Converted RV to a Mobile Eye Clinc - Registration in California - Amor / Spartan

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delta90062

New member
Joined
Feb 13, 2013
Posts
2
Hello!

I am having difficulty in trying to figure out how to classify our Mobile Clinic.  We thought it was an RV originally and it is now a Mobile Eye Clinic.  But, while I am trying to figure out how to register it with the DMV it has been registered as a bus. 

From what I understand if it was designed to be a bus it must be registered as a bus which means a CDL.  But, if it is a RV under 26,000 it can be a Class C.  The weight on the registration is 25,760. But this was pre remodel.  Right now it has a 1,000 pound generator.  Obviously, I need to go to a public scale and have it weighed.

Does anyone know anything about the information I was able to glean from the registration and VIN:

I can't find what Amor is short for.  Thank you!!!

Registration:  2002 Amor

Vin: 
?Year: 2002 amor
?Make: Spartan
?Model: Speciality Vehicle
?Style / Body: Multi-Pass Chassis
?Engine: 5.9L L6 Diesel
?Country of Assembly: United States
 
Sounds like a phone call to DMV might be the quickest way to find out. I couldn't find the term 'amor' on their web site, but wondered if it had something to do with apportioned registration aka international registration. However, this would normally apply to commercial vehicles being operated in various states states and Canadian provinces, not to private vehicles such as motorhomes. More here:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vehindustry/irp/irpinfo.htm
 
Thank you so much!!

Believe it or not I had 5 phone calls with the DMV and I did get a little clarity so I had gone in cold.  I think I need to get it weighed first to know if it is over the weight limit and then it may be a moot point.  It is wrapped and our driver is paid which I think makes it commercial...?

I will call the local Red Cross.  Their's are fancier than ours and a bit bigger I think... We are 38' long.
 
A bus driver doesn't necessarily need a CDL, but any vehicle operated commercially (as opposed to privately) would require a CDL to drive. I think you will have a difficult time convincing the DMV that a mobile eye clinic is a private recreational vehicle, even if it is used in a non-profit activity.

The weight in question is normally the GVWR, not the actual weight. Of course, if the actual exceeds the 26,000 then the GVWR will as well (unless you are overloaded).
 
Gary RV Roamer said:
A bus driver doesn't necessarily need a CDL, but any vehicle operated commercially (as opposed to privately) would require a CDL to drive. I think you will have a difficult time convincing the DMV that a mobile eye clinic is a private recreational vehicle, even if it is used in a non-profit activity.

Thanks for confirming my thinking.  I am associated with an RV-based medical clinic in TX which recently upgraded its vehicle and, in doing so, went above the 26,000 lb cut-off.  They've been telling me their drivers didn't need CDL's because the organization is a non-profit and TX RV drivers can get by with Class B non-CDL licenses.  Your comment caused me to spend the morning researching the subject and I discovered TX law is very clear on the subject even if not everyone at DPS knows the law.  Under TX law all vehicles >26,000 lbs are defined as commercial motor vehicles and require CDL's unless they fall into one or more very specific exemption categories, which case their drivers only need Class B non-CDL licenses.  The RV exemption definition very clearly states that it is for personal use of a motorhome, only.  IMHO someone driving a medical clinic complete with exterior signage would be hard-pressed to tell a LEO that he was driving it for personal use!  :p
 
Florida has the same provision and many other states are similar. Motorhomes for private use are exempted from what is otherwise a general requirement for a CDL. It creates a lot of confusion, including at the DMV.
 
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