stouffer
N Central, Tx
Senior Member
Joined: 09/13/2003
View Profile
|
This is NOT a post about whether you need a CDL to operate a Class A over 26,000 GVW. It IS an observation about a possible downside to getting a CDL when you don't need one.
I found out last week that if you get a ticket here in Texas you can take a driver's safety course and keep the citation off of your driving record with some exceptions. One of those exception is for those with a CDL. There are no restrictions on the drivers' safety course in Texas for a driver with a class B- the class B in Texas is the CDL exception for operators of RV's over 26,000 GVW.
Part-timer
|
marvmarcy
Polson, MT, USA
Senior Member
Joined: 04/19/2003
View Profile
 Offline
|
You make a good point! I studied for the CDL and have taken driving courses for big rigs, but I stopped short of getting a CDL. I also didn't like having to get a medical exam every year to keep my license, although I am quite healthy.
I do think the training is very valuable and wish everyone with a large rv would qualify for a CDL whether they get one or not.
JMHO
Marv
2001 Volvo VNL42T420, ISX450/1650, super 10sp w/GearMaster
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire 38RLRK
Piaggio MP3 400 scooter
RVing since 1979 - Fulltime since 2000 (mostly CO, MT, NC & Key West)
Retired USAF
|
Home on Wheels
Texas
Senior Member
Joined: 07/11/2006
View Profile
|
You do not have to have a medical exam each year unless......you have a medical restriction. The physical is good for two years otherwise.
|
stevelv
FullTimers at Last!
Senior Member
Joined: 05/24/2006
View Profile
|
Don't get confused about these licenses. There is not a single state in the country that requires a CDL to drive a Motorhome of any size.
There are classes of non-commercial licences that are required in some states for > 26,000# that are 'based' upon the CDL theory and skills tests but they are NOT CDL licenses and are not treated as CDL.
If you have a CDL for another reason, such as work etc then you obviously have their sets of rules to abide by.
RV Park Finder
Fulltimers
2002 Beaver Santiam 38DST + Banks + 99 Jeep GC
DH,DW,Jake and Indie
|
Briteskys
Mesa, AZ
Senior Member
Joined: 09/21/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Quote:I found out last week that if you get a ticket here in Texas you can take a driver's safety course and keep the citation off of your driving record with some exceptions. One of those exception is for those with a CDL. Same in Arizona.
Ask me how I know...
'02 Beaver 40' Patriot Thunder
CAT C12 455hp
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Ron & Jane 2007 - 08
|
|
|
enblethen
Moses Lake, WA USA
Senior Member
Joined: 01/05/2005
View Profile
|
Many states have computer systems that separate CDL and private citations. When citation is written the officer must mark the appropriate box for this to happen.
When you get one on your CDL it doesn't come out on print out for your private vehicles insurance.
Medical is no longer required to renew your CDL here. It is now for the employer to determine the need for the medical certificate.
No offense to others, but I feel the RV industry needs to get more involved with driver training as the rigs are getting so big. Drivers need to learn more about the chassis and towing components. They can't just get in and herd the vehicle down the road. They need to learn how to perform maintenance and/or know what to look for if they cannot do it themselves.
Bud
Suzuki XL7 pushing Pace Arrow
|
tom_kat
way upstate new york/lake george area
Senior Member
Joined: 02/28/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
you don't need a medical exam here unless your driving for someone else for a living,I have had my cdl for 40 yrs and didn't give it up just in case I needed it and don't have to have medical exams here just for driving a personal vehicles .only downside is the licence cost more.
1985 Class A Holiday Rambler Imperial 33 +1979 Class C Holiday Rambler Statesman 1000 = 24 ft
|
chuck4788
West of the Middle
Senior Member
Joined: 05/10/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
To add to what Bud posted:
CDL and non-commercial licenses are controlled by two different sets of laws and rules. History of traffic infractions while operating a commercial vehicle are Federal and for non-commercial infractions they are state. What happens while operating a non-commercial vehicle may or may not impact your right to operate a commercial vehicle. The loss of commercial driving priveleges because of a listed violation does not mean the loss of non-commercial driving priveleges.
If ticket restriction apply to one type of CDL they will apply to all. The non-commercial license test contains most of the elements (and sometimes all) of those in the CDL test, this is each state's option. The major difference is the requirement to carry a medical certificate when operating a commercial vehicle. My state will allow a CDL license holder to revert to the same class of non-commercial license. Or do as tom_kat does and let the medical certificate expire.
Check out Qualifications and Commercial Drivers License Requirements
Here is a table of violations that will cause suspension or revocation of commercial driving priveleges, IMO these are much stricter than state laws, but only apply to operation of a commercial vehecle. CFR 49 383.51
Schroll down to Table 1. If our state laws were as strict we would have less DUI accidents.
So a holder of a CDL who gets a traffic ticket while operating a non-commercial vehicle is not subject to the Federal rules, it is the state rules that control. Two separate issues.
Chuck
02 Beaver
505hp C12 Cat
Trailblazer toad
|
Mike Hohnstein
Germantown, Wi
Full Member
Joined: 01/04/2004
View Profile
|
There is another little issue to consider. A fellow I know of was operating his motorcycle. While sitting at a traffic light, not moving, he was hit by another vehicle. Not a serious issue as there was no physical injury. However as he was involved in an accident chemical checks were made. The guy blew .04 legal limit is .07, .08 is intoxicated. Due to the fact he had a CDL, the cop HAD to cite him for DUI, even though he was obviously off duty. CDL seems to require total sobriety at ANY time a vehicle is operated by a CDL holder. He was as innocent as can be, but now has a DUI on his record. I didn't know this until I heard the story, wouldn't have a CDL now if I knew about it before hand.
This happened in Milwaukee.
|
bsinmich
Holland, MI
Senior Member
Joined: 11/18/2000
View Profile
Offline
|
As a school bus driver we are also under the .04 alcohol requirements. Since I don't drink it hasn't been a problem for me but I know a couple of former school bus drivers due to that requirement.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, & 2002 PT Cruiser w/Remco lube pump, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
|
|
|
