License the drive 3ton tow truck?

fire trucks (here) require a CDL A or B, depending on the equipment, the people are operating.

i do know that the big wreckers are indeed class A or B, again, depending on size/weights. just makes sense to go for the A, and have it for the future.

 

I can't speak for the OP, but in some areas you need a tow truck license in addition to your driver license. It is more of a background screening and basic competency exam on the towing portion of the job not really a separate "operators" license.

New York requires a tow truck endorsement on your license, will be a class C for this light duty wrecker.

Here is a link to their tow truck endorsement manual if any one is interested.
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv14.pdf

 

that sounds correct. B would be over 26k plus trailer up to 10k. Otherwise A is required.

As for that...I think.my daily.driver weighs.more than that.

 

State and activity dependent. Most states exempt emergency vehicles, but not tow trucks, from CDL requirements when responding to or returning from actual emergencies. A CDL is required for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles to operate is outside of actual fire duties in many states, things like taking it to the shop for repair or delivering it to the fire house from the dealership.

Tow trucks are not full emergency vehicles in most states and if heavy enough (based on gross weight rating) will require a CDL. The only exemption for tow trucks relating to CDL is for first moves of haz-mat in emergency situations. Tow truck drivers usually do not need the endorsements for the type of vehicle they are towing (tank, passenger or haz-mat).

There is a very limited exception to driver qualification standards during declared public emergencies, but it has to be declared by an authorized official (usually a Governor) and recognized by the FMCSA. Pretty much never happens.

 

Yep, then you will need a class A for the big boy stuff. Regular towing and even some medium duty trucks you are fine.

 

Far as I know only medical card would be required, with that said if you "tow" something more then 10k it now becomes a combination vehicle and class A would be required. Also many of the under 26k trucks out there run air brakes, you do NOT need a cdl for those either.

 

There are two questions to ask when determining if a medical card is required. First, are you engaging in interstate commerce, and if so is the gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds. If yes to both of those questions then a medical card is required.

Second, some states have differing requirements for non-cdl trucks when used only in intrastate commerce. So, if you never engage in interstate commerce you may not need a medical in a light duty wrecker.

Keep in mind, interstate commerce is determined by the origin, destination and/or intent. It has been successfully argued that towing an out of state registered vehicle is interstate commerce, even if you only tow it across town.

 

Brian I thought that was the case but I'm not positive I'm 32 now started out with Abel Brothers in chester county at 18 and was always told different answers all the time, but I also swore due to my age PSP loved to stop me for inspections. I ended up running a f650 a lot with air brakes and was even given a ticket once for failure to have a CDL (due to air brakes) judge threw it out. PA is the worse I find when you try and get a answer on anything whenever I've asked CMV officers what the requirements.

 

Pennsylvania is 17,001 gross and up for medical, although Federal trumps state once you engage in interstate commerce.
To see the answer for yourself, first look at the FMCSRs, 49 CFR Part 390.5, definition of a commercial vehicle then look at Part 391, qualifications of commercial drivers. That is where you find the medical qualifications.

Link to 390.5eCFR — Code of Federal Regulations
Link to 391 eCFR — Code of Federal Regulations

As for Pennsylvania, the requirement for medical certification at 17,001+. Here is a link to a guide published by PennDOT that you may find helpful.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/PubsForms/Publications/PUB%20194.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiO0rKrv6XeAhXFk1kKHQDwBMsQFjALegQICRAB&usg=AOvVaw3NzNcZJybtUXn0qdogowcO

 

Forgot to add, yes the air brake on a non-cdl truck was a bogus citation. Only need air brake restriction removed once you enter cdl weight class.