The primary difference between a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a non-commercial driver’s license is the type of vehicle you are authorized to operate. Commercial driver’s licenses are generally used for business purposes.
A CDL allows a person to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), such as an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, tanker truck, or a large bus. Non-commercial driver’s licenses are used to operate personal motor vehicles and non-commercial vehicles.
If you’ve been injured by a commercial motor vehicle, understanding the difference between a CDL and a non-CDL can be beneficial as you navigate an accident claim. Let’s begin by examining the requirements for CDLs versus non-commercial driver’s licenses.
Differences Between Commercial and Non-Commercial Driver’s Licenses in California
Operating a large truck or bus is much more complicated than driving a personal vehicle. A commercial truck can weigh 80,000 pounds or more. The tractor-trailer can be 70 to 80 feet long, with huge blind spots along all sides of the truck. Commercial vehicles cannot maneuver as easily as smaller passenger vehicles.
Training and Experience
Due to the differences between passenger and commercial vehicles, significant training and experience is required to operate a large truck safely. Obtaining a CDL requires a person to pass additional tests and have specialized training that is not required to obtain a non-commercial driver’s license.
Legal Limits for DUI
Another difference between CDLs and non-CDLs is the legal limits for driving under the influence. The legal limit for a DUI in California is .08% BAC. However, a truck driver can be arrested for DUI if their BAC is .04% or higher. The lower BAC level signifies the danger commercial vehicles pose in a traffic accident.
Types of Driver’s Licenses in California
You can obtain one of two non-commercial driver’s licenses in California. A Class D driver’s license is a “regular license” that permits drivers to operate non-commercial passenger vehicles. A class M driver’s license permits drivers to operate motorcycles and mopeds.
Meanwhile, California has three types of commercial driver’s licenses:
- Class A CDLs permit drivers to operate combination vehicles with a GVWR over 26,000 pounds, with a towed vehicle weighing 10,001 pounds or more.
- Class B CDLs permit drivers to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR over 26,000 pounds, with any towed vehicle weighing less than 10,000 pounds.
- Class C CDLs permit drivers to operate buses and other commercial vehicles designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver. A Class C CDL also permits a driver to operate a vehicle transporting hazardous waste.
Generally, obtaining a CDL costs more than a regular driver’s license because a person must pay for specialized CDL training, medical examinations, and skills and knowledge tests.
Who Is Responsible for Damages Caused by a Commercial Truck Accident?
Another difference between CDLs and non-CDLs is who is responsible for damages caused by an accident. Generally, the driver who causes a car accident can be held liable for both economic and non-economic damages.
However, when a truck driver causes a truck accident, the driver and the trucking company could be liable for damages. For example, the trucking company may be vicariously liable for the truck driver’s negligence. Other parties may also be liable, including maintenance facilities, loaders, shippers, repair shops, and truck manufacturers.
It is crucial to identify all parties involved in a truck crash. The damages from the accident could be substantial. Proving that multiple parties are liable for damages increases the amount of money available for a settlement or jury award.
Truck accident cases are complicated. They often involve trucking regulations, catastrophic injuries, and numerous expert witnesses. The insurance company may allege contributory fault to avoid paying a large claim. Determining liability when multiple parties are involved can also be a challenging task.
The trucking and insurance companies have a team of lawyers, adjusters, and investigators to protect them from liability. You need a legal team to fight for your interests.
