State Listing of Drivers Licenses for HDTs
6/16/2017
Determination Procedure
This chart was developed to determine what class driver license was necessary to drive a MDT or HDT and trailer in the licensing state. The assumption of a rig with a GCW greater than 26,001 lbs. was used.
To start, the USDOT FMCSA establishes that any rig greater than 26,001 lbs and the trailer greater than 10,000 lbs requires a Class A CDL unless the licensing state has an exemption.
So the first place to look is in the State CDL License for an exemption for a Recreational Vehicle. The State Driver License Manual was also checked for a reference to Recreational Vehicle. Finally the State Codes (or whatever the state calls them) is checked to find the specific language exempting a Recreational Vehicle from the definition of a Commercial Vehicle or from the requirement of a CDL. Lacking an exemption, a CDL is required.
Next the State Codes are checked for definition of Class A and Class B licenses outside of the Commercial License context. The existence of Class A and Class B licenses outside the Commercial License context means there are non-CDL licenses in that state. Generally if non-CDLs exist, they apply to RVs.
State Codes usually define the licensing process but most state Codes also empower the Administrator (or whatever) of the Department of Transportation (or whatever) to issue Regulations (or whatever) that further define the Codes. These regulations can be quite a challenge as they do not fall under the requirement to be available to the public on the Internet like state codes.
Some states have a requirement for a special license for Recreational Vehicles when the rig is greater than 26,001 lbs and the trailer greater than 10,000 lbs. Sometimes called a non-CDL or may be called a different class.
Encouraging states to make the application of CDL license uniform has become very obvious with the CDL Manual used by most of the states being virtually the same, with maybe the addition of exemptions to the CDL license.
Whatever your residence state requires, that license will work through the entire United States because of the Full Faith Clause of the Constitution.
More License Information
Also refer to HDT Drivers License for more information.
Caveats
As always, these information is as up to date as we can try but the final say is between you and your licensing state.
Table Creation
In the linked pdf authorities, the pertinent text is highlighted except where prevented because the state locked the pdf. Not all manuals are complete. If the state offered the manual in sections, only the pertinent section is used.
This table was developed from the ChangingGears with number link corrections.
Any additional authorities to clarify any state position on RV driver license would be appreciated.
Header legend:
State = State
HDT = as Motorhome, Private Truck, or Not
CDL = CDL required, yes or no
SL = Special License (non-CDL), yes or no
SWS = State Driver License Web Site
PDF Links
Comments = Research analysis, Original ChangingGears text in italics.
| State | HDT | CDL | SL | SWS | PDF Links | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AK | MH | N | N | Web Site |  AK_CDLManual.pdf AK_28_90_990.pdf |
AK 28.90.990 exempts RVs from Commercial Vehicle. |
| AL | MH | N | N | Web Site | AL_32_6_49_7.pdf |
AL 32-6-49.7 exempts RVs from CDL license. |
| AR | MH | Y | N | Web Site | AR_DriverManual.pdf AR_27_23_111.pdfAR_CDLManual.pdf
|
AR Driver Manual defines Class D license up to 26,000 lbs.
AR 27-23-111 defines the Class A, Class B and Class D licenses. Driver's license manual states that a Class D license is valid up to 26,000 lb GVWR. We confirmed by phone that the Class D license is valid for all RV's. |
| AZ | No | N | N | Web Site | AZ_28_3102.pdf |
HDT not considered RV.
Driver's license and CDL manuals imply that a CDL is required above 26,000 lb GVWR. However, A.R.S. 28-3102 exempts RV's from CDL requirement. |
| CA | MH | N | Y | Web Site | Recreational Vehicles and Trailers |
Motor homes over 40' but not longer than 45' require non-commercial Class B. Trailers over 10,000 lb GVWR and fifth wheels over 15,000 lb GVWR require non-commercial Class A. See Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook. |
| CO | MH | N | N | Web Site | CO_CDLDefinitions.pdf CO_42_2_4-2.pdf |
CO 42-2-402 exempts RVs from CDL license.
While CDL manual states that a CDL is required for trucks above 6,500 lb, we confirmed by phone that CDL is not required for any RV. |
| CT | MH | N | Y | Web Site | CT_CDLManual.pdf CT_95-260.pdf CT_DriverManual.pdf |
CDL Manual says RVs not commercial.
CT 95-260 says Class 2 (CDL B) can tow RV trailer regardless of weight. Class 2 license required for trailers above 10,000 lb GVW |
| DC | ? | Y | N | Web Site | DC_DriverManual.pdf DC_50_402.pdf |
Found no exemption of road test nor was a non-CDL license option found.
According to officials, a CDL is required above 26,000 lb. Must pass the CDL knowledge test, but the road test is not required. |
| DE | ? | N | N | Web Site | DE_CDLManual.pdf DE_2213.pdf |
DE CDL Manual only exempts RVs from IFA tax.
