![]() What if you aren’t towing but driving a single vehicle such as a car, truck, van or bus? You’ll need a Class B CDL if the vehicle’s GVWR is greater than 26,000 pounds. If the tow vehicle does not have a manufacturer-assigned GCWR, a Class A CDL is required if the combined weight of the tow rig and trailer/load exceed 26,000 pounds AND the trailer’s assigned GVWR is more than 10,000 pounds.If that number is greater than 26,000 pounds AND whatever you’re towing has a total GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds, then you need a Class A CDL to operate that tow vehicle, whether that vehicle is a car, truck, or tractor. If you have a tow vehicle pulling a trailer, you can check the certification label on the vehicle to find its gross combination weight rating ( GCWR).A “commercial motor vehicle” is a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles within a specified range of GVWR-based configurations that is being used to transport passengers or property. The vehicular side of the equation is pretty straight-forward. So what’s the problem?Īlthough the FMCSA defines “commercial motor vehicle” and “commerce” within their regulations, but not well enough so that everyone understands them in the same way. the holder of a Class B license can also operate Class C vehicles. Class A enables the licensee to also operate vehicles in Class B or C. If you’re having trouble picturing that, here’s a graphic that illustrates the categories. Class C, required for transporting the most sensitive cargo - hazardous materials or human passengers.Class B (total GCWR of truck and trailer is 26,001 pounds or greater, but GVWR of trailer/load is less than 10,000 pounds).Class A (total GCWR of truck and trailer is 26,001 pounds or greater, and GVWR of the trailer/load is greater than 10,000 pounds).Essentially, you must have one if you’re driving a “commercial motor vehicle” in the process of conducting “commerce.” Commercial driver’s licenses are divided into categories depending on the type and weight of involved. (You can look up the rules for yourself in the Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR Part 383.)Įach state is responsible to issue CDLs, based on the federal rules. ![]() The Department of Transportation, through its Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) division, is supposed to implement the regs. The federal government establishes regulations that are supposed to define when a commercial driver’s license is required. Why are so many people confused? Because the law isn’t very clear and that invites varying interpretations. They say there is a lot of confusion – among law enforcement as well as truck dealers and their customers – regarding just when a CDL is required and when it is not. Have you or one of your drivers been pulled over when hauling a trailer and asked to show your commercial driver’s license? This happens with frustrating frequency, according to the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers. ![]()
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