For most box truck rentals, you do not need a special license. However, it depends on the size and weight of the truck you want to rent.
If you are planning a move, you may want to rent a box truck from U-Haul, Penske, or another rental company to haul your items. You need to be sure you know what type of truck you are licensed to operate. And if you are injured in an accident involving a rental truck, knowing whether the driver was properly licensed can significantly impact your claim.
Understanding Commercial Driver’s Licenses
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a specialized license required to operate certain large or heavy vehicles. Obtaining a CDL requires additional training and testing beyond a standard driver’s license that allows you to drive standard passenger vehicles.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets nationwide standards for CDL requirements, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles enforces them under Florida Statute 322.54.
The 26,001 Pound Rule
When determining whether you need a CDL to operate a rental truck in Florida, the key factor is the truck’s weight. Specifically, you need to know the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR is the maximum operating weight a vehicle can safely handle, including the vehicle itself, fuel, passengers, and cargo.
Any vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more requires a CDL. Most rental trucks available from U-Haul and other rental companies fall below the 26,001-pound threshold, so you do not need a special license to drive them. You only need a valid standard driver’s license.
Most rental trucks are specifically designed to stay under the CDL weight requirement, so they are accessible to everyday drivers who need to move furniture and other household goods.
When Is A CDL Required?
While most rental trucks do not require a CDL, you may need a specialized license in some situations, including:
- The truck has a GVWR of 26,001 or more.
- You are pulling a trailer weighing more than 10,000 pounds behind a truck, and the combined weight exceeds 26,001 pounds.
- You are transporting hazardous materials, which require federal placards and a CDL with the proper endorsements, regardless of the vehicle’s weight.
- You are driving a vehicle modified to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
You should understand the license requirements and endorsements for your specific circumstances before renting a vehicle other than a passenger car.
Legal and Liability Issues When A CDL Is Required
Under Florida Statute 322.53, driving a vehicle that requires a CDL without possessing one can result in significant fines and penalties.
If a driver operating a CDL did not have one and is involved in an accident while driving that vehicle, this can serve as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim. Insurance companies may deny coverage when a driver was not properly licensed for the vehicle they were operating. Speak to a truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale for more information.
Contact Rosen Injury Law
If you are injured in an accident involving a rental truck that another party caused, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Our Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys will carefully investigate your accident, determine driver qualifications, and uncover vital evidence to prove causation and liability.
Our injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale have the experience, skills, and resources to build your best case, protect your rights, and help you secure maximum compensation for your damages. Call (954) 787-1500 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation.