Do You Need a CDL To Drive a Box Truck in Texas?
Box trucks are used by many people to move things from one location to another. In fact, many people rent box trucks when they move to a new house because they can pack all their belongings into these large vehicles. Given the substantial size of some box trucks, many wonder if you need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to drive them.
Generally, the answer is no. You do not need a CDL to drive a box truck in Dallas in most cases. However, there are a few exceptions that might make a CDL necessary. Before you get behind the wheel, dive into all the details below and also check with your local DMV to verify your local laws.
What is a CDL?
A CDL is a commercial driver’s license, and this license has been required for drivers of certain types of commercial vehicles since 1992. The general rules for a CDL are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
There are three main types of commercial driver’s licenses:
- Class A CDL: A Class A CDL is required for any driver towing a trailer where the total combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the truck and trailer exceeds 26,000 pounds. Additionally, if the trailer itself exceeds 10,000 pounds, a Class A license is also required.
- Class B CDL: Class B CDLs are required for any driver operating a single vehicle that exceeds a GVWR of 26,000 pounds. Also, a Class B license is required for anyone operating one of these vehicles and towing a trailer less than 10,000 pounds.
- Class C CDL: Class C licenses are required for drivers of certain vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers or transport certain hazardous materials.
For more details about how these different types of licenses apply to box trucks, keep reading in the next section.
What is the GVWR for a Box Truck?
Whether or not you need a CDL comes down to the GVWR of the vehicle in most cases. This figure is the maximum operating weight of the vehicle. In practical terms, the total weight of the vehicle should never exceed this figure even when fully loaded.
Manufacturers determine the GVWR for their vehicles based on a number of different factors, including:
- Type of engine
- Number of passengers the vehicle can seat
- Type of cargo the vehicle is expected to carry
- The size and weight rating of the axles
- Size and specifications of the tires on the vehicle
Most box trucks have a GVWR that falls below the 26,000-pound threshold for a CDL license. However, some medium-duty or heavy-duty trucks could exceed this limit. If you plan to rent a box truck, you should always consult with your rental company to determine the GVWR of the vehicle you are renting. You can also ask the rental company whether a CDL will be required for you to operate the truck.
Special Circumstances for Some Box Trucks
Even though a CDL is not required to drive most box trucks, there are a few special circumstances that may apply. For instance, some box trucks are equipped with air brakes. A CDL may be required to drive these trucks regardless of the vehicle’s weight.
Additionally, if you will be towing a trailer with the box truck, things get a little more complicated. In that situation, you would need to know the weight of the trailer so that you can determine the overall GVWR of the whole rig. Pulling a large trailer could put you over the threshold, and a Class A or Class B CDL might be required to drive in that situation.
What to Know Before Getting Behind the Wheel
Before you get behind the wheel of a box truck, make sure that you are familiar with the CDL rules and are complying with them. Even if no CDL is required, driving a box truck requires some additional skills and extra precautions. These large vehicles have big blind spots and require long stopping distances. Make sure that you are capable of operating a box truck before taking off, or you could find yourself in the middle of a car accident.
Although they are not as heavy as 18-wheelers, truck accidents involving a box truck can still result in devastating injuries. If you are not comfortable operating a box truck on your own, then you should look for other options so that you keep yourself and others on the road safe.
Contact The Dallas Truck Accident Law Firm of Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, TX, contact us for more information, please contact the experienced Dallas truck accident lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve in Dallas County and its surrounding areas:
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers
1825 Market Center Blvd # 350, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 556-8321
Hours Open: 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Dallas.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.7950252,-96.8241861