In New York, driving a commercial vehicle is a big responsibility. Because of the size and weight of these vehicles, the state requires drivers to hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). These licenses are divided into different classes depending on the type of vehicle and the work being done.
Knowing the types of CDLs and what each allows can help you understand your rights and responsibilities—especially after an accident with a commercial vehicle. This article will break down the different types of CDLs in New York, explain what they cover, and why it matters—especially when legal issues arise after truck accidents or other commercial vehicle crashes.
A CDL is a special type of license that allows someone to legally drive large or heavy vehicles for business purposes. These include trucks, buses, tankers, and more. The federal government sets the main rules for CDLs, but each state, including New York, manages its own testing and issuance.
Getting a CDL in New York requires passing a written test, a skills test, and a medical exam. You also need a clean driving record and must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state, or 21 to drive across state lines.
A Class A CDL is for driving the biggest types of commercial vehicles. This license lets the driver operate any combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
These often include:
Drivers with a Class A CDL can usually drive Class B and C vehicles, too, making this the most flexible type of commercial license. These drivers often travel long distances and spend a lot of time on highways, making them more likely to be involved in high-speed crashes. Knowing what kind of CDL the driver holds can help determine fault if an accident happens.
A Class B CDL is for operating a single vehicle that weighs 26,001 pounds or more, but where the vehicle being towed (if any) is 10,000 pounds or less.
These types of vehicles often include:
Unlike Class A drivers, Class B drivers usually work within cities or local areas. Still, accidents involving these vehicles can be just as serious, especially when pedestrians or smaller cars are involved. Understanding the license type helps lawyers and victims figure out if the driver was properly trained or legally allowed to drive the vehicle.
A Class C CDL covers vehicles that do not meet the weight requirements for Class A or B, but are designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or are used to transport hazardous materials (HazMat).
These vehicles include:
Drivers holding a Class C CDL often need to carry special endorsements depending on their transport. For example, carrying hazardous materials requires passing a background check and a special knowledge test.
Though these vehicles are smaller, they still pose risks. A shuttle bus crash or a chemical spill can cause major injuries, and the driver’s license status may play a big part in any legal claim that follows.
The different types of CDLs in New York—Class A, B, and C—are designed to match drivers with the vehicles they’re trained to handle. These licenses also help identify when a driver may be at fault after a car accident.
If you or a loved one is hurt in a commercial vehicle accident, knowing the type of CDL involved can be a critical first step in building a strong legal case. Contact us today. A Utica truck accident attorneys at Passalacqua & Associates, LLC for a free consultation.
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