Commercial vehicles play an important role in Oklahoma’s economy, from tractor-trailers hauling freight to buses transporting passengers. Because these vehicles require additional skill and training to operate safely, drivers of certain commercial motor vehicles must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Oklahoma recognizes three primary CDL classifications—Class A, Class B, and Class C—based largely on the vehicle’s size, weight, and purpose. A driver’s CDL classification, endorsements, and training may also become relevant when investigating a commercial vehicle accident.
What Is a Commercial Driver’s License?
A CDL is a special license that allows a qualified person to operate certain commercial motor vehicles.
Large commercial vehicles present risks that ordinary passenger vehicles do not. They can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, require more room to stop, and handle differently when carrying heavy cargo. Given the extra risks of driving these vehicles, commercial drivers must satisfy additional licensing and training requirements.
Oklahoma determines the required CDL class primarily by the vehicle’s weight, configuration, and use. Drivers may also need special endorsements before operating particular vehicles or carrying certain cargo.
What Is a Class A CDL?
A Class A CDL generally applies to the largest combination vehicles.
This class commonly applies to vehicles such as:
- Tractor-trailers
- Semi-trucks
- Certain flatbed trucks
- Some tanker combinations
- Other heavy truck-and-trailer combinations
Because these vehicles can be extremely large and heavy, drivers need specialized skills to handle turns, braking, backing, and changing lanes safely. A Class A driver may also need special endorsements depending on the type of trailer or cargo being transported.
What Is a Class B CDL?
A Class B CDL generally covers heavy single vehicles.
Vehicles that may fall within this category include:
- Large straight trucks
- Dump trucks
- Large box trucks
- Cement trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Certain buses
Although Class B vehicles differ from the combination vehicles typically covered by Class A, their size can still create serious dangers. Drivers must understand the vehicle’s stopping distance, turning radius, blind spots, and other handling characteristics.
What Is a Class C CDL?
A Class C CDL applies differently. Under Oklahoma law, Class C covers a single vehicle with a GVWR below 26,001 pounds when the vehicle requires a hazardous materials or passenger endorsement.
Class C licenses can therefore apply to certain:
- Certain passenger-carrying commercial vehicles
- Smaller buses
- Vehicles carrying hazardous materials
The fact that a commercial vehicle weighs less than 26,001 pounds does not necessarily mean its driver can operate it with an ordinary license. What the vehicle carries and how it is used can also matter.
Why Do CDL Requirements Matter?
CDL rules exist because commercial vehicles can cause tremendous harm when drivers lose control.
Licensing rules also help ensure drivers understand issues such as:
- Vehicle inspections
- Safe braking
- Cargo handling
- Blind spots
- Turning
- Emergency maneuvers
- Railroad crossings
- Transporting passengers or hazardous materials
A driver who operates a commercial vehicle without the proper license or endorsement may lack training that could prevent an accident.
How Can a Driver’s CDL Status Affect a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim?
After a commercial vehicle accident, the driver’s qualifications may become part of the investigation. This can include whether the driver held the proper CDL for the vehicle they were operating and met applicable training requirements.
A licensing issue does not necessarily establish who caused a crash. However, it may raise questions about whether the driver was qualified to operate the vehicle and whether the motor carrier took appropriate steps before allowing the driver behind the wheel.
Other evidence, such as driver records, vehicle inspections, witness statements, and crash reports, can help provide a fuller picture of what happened. An attorney can review this evidence when determining who may be responsible for an accident.
Contact the Oklahoma City Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers at McIntyre Law for Help Today
Oklahoma’s Class A, B, and C commercial driver’s licenses help ensure that drivers have the qualifications needed for the vehicles they operate. When commercial drivers fail to follow safety requirements, other motorists can pay the price.
If you were injured in a truck or commercial vehicle accident in Oklahoma City, OK, contact McIntyre Law for a free consultation. Our Oklahoma City commercial vehicle accident attorneys can investigate the driver’s qualifications, determine who may be responsible, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Reach out to McIntyre Law for help today. We proudly serve injured clients throughout Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, and surrounding communities across Oklahoma.
McIntyre Law P.C. – Oklahoma City
8601 S Western Ave,
Oklahoma City, OK 73139
Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
(405) 917-5200