any State Hiway Patrol will sieze any opportunity to fill the coffers. In CA, all p/u's are generally classed commercial (there are a few escape clauses) but u do not need a Commercial class driver's license to operate them unless the trailer u may be pulling with them exceeds a certain weight. |
Jim-Bob (64.12.116.135)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 24, 2004 - 8:57 am: | |
RE: John that Oldfart's post:
Used to be true that one state's tickets didn't follow to another but no more. There used to be a lot of abuse due to that. All 50 states now interchange D/L info on national database. If you get a ticket in NC, the FL folks will know. (Ask my wife, she told the FL D/L folks "No" when they asked if she had any tickets). The clerk was looking at the record on the screen when she asked her!
Your insurance company knows too, probably before you send in the fine! |
John the oldfart (199.232.244.122)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 24, 2004 - 11:30 am: | |
Is nothing sacred? |
Stephen Fessenden (Sffess) (65.154.176.223)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 26, 2004 - 8:16 pm: | |
TV News said that there was a NEW law requiring an upgraded license (Class D?) if you drive a vehicle over 8000 lbs or over 80 inches wide. SUVs are exempt. Too bad. I am more worried about a lot of the SUV drivers than the motorhome drivers. Pick up trucks are not exempt. Many 250 and 350 models do need the upgraded license. I don't think this is intended to apply to motorhomes either because they are passenger vehicles. I don't know what Florida plans to do about all the oversized pick ups that will arrive from the North again this winter towing 5th wheel RVs. |
John that newguy (199.232.240.228)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 7:30 am: | |
I just saw a bumper sticker on a car that a woman was driving that read:
"My Hummer is driving our Chevy"
Bwaaahahaha |
S.M. Heath (66.82.50.1)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 11:31 am: | |
Ca. allows more for RV,s not less,(width). Less restrictive not more restrictive,like some other states wich names I won't mention here. "2004 leduslation". Here is where you can see it.http://www.dmv.ca.gov/about/leg/leginfo.htm
2004 Legislation It is under the heading of Recreational Vehicles. Happy traveling. S.M. H. |
DrivingMissLazy (66.168.175.51)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 1:21 pm: | |
My grandson just got a ticket in WV for not stopping at a weight station. He was driving a Ford F350 pickup with a flat bed. Apparently the change in beds makes it a commercial vehicle although most states have signs indicating that no pickups are to stop.
Richard |
S.M. Heath (66.82.50.1)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 1:53 am: | |
Richard, When a P/U truck is changed to a Flat-Bed it is at that point a "comircial vehicle" here in Ca. It has ben that way for as long as I can remember. Also if P/U is not your "primary" personal vehicle & is registered Comircial it will cost extra $ for it based on the GVWR, Also insurance costs more. If it is reg. as a "passenger vehicle" & state trooper catches you hauling something for "hire" it wold cost $$$ & points. Your own tools, matearials, ect. to work has ben okay so far as I know. S.M. H. |
DrivingMissLazy (66.168.175.51)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 2:31 pm: | |
Thanks for the info. I had never thought of it, but I guess that makes sense. Guess I will have to stop at the weigh stations in the future.
Richard |
madbrit (67.136.114.5)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 2:36 pm: | |
In Arizona, all 1 ton pick-ups are tagged commercial. Lighter pick-ups are if they are being used for commercial use. No pick-ups are required to stop at weigh stations even though no signs are posted anymore.
Peter. |
Dale MC8 (69.19.172.80)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 6:00 pm: | |
S.M.H. You must be younger than me or old enough that senior moments are full-time. :-} I remember when all pickups as well as vans became 'commercial vehicles' in California. But I don't remember being able to register a pickup as other-than-a-commercial vehicle unless it has a shell that is 'permenetly' attached (and misspelled). I could be wrong, it wouldn't be the first time, but I think a pickup in California is a 'truck'. MHO Dale |
sCool busnut (65.40.180.178)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 11:06 pm: | |
A pick-up in Texas is considered a truck! At least it used to be that way back in the mid eighties when I lived there.
Even the lisence plate they issue you says "TEXAS TRUCK" !
A trucker friend of mine used to go ballistic over that one!
mark
gillig 636 pusher |
Jim-Bob (12.46.52.74)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 8:40 am: | |
I got a ticket for passing the scale here in Florida. (The scale is on US-1 in Tavernier in the Keys.) When I asked him who had to stop, the trooper said "ALL TRUCKS!"
When I asked a friend who's shop is right across the street from the scale, he said the local understanding is "Anything with dual wheels". |
John that newguy (199.232.240.51)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 01, 2004 - 10:49 am: | |
We stayed at Long Key State park twice a year for the past two
we've lived in Florida and went by the scales on plenty of occasions.
Both RVs we owned had dual wheels, and the Georgie-boy had
a tag axle also. There were RVs and buses one day, all headed to
Key west and all passed a scale setup near the 7 mile bridge without
incident. I hope your experience isn't something we'll have to look
forward to in the future. |