To drive an RV, which license is required in the United States?

You are probably considering buying or renting a motorhome. But, to drive a camper What license is needed in the USA? Will you be able to drive it with your regular license or will you need a different type of license from the one you already have? Read on, we will clarify your doubts immediately.

Types of driving licenses in the United States

📰 Contents
  1. What is virtual reality in the United States?
  2. To drive a motorhome, what license is required in the USA?
  3. What is a special license?
    1. States that require a special business license
    2. States that require a special non-commercial license
    3. States that do not require a special license to drive a motorhome
  4. Do I need a special license to go to Canada with a motorhome?
  5. Types of motorhomes or recreational vehicles (RVs)
    1. Class A recreational vehicles
    2. Class B recreational vehicles
    3. Class C recreational vehicles
    4. To drive a motorhome, what license is required in the USA? (Conclusion)

What is virtual reality in the United States?

In the US, recreational vehicles are known as RVs, from its acronym in English (Recreational Vehicle). They are also known as mobile homes.

To drive a motorhome, what license is required in the USA?

Most states do not require a license to drive a RV other than the regular one, as long as the vehicle weighs less than 26,000 pounds or the trailer weighs less than 10,000 pounds. However, you should be aware that vehicles capable of carrying more than 16 passengers or weighing more than 26,000 pounds are often subject to a special license.

What is a special license?

Generally, there are two types of special permits: commercial and non-commercial. Some states require a special non-commercial permit to drive a recreational vehicle for a certain length or weight. Other states will require you to have a commercial driver's license (CDL commercial driving license), which is the type of license required for large and heavy vehicles, such as buses or trailers.

Below, we indicate the states that require and those that do not require a special license to drive certain motorhomes.

States that require a special business license

The following states require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to drive vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds.

  • Arkansas
  • Connecticut
  • Hawaii
  • Kansas
  • New Mexico
  • Washington DC.
  • Wisconsin

The details of each state may vary slightly. For example, the license may be required for a single vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds or for multiple vehicles with a combined weight greater than 26,000 pounds, which should be carefully considered by people towing large trailers.

IMPORTANT: We advise you to consult the page of the DMV of all states so plan to travel to avoid fines.

States that require a special non-commercial license

In these states, you may need a special license to drive vehicles over £ 26,000, but not a CDL. In any case, it's a good idea to confirm with the DMV, as some regulations may change over time.

  • California
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • North Carolina
  • Nevada
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Wyoming

States that do not require a special license to drive a motorhome

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Mountain
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia

How to get a temporary driving license

Do I need a special license to go to Canada with a motorhome?

If you're planning to visit the northern United States and enter Canada, you're probably worried that you don't have the proper license, which is understandable, especially since Canadian law varies by province, just like in the United States. , There is no need to worry. Unless you live in Canada, all you need to do is make sure you meet your state's licensing requirements. If you comply with the laws of the state where you live regarding your driving license, you will not have to do anything extra to go to Canada with your RV.

Driver's license change from one state to another

Types of motorhomes or recreational vehicles (RVs)

Next, we will talk about the 3 types of RV or RV so you can confirm whether or not you need a special license.

Class A recreational vehicles

Some A-class motorhomes may require a special license to drive. This is because they typically weigh between 13,000 and 30,000 pounds. That is, some are above the £ 26,000 threshold we mentioned.

That said, you should know that most Class A motorhomes do not exceed £ 26,000 and therefore do not require any special licensing requirements.

Note: be sure to check the total weight of the laden vehicle to make sure it does not exceed 26,000 lbs.

Class B recreational vehicles

With class B motorhomes you will have no problems. These small motorhomes have the advantage of being very practical and easy to drive, even on narrow or dirt roads. Class B RVs typically weigh between 6,000 and 8,000 pounds, so no special license is required to drive them in any state.

Class C recreational vehicles

C-Class RVs are often preferred by many for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is their ability to pack all the luxuries of the A-Class into a smaller (and often more affordable) vehicle. Additionally, they are unlikely to have special licensing requirements as they typically weigh between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds.

To drive a motorhome, what license is required in the USA? (Conclusion)

If you're worried that you need a special permit to drive a recreational vehicle (RV), the solution is usually pretty simple - don't choose the large camper. A Class C vehicle, Class B RV or travel trailer will likely not exceed the weight limits of your normal driving license. Smaller vehicles are also better for beginners in RV driving who don't feel confident driving large vehicles.

If you want to discover other articles similar to To drive an RV, which license is required in the United States?, you can visit the Last News category.

Nathan Hamilton

Nathan Hamilton

Nathan is a car enthusiast and industry professional with decades of combined experience in the automotive sector. Along with his team of writers and researchers, all passionate about automobiles, he is committed to delivering reliable and relevant content that ranges from detailed insurance guides to maintenance tips and much more.

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