By: KC Pawling, NIRMA Road Safety and Loss Prevention Specialist
County road and public works departments frequently use heavy trucks, equipment haulers, and other vehicles that meet the federal definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). While this is well known and obvious to most, there seems to be ongoing confusion about whether employees of these departments need CDLs. When these vehicles meet CDL thresholds, department employees MUST hold the appropriate Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) unless a specific exemption applies.
When a CDL Is Required
Drivers must hold a CDL when operating:
- A single vehicle with GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more.
- A combination vehicle with GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more and trailer over 10,000 lbs.
- Is the GVWR of the trailer/towed unit 10,001 or more pounds?
- A vehicle designed to transport 16+ passengers including the driver.
- Any vehicle transporting hazardous materials requiring placards.
Exemptions for Government Vehicles, NOT County Employees
You will also notice that of the government vehicles listed below, county and public works departments are NOT on this list.
- Covered farm vehicles.
- Recreational vehicles.
- Emergency vehicles operated by a public or volunteer fire department.
- Military vehicles driven by active-duty military personnel.
- Vehicles driven by members of the military reserves, other than military technicians.
- Vehicles driven by active-duty United States Coast Guard personnel.
- Vehicles driven by members of the National Guard on active-duty including:
- a) personnel on full-time National Guard duty;
- b) personnel on part-time National Guard training; and
- c) National Guard Military Technicians required to wear military uniforms.
CDL Classifications and Endorsements
Class A: Combination units (tractor-trailer).
Class B: Heavy single vehicles (Dump Trucks).
Class C: Smaller vehicles carrying hazmat or 16+ passengers.
Common county‑related endorsements:
N: Tank vehicle.
H: Hazardous materials.
X: Tank + Hazmat.
Certification, Medical Requirements, and Disqualifications
CDL holders must meet federal medical certification requirements, comply with mobile phone/texting rules, and can face disqualification for violations. But as county government employees, Interstate or Intrastate, you are in the excepted category regarding medical card requirements.
Importance of CDL Compliance
Operating a CDL‑required vehicle without the proper license risks liability, coverage issues, fines, and safety hazards. It’s also noted that one of NIRMA’s common policy exclusions is as follows:
Fraud, Dishonesty, Criminal Acts or Other Violations of Laws, Policies or Procedures.
Any claim made or suit against an Insured:
- Brought about or contributed to by fraud, dishonesty or a criminal act of any Insured.
- Arising from acts or omissions by an Insured who knowingly and willfully violates a written policy or procedure, or rule, regulation, ordinance or law of the Insured or State of Nebraska or of the United States.
In summary, county employees must hold a CDL when operating heavy, combination, passenger, or hazardous‑materials vehicles. All county officials MUST ensure that employees under their management operate these vehicles with the correct licensing for legal operation. It’s also worth noting that anyone operating these vehicles also has the personal legal responsibility to operate these vehicles legally and safely, to include licensure and condition of the vehicle in their control.
If you need a training scheduled, you can contact me via email at kcpawling@nirma.info or phone at 402-310-4417. Let’s continue the year with a focus on safety!