DE 2213 exempts RVs from CDL license. Unknown on how Delaware looks at HDTs as RVs. |
| FL | No | N | N | Web Site | FL_CDLManual.pdf FL_320_01.pdf FL_322_53.pdf |
The exemption for RVs in 322.53 refers to the definition in 320.01 which does not include an HDT and there is no provision for private truck.
But FL 322.53 does exempt a straight truck used personally which a HDT might be considered as with a bumper hitch. Driver's license manual states that a Class E license is valid up to 26,000 lb GVWR. We confirmed by phone that the Class E license is valid for all RV's. |
| GA | PT | N | N | Web Site | GA_45_5_142.pdf GA_40_2_150.pdf |
GA 45-5-142 exempts RVs from CDL. GA 40-2-150 defines a Private Truck.
However, no exemption from CDL was found for Private Truck. |
| HI | ? | Y | N | Web Site | HI_CDLManual.pdf |
The HI CDL Manual exempts RVs from CDL license but no luck finding that in HI Codes.
Class 4 license required for trailers weighing more than 15,000 lb and less than 26,000 lb. CDL implied above 26,000 lb. |
| IA | MH | N | N | Web Site | IA_321_176A.pdf |
Motorhomes and GVWR Trucks of less than 26,000 lbs are exempt from CDL requirements, |
| ID | PT | N | N | Web Site | ID_CDLManual_trunc.pdf
|
ID 49-302 exempts commercial vehicle used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members for nonbusiness or recreational purposes. |
| IL | MH | N | Y | Web Site | IL_DriverManual.pdf IL_CDLManual.pdf IL_625_6_500.pdf |
IL 625 6-500 exempts RVs from CDL requirements.
The IL Driver Manual refers to Class A and B licenses but not found in IL Codes. Assumption that non-CDL is required. Above 16,000 lb GVWR, or towing above 10,000 lb, requires non-commercial Class A, B or C. |
| IN | MH | N | N | Web Site | IN_CDLManual.pdf IN_9_24_6.pdf |
IN 9-24-6 exempts vehicles registered as RV from CDL. |
| KS | MH | N | Y | Web Site | KS_DriverManual.pdf KS_8_2_34b.pdf |
KS does define a RV uniquely therefore it is treated as a Class A or Class B vehicle but the assumption is that it is in the Non-CDL Classes.
Above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR requires non-commercial Class A or B. |
| KY | ? | N | N | Web Site | KY_DriverManual.pdf KY_CDLManual.pdf
|
KY 281A-050 exempts RV from CDL requirements. |
| LA | MH | N | N | Web Site | LA_DriverManual.pdf LA_32_408.pdf |
LA 32.408 indicated the standard Class E license is used for RVs |
| MA | MH | N | N | Web Site | MA_DriverManual.pdf MA_CDLManual.pdf |
MA Codes are very vague. No exemption from a CDL for an RV was found.
Driver's license manual states that a Class D license is valid up to 26,000 lb registered weight. We confirmed by phone that the Class D license is valid for all RV's. |
| MD | No | Y | N | Web Site | MD_CDLManual.pdf MD_11_901_1.pdf |
Above 26,000 lb GVW requires non-commercial Class A or B
MD11.901-1 defines RV as a non-CDL vehicle. But MD does not see a HDT as a MH. |
| ME | MH | N | N | Web Site | ME_CDLManual.pdf ME_29A_1252.pdf |
ME 29A-1252 defines a Class C license for RVs. |
| MI | MH | N | N | Web Site | MI_CDLManual.pdf MI_257.49a.pdf MI_RecreationalDouble.pdf |
MI 257.49a exempts RVs from special licenses.
MI Recreational Doubles define the rules for towing double trailers. "R" endorsement required if pulling two trailers |
| MN | ? | N | N | Web Site | MN_DriverManual.pdf MN_169_011.pdf |
MN 169/011 defines RVs exempt from CDL license. |
| MO | MH | N | N | Web Site | MO_CDLManual.pdf MO_302_775.pdf |
MO 302.775 exempts RVs from CDL license. |
| MS | ? | N | N | Web Site | MS_63_1_78.pdf |
MS 63.1.78 exempts personal nonprofit vehicles for CDL license. |
| MT | MH | N | N | Web Site | MT_61_1_101.pdf |
MT 61.1.101 defines vehicles not used to transport goods for compensation or for hire are exempted from CDL license.
Driver's license manual states that a Class D license is valid up to 26,000 lb GVW. We confirmed by phone that the Class D license is valid for all RV's. |
| NC | MH PT |
N | Y | Web Site | NC_DriverManual.pdf NC_CDLManual.pdf NC_20_37_16.pdf NC_20_2_7.pdf |
NC 20 37-16 states that CDL license does not apply to vehicles used for personal use such as recreational vehicles.
NC 20 2-7 defines non-CDL Class A and Class B. Above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR requires non-commercial Class A or B. |
| ND | ? | N | N | Web Site | ND_CDLManual.pdf ND_39_06_2_06.pdf |
ND 39-06.2-06 exempts RVs from CDL license. |
| NE | ? | N | N | Web Site | NE_CDLManual.pdf NE_60_465.pdf |
NE 60-405 exempts RVs from CDL license |
| NH | MH | N | N | Web Site | NH_CDLManual.pdf NH_Saf_C_1801.pdf |
NH Saf-C 1801 exempts RVs from CDL license.
