PA Class A/B non-commercial

[shookie]

hi...shookie here outside scranton pennsylvania...i stopped to see pendot today...it requires all drivers of non commercial motorcoaches to have a class b license...first, go to pendot webside and download form to apply for a permit...this costs 5 dollars....then, study the air brake portion of the cdl material for the written test for the class b status...then take your 26000 plus pound missel and show the authorities you can properly navigate it....this test must be by appointment only and you must have a licensed class b driver or higher on board for the drivers test....remember, you only have a permit at this time...if all goes well, congrats, you can drive you coach...if not, simply continue to drive it without the b rating....i believe this is one of those things that is overlooked by the authorities...maybe, maybe not....well....cheers, shookie

[Jon Wehrenberg]

I think we are in a time similar to when the CDL first became law. I think that was around 1991 or 1992. Some states, (and NY in particular because I lived there and knew about it) started enforcing the CDL requirements for motorhomes. At the time they would do a traffic stop and if the driver did not have the CDL the coach was effectively parked until a licensed driver was available to move it.

There was a huge outcry and eventually it was clarified that RVs did not require a CDL in NY.

Now, however the states are apparently recognizing the need for a driver license applicable to the big RVs and more states have specific laws relating to them. Your home state that issued your driver license is the state whose laws you must follow regardless of where your rig is licensed or where you live. If you require a CDL or non CDL equivalent and you do not have one when stopped, it is possible you will have your rig towed to a place for storage until you can get a licensed driver to move it for you.

[Ray Davis]

Let me ask a clarifying question.

In CA, you only need a class B license IF the motorhome is longer than 40 ft. 40 ft motorhomes (even over 26,000 lbs) are specifically ok to drive with a class C license.

Given that, my question is: It is legal for me (a class C driver) to drive a 40 ft motorhome with CA tags through PA? I assume yes, based upon what I've read, but want to make sure.


Ray

[Orren Zook]

4506.03 Commercial driver's license or temporary instruction permit requirements.
(A) Except as provided in divisions (B) and (C) of this section, the following shall apply:

(1) No person shall drive a commercial motor vehicle on a highway in this state unless the person holds, and has in the person’s possession, a valid commercial driver’s license with proper endorsements for the motor vehicle being driven, issued by the registrar of motor vehicles, a valid examiner’s commercial driving permit issued under section 4506.13 of the Revised Code, a valid restricted commercial driver’s license and waiver for farm-related service industries issued under section 4506.24 of the Revised Code, or a valid commercial driver’s license temporary instruction permit issued by the registrar and is accompanied by an authorized state driver’s license examiner or tester or a person who has been issued and has in the person’s immediate possession a current, valid commercial driver’s license with proper endorsements for the motor vehicle being driven.

(2) No person shall be issued a commercial driver’s license until the person surrenders to the registrar of motor vehicles all valid licenses issued to the person by another jurisdiction recognized by this state. The registrar shall report the surrender of a license to the issuing authority, together with information that a license is now issued in this state. The registrar shall destroy any such license that is not returned to the issuing authority.

(3) No person who has been a resident of this state for thirty days or longer shall drive a commercial motor vehicle under the authority of a commercial driver’s license issued by another jurisdiction.

(B) Nothing in division (A) of this section applies to any qualified person when engaged in the operation of any of the following:

(1) A farm truck;

(2) Fire equipment for a fire department, volunteer or nonvolunteer fire company, fire district, or joint fire district;

(3) A public safety vehicle used to provide transportation or emergency medical service for ill or injured persons;

(4) A recreational vehicle;

this continues on with more exemptions listed in the code, I won't bore you with the rest - but RVs are currently exempt from this requirement in Ohio. I would think that the RV industry and the AARP lobby would raise such a stink that polititians seeking reelection would think twice before enacting more stringent laws..... anyway Denny, Jim C, jonnie and I can enjoy a free ride for the time being!

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Most state laws are reciprocal, meaning if your home state does not require it, the state you travel in will not require it. However, a few years ago there were virtually no requirements for a non commercial Class B, and now they seem to be required in quite a few states.

I think as long as you are legal to drive in your home state you are OK, but why not get one in your vehicle before they are required? That way you can actually bring the bus you own to the test, without a licensed driver along side of you. Our buses will get you a Class B commercial license with an air brake endorsement because they are in excess of 26,000 lbs and they have air brakes. It is the one time when there is no restrictions on driving your own bus for a driver's test. If you wait until it becomes law, then to drive it on a permit, and to take a driving test you must have a driver licensed for the class vehicle.

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

Ray, to go a little further. An Individual obtains a license in a particular State. If you drive to another State, your license is honored buy that State.
Even if you wanted to be licensed in more than one State at the same time you are not permitted to do so.
If you do not like the laws in the State where you live, find the residency requirements for the State that has it's laws formulated to your liking and establish residency in that State. You may not have to move.

[Ray Davis]

I have considered getting a class B, and will probably do so with my 40 ft coach. That's one reason I didn't opt for a 45 ft coach, in that I couldn't legal drive now, and wouldn't have an easy way of getting a 45 coach legally out to a testing center.

I've got the materials from Ken Z, who has successfully gotten a class B in CA.

Ray

[Denny]

Orren,
Thanks for the info on Ohio driver license.

Jon,
I looked into a CDL a couple of years ago and wise advised against it. First of all, Ohio law does not require it for RV use and secondly, if stopped in a car for a violation it is viewed differently with a CDL than a regular license.

Until laws change I will stay with what I have or some one advises differently.

[tdelorme]

"I have to agree with what Denny said.

I got out of a speeding ticket,(car) just last year, but the judge asked to see my drivers license, before he released me. He told me he was checking to be sure I DID NOT HAVE a CDL, or I would not have gotten out of the automobile speeding ticket?"


I have a Texas class B license that I had to get to drive my 12 yd. dump truck with farm tags. A year or so ago I got a speeding ticket in my daily driver and though no big deal I will do "deferred adjudication" and keep it off my driving record. When the judge saw my class b, she said "sorry, you are not eligible for DA." Deferred adjudication in Texas is a deal where you go to an 8 hour drivers education class and when all the paper work is done the citation goes away. I think you still pay the fine and pay for the drivers ed. class but it does not show on your driving record.
So, yea I think that with a class B your not going to be cut much slack when it comes to things lights being out, making a daily walk around extra important. But, when the time comes that a class B is required for a 40' + coach, I've got it covered and don't have to worry about it.

[pognumber17]

I'd be interested in the source of your IL info, Joe C. I believe the IL reference in the Changing Gears website is incorrect. In fact the IL DMV website he links to has almost verbatim the same language as OH rules cited by Orren Z.
Thanks
Mike Spitz