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Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) announced that her bill to consolidate most recreational trailers under Class C licenses passed the Senate Transportation Committee today. SB 287 will allow recreationalists and equestrian enthusiasts to tow their weekend trailers without having to undergo unnecessary verification and exorbitant fees, intended for industry’s heaviest commercial trailers.
“SB 287 levels the playing field and gives peace of mind to California’s horse enthusiasts and recreationalists,” said Senator Grove. “The outpouring of support from the equestrian community has been incredible and continues to fuel the success of this bill.”
As it stands today, if a driver decided to take their horse trailer with living quarters out for a weekend family excursion, they can tow it with a Class C license, if it has a gross vehicle weight under 10,000 pounds. However, the moment the trailer weighs one pound more, that same driver would be required to tow with a Class A license. This means that individual would have to pass a medical examination, 10-year history check, and pay the same fees that a commercial driver must pay.
All the while, that same driver could tow a toy hauler or fifth-wheel travel trailer weighting 14,000 pounds to the same destination and for the same weekend excursion, simply with a Class C license with a recreational trailer endorsement.
“I am grateful for the support of my colleagues on this important measure and look forward to the next committee,” said Senator Grove.
SB 278 passed with a bipartisan vote of 16 to 0. The measure will next be heard by the Senate Appropriations.