Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook

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Section 2 of 16

License Classes and Requirements

Noncommercial License Classes:

License classes are based on the size of the vehicle you wish to drive or the weight of the trailer you wish to tow. No passenger vehicle, pickup truck, or RV may tow more than one other vehicle without a Commercial Class A license with the proper endorsement.

You May Drive… And You May Tow…
With a Noncommercial Class A license:
Any vehicle under Class C.
  • Travel trailers weighing over 10,000 lbs. GVWR, not used for hire.
  • 5th-wheel travel trailers weighing over 15,000 lbs., not used for hire.
If the towing vehicle weighs 4,000 lbs. or more unladen, you may tow a: Livestock trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. GVWR but not exceeding 15,000 lbs. GVWR if the vehicle is controlled and operated by a farmer, used to transport livestock to or from a farm, not used in commerce or contract carrier operations, and is used within 150 miles of the person’s farm.
With a Noncommercial Class B license:
  • Any vehicle under Class C.
  • Any housecar over 40′ but not over 45′, with endorsement.
  • A single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less including a tow dolly, if used.
  • If the towing vehicle weighs 4,000 lbs. or more unladen, you may tow a:
    • Trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 lbs. gross.
    • Trailer coach or 5th-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for compensation.
    • 5th-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but not exceeding 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for compensation.
NOTE: No passenger vehicle regardless of weight, may tow more than one vehicle. No motor vehicle under 4,000 lbs. unladen may tow any vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. or more gross. (CVC §21715)
With a Basic Class C license:
  • A 2-axle vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less.
  • A 3-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. gross or less.
  • A motorized scooter.
  • Any housecar 40’or less.
A farmer or employee of a farmer may also drive:

Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less if used exclusively in agricultural operations and it is not for hire.
With a Class M1 motorcycle license:
  • Two-wheel motorcycle.
  • Motor-driven cycle.
  • Motorized scooter.
 A single vehicle.
  • Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for your motorcycle or scooter to determine the maximum weight it can safely tow.
With a Class M2 motorcycle license:
  • Motorized bicycle.
  • Moped.
  • Any bicycle with an attached motor.
  • Motorized scooter.