Do I Need a CDL License to Operate that Truck?

This week's safety bulletin "Do I Need a CDL License to Operate that Truck?" is ready for you to read! Make sure you are signed up for future safety bulletins and download a PDF version to download and share!

In This Issue:

• Do I Need a CDL License to Operate that Truck?
• October 2022 is National Pedestrian Safety Month
• Got Chains?

Do I Need a CDL License to Operate that Truck?

Answer: The regulations that address this question are found in FMCSA CFR 383.3

§383.3 Applicability. (a) The rules in this part apply to every person who operates a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce, to all employers of such persons, and all States.  The definition of a commercial motor vehicle for this regulation is as follows:

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle:

1. Has a gross combination weight rating of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds); or
2. Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 11,794 or more kilograms (26,001 pounds or more); or
3. Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or
4. Is of any size and is used in transporting hazardous materials as defined in this section.

The following are questions that frequently are asked about the CDL and have been addressed by the FMCSA:

• May a person operate a CMV wholly on private property, not open to public travel, without a CDL?  Answer: YES
• Do mechanics, salesmen, shop help, and occasional drivers need a CDL if they are only test-driving a CMV?  Answer: YES, if the CMV is operated on a public street, road, or highway.
• I have moved. How long do I have to get my CDL license reissued by my new state of residence?  Answer: 30 Days.

Do the regulations require a person driving an empty school bus for a test drive or transport have a CDL?  Answer: Yes, a CDL would be required if the bus is designed to transport 16 or more passengers and the bus has an MGVWR that exceeds 26,000lbs.  However, a passenger endorsement would not be required since the unit is empty.

A driver operates a tractor of exactly 26,000 pounds GVWR, towing a trailer of exactly 10,000 pounds GVWR for a GCWR of 36,000 pounds. HM and passengers are not involved. Is it a CMV, and does the driver need a CDL?   Answer: No to both questions. Although the vehicle has a GVWR of 36,000 pounds, it is not a CMV under any part of the definition of that term in CFR 383.com, and a CDL is not federally required.

October 2022 is National Pedestrian Safety Month

More than 6 in 10 people walk for transportation, exercise, relaxation, or other activities. The benefits of walking extend beyond personal and physical to environmental benefits that can lead to healthier, quieter, cleaner, and safer streets. Walking can also improve local economies and enhance social and community engagement, leading to more vibrant, resilient, and livable spaces.

Unfortunately, in 2019, 6,205 pedestrians were killed and 76,000 injured in traffic crashes. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 85 minutes and injured every 7 minutes in 2019. 

Please use these materials to increase awareness about how we can combat pedestrian crashes in our communities.

Click on the following for additional 2022 Pedestrian Safety information: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety

Got Chains?

If you are operating in a state that requires chains to be on board, ensure the chains are the correct size, adequately secured, clean, and not broken to be easily applied when necessary. 

Not sure what your states chain laws are going to be:

http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/laws.html

Time to Fall Back: Daylight Savings Time Change in Three Weeks!

Daylight savings time will "fall back" at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 6th. Ensure all your drivers know that the change to daylight savings will occur.  Caution route drivers significantly change the amount of daylight according to their stops with the change.  An intersection or street can present different challenges to drivers with one hour change in the sun’s position. One hour of time difference can present unique adaptations to a driver on a route. 

Idealease Will Present a Limited Number of Safety Seminars this Fall

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC will again be hosting a limited number of safety seminars in the fall of 2022. The one-day seminar this year will focus on new safety technologies available on trucks today, basic safety and compliance, regulation changes, load securement and CSA. The seminars and will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides important information applicable for both the novice and experienced transportation professionals. Watch this list in future bulletins as additional seminars may be added.

To register for an upcoming seminar in the fall of 2022 click on the following link:

https://www.idealease.com/safety-seminars

*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.