Towing Without a CDL: 12 State Rules That Catch Drivers Off Guard

[osuallen]

Ran across this. Some I knew, others I didn't. Interesting read.

Towing

 

[team bradfield]

TOTAL BS, why would you need a commercial drivers license? That's for carrying commerce, In Illinois we need a class B NON CDL for 26K, valid in every state

 

[rjshiflet49]

I'd be suspicious of anything that article says since Texas isn't even mentioned as needing a Non-CDL Class A license.

Texas requires a Class A Non Commercial driver license for combined weight over 26,000. To get that license you must take and pass a written test, then a driving test in the rig (truck and fifth wheel, etc.) - not just a truck or car.

Basically - In Texas, a Non-CDL Class A license is required if you drive a combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, and the towed vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeding 10,000 pounds. This is frequently required for heavy RVs, fifth wheels, and large horse trailers.

Most people don't know or ignore this requirement, but an attorney once told me without the proper license, if you're involved in an accident EVEN IF IT ISN'T YOUR FAULT, an opposing attorney or law enforcement could press the issue and find that you are basically driving with an invalid license and therefore could be held liable for all damages. Insurance could also refuse to pay, according to him.

I got my Class A Non-CDL back when I pulled a fifth wheel that was over 16,000 pounds with a dually rated at 10,000+. Although we no longer have a dually or pull that heavy of a trailer...I maintain that Class A just in case it is needed. There's no extra cost for maintaining it over a standard Class B license in Texas.

And yes, it's valid in every state across the U.S.

 

[Underboss]

My state does not require a special license and it makes my license valid and legal in every state.

 

[rjshiflet49]

My state does not require a special license and it makes my license valid and legal in every state.

Correct. Reciprocity among ALL states guarantees that. You are only required to meet the requirements in your HOME STATE.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Interesting, but of course I zoomed right to the California section which is my wheelhouse. And, they're kinda sorta correct, but not fully complete. I'll post the facts here, directly from the CA DMV, just in case someone comes here for reference.

Oddly, a TT needs a non-comm Class A, whereas a RV/coach needs a non-comm Class B:

• Travel trailer/fifth wheel (Noncommercial Class A): Over 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or a trailer coach over 10,000 pounds GVWR (when the towing is not for compensation).
• Housecar/motorhome (Noncommercial Class B): Over 40 feet, but not over 45 feet (with endorsement).

This is why I made a video, explaining the requirements; I've had so many people who've been confused, and thanked me for cutting through the smoke! It's dumb and confusing EVEN TO THE POINT THE LOCAL DMV OFFICE REPS ARE CLUELESS!! You outta see the glazed look in their eyes when I asked for a "Non-Commercial Class B Housecar Test"!!!

 

[Kevin D Pem]

It's gonna get worse, untill it isn't. And that is coming quickly.