If you are looking to get into the towing business or are currently in the business, you may be wondering if you need a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) to operate a tow truck. The answer is yes, in most cases, you will need a CDL in order to legally operate a tow truck. There are some exceptions depending on the type of truck, its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and the state that it is operated in.
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required for any vehicle that exceeds 26,000 lbs. GVWR.
This means if you are driving a tow truck with a GVWR of more than 26,000 lbs., then you will need to obtain a CDL in order to legally operate it. In addition, most states also require that you have special endorsements on your license for certain types of vehicles, such as buses and hazardous material carriers.
The type of CDL required depends on the type of vehicle being driven and its GVWR. Class A licenses are required for vehicles with a GVWR over 26,001 lbs., while Class B licenses are needed for vehicles between 10,001-26,000 lbs. In addition, some states may require additional endorsements for certain types of vehicles.
It is important to note, however, that not all tow trucks require a CDL. If the tow truck has a GVWR under 10,000 lbs., then it does not require a CDL and can be operated with only an ordinary driver’s license. However, this does not apply to all states—some may still require special endorsements even for smaller trucks.
In conclusion, whether or not you need a CDL for your tow truck depends on several factors, including the type of vehicle being driven and its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Generally speaking, if the tow truck has a GVWR above 10,000 lbs., then it will require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) along with any necessary endorsements from your state. If it has a GVWR below 10,000lbs., then no CDL is required.
Do I Need A CDL For Tow Truck?: Yes – if your tow truck has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) above 10klbs then you will need to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) along with any necessary endorsements from your state in order to legally operate it.
