HedoTravelers wrote: OK, here is your quoted snippet...
Quote: You may apply for an "R" endorsement for your Class D or Class E driver license to allow you to operate a recreational vehicle (RV) with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of over 26,001 lbs. (11,794 kg) or more.
Read it like this...
"apply for an "R" endorsement to operate a recreational vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of over 26,001 lbs. or more."
Also, the exemption read... " Personal vehicles including rental vehicles up to 26,000 lbs GVWR when operated strictly and
exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members for non-commercial purposes."
I would take that as if your RV is heavier than 26,001 lbs., you need a R endorsement on your non-cdl license.
I really enjoy when our legislators write nice ambiguous law that means exactly what you want it to mean, unless you disagree. It is not even clear whether the statement in the driver's manual is law (passed by the legislature) or regulation (promulgated by the DMV based on their own misunderstanding of the law). As it is written in the manual it is waiting for a law suit so a judge can decide what it really means so the loser can file an appeal so another judge can have at it so the lawyers can make $$ - after all many of the legislators are lawyers when they actually work - not something they do when engaged in consuming our money in Albany - but I digress. . .
Paul
Trucking down the road in a 2004 Southwind 36E on Workhorse Chassis with a 2005 Toyota RAV4 AWD stick shift tow'd with US Gear Brake System. Check out my journal
FMCA 352081
Additionally, I was informed that the "R" endorsement is not mandatory, but rather recommended. Again I was referred to the NYS driver's manual.
...
Note that it says "MAY" and not must or shall. I had the girl check with her supervisor, and the supervisor concurred in the information. Just to be doubly sure, I am going to call back and see if I get the same information.
This whole thing is driving me crazy as I don't mind getting the endorsement, but it creating a logistical nightmare as I plan on purchasing out of state, and it is a huge problem getting the RV back home if I can't drive it myself.
I think you really do need to double check that info, perhaps directly with Albany, instead of depending on a local clerk's interpretation. When NYS dropped the "Class C" license designation in 2005, they had this to say about the 'R' endorsement:
Quote: A driver with a Class D license can now operate a personal use vehicle (for example a rental vehicle or a recreational vehicle or RV) with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less that tows another vehicle that has a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or more, but the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of the two vehicles together must be 26,000 lbs. or less.
Note: The requirement for an "R" endorsement (Class D or Class E license) to operate a recreational vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more remains in effect.
I totally agree with what you say, however, this issue has totally intrigued me. So, I called 3 prominent RV Class A dealers in NY. None of the salesmen or sales managers knew what I was talking about, although 1 very large dealer called me back and said he knew about the endorsement, but he doesn't have many customers that have complied. Additionally, while I was on my way home, I stopped on the side of the road where I saw a NYS trooper. I asked him if there is any kind of special license required to operate a large motorhome. He asked me what I meant by large, and I described a diesel motorhome of 40-45 feet in length being used by the owner for personal use. I did not specify any weight. He replied that as far as he knew, any one with a regular Class D license can operate a motorhome as long as it was not being used for commercial purposes. So there you have a very unscientific perusal of knowledge of the requirement. It appears that people at the DMV, people responsible for enforcing the law, as well as people who should be intimately knowledgeable with the law have no idea what the law actually is.
Quote: I think you really do need to double check that info, perhaps directly with Albany, instead of depending on a local clerk's interpretation. When NYS dropped the "Class C" license designation in 2005, they had this to say about the 'R' endorsement:
Just to be clear, they did away with the non-CDL C license, not the Class C CDL.
If they did, no one told me and I have a NYS Class C CDL.
Quote: It appears that people at the DMV, people responsible for enforcing the law, as well as people who should be intimately knowledgeable with the law have no idea what the law actually is.
As I have always said, ask 10 police officers to interpret the same question, and you'll get 10 different answers.
Respect,
Brent
TV ~ Cadillac Escalade EXT, Prodigy BC, Reese Pro Series SC Rig ~ Keystone Passport 285RLS "Where ever you go, there you are"
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