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Old 11-17-2015, 11:27 AM   #1
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CDL required in WA State regardless of RV status?

Hi, just received this response from the licensing place...

Quote:
Good morning,

You will need a CDL whether it is showing as an RV or not.

Since the original use of the vehicle was a school bus, you will be required to have a CDL to drive it, whether it is an RV now or not.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Thank you,

Caitlyn
Self Service Channel Unit
Customer Relations
so...? anyone have information that disputes this? or is this how it is in WA state?

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Old 11-17-2015, 11:40 AM   #2
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To my knowledge, that is not correct.

www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdlexempt.html

"Recreational vehicle (RV) operators are exempt when driving an RV for non-commercial purposes"

Once your bus is retitled you should be good to go. Or there are a lot of skoolie drivers in jeopardy.
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Old 11-17-2015, 11:56 AM   #3
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By that logic you would need a CDL to drive a minivan you bought from a medical supply company because it originally was used to deliver oxygen tanks...
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Old 11-17-2015, 11:57 AM   #4
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I will link the exemption web page to the customer service person and update this thread with their response.
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Old 11-17-2015, 12:55 PM   #5
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Wanna bet that there will be a boycott of WA state by full timers. Idaho was pulling people over and ticketing for things that were bolted on to the sides that pushed out past the legal limits like awning and such. One of the RV clubs asked members to avoid Idaho and if that couldn't be done, don't spend any dollars there.
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Old 11-17-2015, 05:16 PM   #6
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Wow! Are the legal width limits the same throughout? I've been thinking a lot about bolting things to the sides. . . and back. . .
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Old 11-17-2015, 06:59 PM   #7
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I read somewhere that for a long time, 8 feet wide was the max. Only recently did they (or some places) allow 8'-6" for RVs. The newer RV designs reflect this ruling. Considering I have barely managed to squeeze through traffic and construction sites in my 8 foot wide bus, I'd be that much more nervous adding another 6 inches. Well, except for the fender flares. And the popout flamethrowers.
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Old 11-17-2015, 07:21 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RHOMBUS View Post
Well, except for the fender flares. And the popout flamethrowers.
Don't forget about the rockets in the rooftop AC, the machine guns in the nose, and the recoilless rifle in the back, above the troop ramp
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Old 11-17-2015, 07:26 PM   #9
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here are the two replies I received this afternoon:

Quote:
Afternoon,

Your concerns have been forwarded to the CDL program to reply. Unfortunately, I do not believe Commercial Washington State Patrol (WSP) reclassifies vehicles anymore. Therefore converting a school bus into and RV would not omit the driver from having to get a CDL. To be sure, you will want to contact Commercial WSP at 360-596-3800 or visit their Website Welcome to the Washington State Patrol .

As far as the Recreational vehicle operators exemption for RV’s, no this is not new it has been this way for some time, at least for the last 10 years.

Please let us know if you have any further concerns.

Tiffany
CDL Program
then later...

Quote:
Good afternoon,

If you contact WSP, they will potentially be able to assist with this situation.

In the past, they were able to reclassify the vehicle and a CDL would not be required.

There number is 360-596-4000.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Thank you,

Caitlyn
Self Service Channel Unit
Customer Relations
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Old 11-17-2015, 07:40 PM   #10
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"I do not believe Commercial Washington State Patrol (WSP) reclassifies vehicles anymore."

Julie's Auto Licensing in Everett will retitle your bus to the "MH" (as in Motorhome) classification once you finish your conversion.

I asked if my bus would need an inspection or proof for them that I actually did a conversion, they said no, just come in and let them know I was done converting it and pay them $59 to do the paperwork.
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Old 11-17-2015, 07:50 PM   #11
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I wish WA was not so retarded when it comes to just being clear with their laws, not just with Skoolies but in a lot of other areas as well... I once tried to find out if I sold hot food out of a boat at various marinas on the Puget Sound would I be subject to the same regulations as a food truck... I went through a dozen agencies and countless "Caitlyns" and never did get a straight answer.
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Old 07-17-2018, 05:49 PM   #12
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Has there been any update to what happened with this? Or does anyone know if the laws have changed? We're on the hunt for a bus, but I am a little leery about dropping the bucks if we don't have the legal nonsense worked out first. (As in a good understanding of what we need to do to make sure we are licensed properly and insured as best we can...)

It was my original understanding that we wouldn't need a commercial license for an RV (or a reclassified school bus)...but the more research I do, the more confused I become. Any help from other Washington State residents that have gone through the process would be greatly appreciated...thanks in advance.
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