i got a ticket today...

[Kerplow]

whats the gvwr of the truck? if its over 26000 lbs you need a commercial license. if it has air brakes you might need a commercial license.

under 26k. no air brakes.

i will look into having the DMV write it off, if possible.

[Kerplow]

Check 12804.9 (b) (3)... which says:

That combination of vehicles (tow rig + 14k lb 5th wheel) requires an endorsement...

GVWR > 26k lbs requires a Class B or higher... airbrakes has it's own endorsement. Since the trailer weight is <15k lbs, a non-commercial Class A license isn't required though... just an endorsement for the Class C.

thanks for the info.

what exactly is an "endoresment"?

[ripro75]

Gooseneck trailer is NOT considered fifth wheel and is limited to 10k otherwise class A is required. I'm not a LEO but, have had a commercial license for 17 years.

[Kerplow]

Gooseneck trailer is NOT considered fifth wheel and is limited to 10k otherwise class A is required. I'm not a LEO but, have had a commercial license for 17 years.

could you show me where this is written? i cant find anything on the DMV website pertaining to gooseneck trailers. i am inclined to believe you but it does me no good if i cant see it in writing

[alex00]

Kerplow- I used to have a 38' gooseneck with GVW of 14000, that I towed with my Dodge dually. The combo you described falls under a Class A combination, just like mine did. I had to get a Commercial Class A to tow it, even though I wasn't driving it for hire.

The 10K-15K endorsement only applies to RV trailers, not flatbed or box type trailers. If your trailer is a box type with a toilet and a bed, it may qualify as an RV. Regardless, though, you were driving without the RV fifthwheel endorsement. Drivers can only tow a fifth wheel RV trailer up to 10K with a Class C. The RV endorsement is so rare and obscure that most DMV offices don't know about it, and don't know what code to use on the license, (ask me how I know).

DMV Recreational Trailer Endorsement
CDL Requirement
Trailer Coach

The biggest problem is that the Penal Code and DMV use different terminology to describe the same thing. The common theme is that to be considered as an RV the trailer has to accommodate human habitation. The problem isn't so much that a gooseneck isn't considered a fifth wheel, it's that an "industrial" trailer isn't considered an RV.

[Hozr]

Trailer length is also a consideration. Your best bet is to plead ignorance (and or confusing laws) and ask for lenience. See if they will toss the ticket.

[F12517]

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/cdl_htm/sec1.htm#needcdl

Read this and then decide for yourself if you still think you are "in class" with a class C. Personally, I think you're out of class and need an "A". Not a LEO, just a well read RV'er who drives a class Diesel Pusher and tows a good size trailer.

[ar15robert]

guess i got lucky i didnt get pulled over driving my bosses moho.

Freightliner fl 111 chasis 42 ft long and air brakes.He gave me a quick rundown on it and sent me to dump the crappper,The other day go fuel it up.Its actually easier to dive than i thought too.The air brakes are not that bad.I just have a class c,m

[oldsmoboat]

IIRC, towing a trailer with over 10,000 GWR requires an A.

EDIT

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/cdl_htm/lic_chart.htm

[Doheny]

what exactly is an "endoresment"?

An "endorsement" is essentially an additional approval depending on what you're driving and/or hauling. For instance, there is a Haz Mat endorsement for driving Haz Mats, an air brake endorsement for driving certain size rigs with air brakes, etc.

[2Cute2Shoot]

You should have just flirted your way out of the ticket

[alex00]

what exactly is an "endoresment"?

For anyone interested the RV endorsement for 10,000-15,000 is "restriction 41". It will save you time at the DMV if you ask for it by number.