Understanding Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Standards and Legal Responsibility

The truck drivers sharing the highway with you are not held to the same standards as ordinary motorists. These professionals operate under a complex framework of federal and state regulations designed to keep everyone safe. When a commercial truck driver causes an accident, their commercial driver’s license (CDL) status and the strict standards they are required to meet become critical factors in establishing liability and negligence. 

Commercial Driver’s License Requirements in Utah

All commercial truck drivers in Utah are required to have a valid CDL. The vehicle classifications requiring a CDL include those with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers. 

The requirements to obtain a CDL are much stricter than what is required for a standard driver’s license. You must be at least 18 years old and have held a regular Class D driver’s license for a minimum of one year. 

Before you can get behind the wheel of a commercial truck, you must:

• Obtain a Department of Transportation Medical Certificate proving you’re physically capable of safely operating these large vehicles
• Complete Utah’s self-certification form and undergo Entry Level Driver Training specific to your CDL class and endorsements

Higher Standards of Care for Commercial Drivers vs. Regular Motorists

Commercial trucks are large, heavy, and pose greater risks on the road compared to smaller vehicles. As a result, the law holds them to stricter standards. For example, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is lower for commercial drivers: just 0.04%, compared to 0.05% for regular motorists. 

Additionally, commercial drivers must comply with strict regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These include hours-of-service regulations, which limit how long a truck driver can operate without taking a break. Commercial drivers must also maintain detailed logbooks, conduct pre-trip vehicle inspections, and follow specific traffic laws that don’t apply to regular drivers. 

What Happens If a Trucking Company Hires a Driver without a Valid CDL?

When a trucking company puts an unqualified or unlicensed driver behind the wheel, they’re not just breaking the law—they’re creating a dangerous situation for everyone on the highway. If that driver causes an accident, the trucking company faces legal liability for negligent hiring practices. You have the right to hold both the driver and the company accountable when they fail to meet these safety requirements.

This violation of federal regulations can strengthen your injury claim. It shows that the company prioritized profit or convenience over public safety, which can be critical evidence in establishing liability and pursuing fair compensation for your injuries.

Speak with a Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney Today

CDL holders accept higher standards of care because they operate massive vehicles capable of causing devastating harm. When these professional drivers violate federal regulations or fail to exercise proper caution, they must be held accountable.

If you were injured in a truck accident, We Win Injury Law can help you secure the justice you deserve. Our team of truck accident lawyers in St. George will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, examine driver logs and maintenance records, and build a strong case that holds negligent parties responsible. Contact us at (435) 688-9558 to discuss your case with our Utah truck accident attorneys.