Do You Need CDL for Tow Truck?

Do You Need CDL for Tow Truck?

Tow trucks are large vehicles that are used to transport other vehicles from one place to another. They can be used in a variety of situations, such as transporting cars from accident scenes or helping move cars between cities. But before you can drive a tow truck, you need to know if you need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for the job.

In most states, a CDL is required for any vehicle that is designed to transport cargo or passengers and has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,000 pounds. This includes most tow trucks. However, there are some exceptions that allow operators of certain types of tow trucks to drive without a CDL.

For example, some states allow individuals who operate flatbed tow trucks with GVWRs up to 26,000 pounds to drive without having a CDL. Similarly, if you are operating an “open-deck” tow truck with GVWRs up to 26,000 pounds and not carrying hazardous materials or passengers, then you may not need a CDL either. It is important to check with your state regulations before operating any type of tow truck without the proper licensing.

In addition to the weight requirements, there may be other factors that determine if you need a CDL for your tow truck. For instance, some states require drivers who operate certain types of tow trucks to have additional endorsements on their license beyond the basic Class C license required for most passenger vehicles and light-duty commercial vehicles. These endorsements might include specializations such as school bus operation or hazardous material transport.

The best way to determine whether or not you need a CDL for your tow truck is by consulting with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV can provide information about the required licensing and endorsements necessary for different types of vehicles in your state and can help ensure that you are driving legally and safely on the roadways.

Conclusion: In most cases, drivers need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in order to operate a tow truck legally on public roads and highways due to their large size and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Depending on the type of vehicle being operated, drivers may also need additional endorsements beyond the basic Class C license required for vehicles like passenger cars and light-duty commercial trucks. To find out what type of license is needed in your state, it is best to consult with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

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Karen Watkins