The California Department of Transportation (CALTANS) administers the
statutes on vehicle lengths and widths. Following is some of the
provisions shown on the Caltrans web site (URL below). Note that item
35103 (below) allows a variety of equipment on an RV to exceed the
102" maximum by up to 6" on either side. Safety devices (mirrors,
etc.) are excluded from the measurement.
So, there is no restriction on a wide body Blue Bird or any other 102"
compliant RV in California. Most other states have similar rules.
However, cities and counties can restrict widths to 96" on local
highways (not state or interstate routes). Presumably, there must be
some notice to the public (a sign) that such a restriction applies. I
made a search for my county-- and was unable to find any such local
restrictions. (We do have some roads where the over 40' restriction
applies.)
GENERAL RULE
35100. (a) The total outside width of any vehicle or its load shall
not exceed 102 inches.
MEASUREMENT
35100.1. (a) The metric equivalent of 102 inches is 2.6 meters.
(b) The width measurement of any vehicle with side walls shall be made
from the outside wall of the two opposite sides of the vehicle.
CITIES & COUNTIES
35100. © A city or county may prohibit a width in excess of 96
inches upon highways under its jurisdiction.
35105. Any city organized under a freeholders' charter may permit a
width in excess of these limits when used within the city.
There are some exemptions for agricultural products/vehicles.
BUSES
35106. (a) Motor coaches or buses may have a maximum width of 102
inches.
(b) Motor coaches or buses operated under the jurisdiction of the
Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in urban or suburban service may
have a maximum outside width of 104 inches, when approved by the PUC.
Motor coaches or buses operated by common carriers of passengers for
hire in urban or suburban service and not under the jurisdiction of
the Public Utilities Commission may have a maximum outside width not
exceeding 104 inches.
© "Urban and suburban service" means in urban or suburban areas, or
between municipalities if the one-way route mileage is no more than 50
miles.
(b) Motor coach routes over state highways outside limits of
incorporated cities where the one-way route mileage is over 25 miles,
but does not exceed 50 miles, shall be approved by the Department of
Transportation.
DEVICES
35100. (b) Safety devices shall not be included in the calculation of
width. (For more information on safety devices, see "SAFETY DEVICES"
below.)
35103. (a) A recreational vehicle may exceed the maximum width if the
excess width is from an appurtenance that does not exceed six inches
beyond either sidewall. (b) An appurtenance is an integral part of a
vehicle and includes awnings, grab handles, lighting equipment,
cameras, and vents. An appurtenance may not be used as a load carrying
device.
35109. Lights, mirrors, or devices which are required may extend
beyond the permissible width no more than 10 inches on each side.
35110. Door handles, hinges, cable cinchers, chain binders, and
holders for placards warning of hazardous materials may extend three
inches on each side of the vehicle.
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks.../width.htm
Pete Masterson
(former) '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
El Sobrante CA
aeonix1@...
On Oct 4, 2009, at 8:24 AM, Markus Meyer wrote:
>
>
> What do you mean "WB not legal on most of the roads we drive"?
> Everyplace I've seen restrictions, its been over 10 feet wide, and
> the WB Bluebirds are only 108", which is 8'6". Do they have 8' wide
> restrictions where you live?
>
> Markus
>
> To:
WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> From: dixonsally@...
> Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2009 06:33:56 -0700
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] 87 FC 35'
>
> We've got one. I wouldn't want anything bigger. With WB not legal
> on most of the roads we drive, and screen door on the forward door
> also illegal; the 35' is a great package. Plus, it fits in the
> garage.
>
> Jean Eichenlaub
> San Diego, Ca
>
>
> Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free.Sign
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>
>