Driver's license manual states that a Class D license is valid up to 26,000 lb GVW. We confirmed by phone that the Class D license is valid for all RV's. |
| NJ | MH | N | N | Web Site | NJ_DriveManual.pdf NJ_CDLManual.pdf NJ_39_3_10_11.pdf |
NJ 39:3-10.11 exempts RVs from CDL definition. |
| NM | MH PT |
N | Y | Web Site | NM_CDLManual.pdf NM_18_19_5.pdf |
Above 26,000 lb GVW requires class E. See sections 18.19.5.30 and 18.19.5.112 in TRD Publication 18.18 & 18.19 NMAC. |
| NV | PT | N | Y | Web Site | NV_Non-CDLManual.pdf NV_CDLManual.pdf NV_CDLManual.pdf |
NV 483.850 exempts RVs from CDL license.
When towing trailer above 10,000 lb GVWR, requires "J" endorsement. Above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR requires non-commercial Class A or B. |
| NY | No | N | Y | Web Site | NY_CDLManual.pdf NY_5_19_501.pdf |
While non-CDL is mentioned in places, the definition could not be found in the codes.
NY 5-19 501a exempts a personal vehicle from CDL. Not resolved. Above 26,000 lb GVWR requires "R" endorsement. A new law enacted 7/2005 has eliminated the non-CDL class C. See The Elimination of the Non-CDL Class C License. |
| OH | MH | N | N | Web Site | OH_VehicleCode.pdf OH_4506_3.pdf |
OH 4506.3 exempts RVs from CDL license. |
| OK | MH PT |
N | N | Web Site | OK_47_1_107_4.pdf |
OK 47.1.107.4 defines license for RVs. |
| OR | MH | N | N | Web Site | OR_DriverManual.pdf
|
OR 801.208 exempts RVs from CDL license. |
| PA | No | N | Y | Web Site | PA_DriverManual.pdf PA_CDLManual.pdf PA_18_1603.pdf PA_18_1504.pdf |
RVs are exempted from CDL license. But a Class A license is required, i.e. non-CDL.
Above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR requires non-commercial Class A or B. |
| RI | ? | N | N | Web Site | RI_31_10_3_16.pdf |
According to DL officials, above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR requires commercial Class A or B. However, RI statute 31-10.3-16 (5) specifically exempts RV's. |
| SC | ? | N | Y | Web Site | SC_DriverManual.pdf SC_56_1_2070.pdf |
SC 56-1-2070 exempts RVs from CDL license.
SD driver Manual defines Class E (non-CDL B like) and Class E (non-CDL A like). It appears these definitions are generated by a regulation of SCDOT . Not found yet. Above 26,000 lb GVW requires Class E or F. |
| SD | PT | N | N | Web Site | SD_CDL_manual_2016.pdf SD-32-9-3.pdf Sd_32-12A-1.pdf |
SD 32-9-3 exempts RVs from CDL license as defined in 32-12A-1. |
| TN | MH PT |
N | N | Web Site | TN_CDLManual.pdf TN_55_50_102.pdf |
TN 55-50-102 exempts RVs from CDL license. |
| TX | MH PT |
N | Y | Web Site | TX 522-001 exempts RVs from CDL license but TX 521-001 defines non-CDL Class A and B licenses that do relate to RVs.
Above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR (while towing > 10,000 lb) requires non-commercial Class A or B. |
|
| UT | MH | N | N | Web Site | UT_CDLManual.pdf UT_53_3_211.pdf |
UT 53-3-211 exempt RVs from CDL license.
|
| VA | PT? | N | N | Web Site | VA_CDLManual.pdf VA_46_2_341_4.pdf |
VA 46.2-341.4 exempts Recreational Use from CDL license.
Information confirmed by a VA state trooper. |
| VT | ? | N | N | Web Site | VT_CDLManual.pdf VT_23_39_4103.pdf |
VT 23 39-4103 exempts RVs from CDL license. |
| WA | MH | N | N | Web Site | WA_CDLManual.pdf WA_46_25_050.pdf |
WA 46.25.050 exempts RVs from CDL license. |
| WI | MH | N | N | Web Site | WI_CDLManual.pdf WI_ 343_055.pdf |
WI 343.055 exempts RVs from CDL license.
RV exemption in CDL manual: "motor home, fifth wheel mobile home,... provided it isn't longer than 45 feet" |
| WV | ? | N | N | Web Site | WV_CDLManual.pdf WV_17E_1.pdf |
WV 17E-1 exempts RVs from CDL license. |
| WY | ? | N | Y | Web Site | WY_CDLManual.pdf WY_31_7_109.pdf |
Only the WY CDL Manual exempts RVs from CDL license so far in the research.
WY 37-7-109 defines Class A and Class B licenses, non-CDL for RVs. Above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR requires non-commercial Class A or B. |