Do You Need a CDL to Drive a Box Truck? 

Paul Brannon | April 11, 2025 | Truck Accidents

Do You Need a CDL to Drive a Box Truck?

The license you need to operate a truck depends on the type of truck you drive. Depending on the truck, state and federal laws may apply and can impact the outcome of a Destin truck accident claim. Below, we look at whether you need a CDL to drive a box truck and the rules that apply.

When Do You Need a CDL to Drive a Truck?

In most instances, driving a box truck does not require a CDL because they do not meet the weight criteria. The law requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) if you drive a tractor-trailer, flatbed truck, bus, or larger vehicle. However, the law bases the determination of whether you need a CDL on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the truck.  

Operating a truck with a GVWR weight of 26,000 lbs or less does not require you to have a CDL, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Otherwise, depending on the GVWR, a CDL with a specific classification is necessary. 

When Does Driving a Box Truck Require a CDL?

Tractor-trailers and box trucks, designed to transport goods, have varying weights based on their cargo. The GVWR refers to how much weight a truck can carry. Most people think of box trucks as the following:

  • Amazon vans
  • FedEx or UPS trucks
  • Moving trucks
  • Business service or delivery trucks

Any place or business where you can walk in and rent or drive a truck without needing a special license does not require you to have a CDL. Larger box trucks with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more require a CDL to drive.

Who is Responsible for a Box Truck Accident?

As a driver in Florida, you are required to carry no-fault insurance to cover your injuries from a car accident, regardless of who is to blame. However, you may need to proceed with a personal injury lawsuit in Destin, FL, when the damages from a box truck accident exceed your no-fault coverage.

Responsible parties in a box truck accident may include:

  • A driver who owns or rents a box truck
  • A box truck driver’s employer
  • A service or maintenance company 
  • A box truck’s parts manufacturer
  • Another driver, when multiple vehicles are in an accident

The laws governing your right to file a Florida personal injury lawsuit to recover economic damages and other costs are complex. However, a successful settlement or lawsuit is possible. 

Do The Same Driving Laws Apply to Box Truck Drivers?

Box truck drivers must follow the same laws as other drivers to keep other Destin drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists safe. However, driving a truck that requires a CDL means some laws apply to you differently. Understanding the requirements of a particular license is vital.

For example, drunk driving accidents in Destin involving truck drivers with a CDL have different legal standards than other drivers. Commercial drivers may face alcohol-related convictions with a blood alcohol content of 0.04 or more. For other drivers, DUI charges may occur when operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more. 

Are Box Truck Drivers Held to the Same Standard as Regular Truck Drivers? 

A box truck accident is not always held to the same standard as a commercial truck accident, but liability and regulations still apply. While semi-trucks follow strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules, box trucks may not always require a commercial driver’s license or adhere to the same regulations. However, if negligence, improper maintenance, or overloaded cargo contributed to the accident, liability could be similar. The best way to learn more about your particular care is to reach out to an experienced Destin truck accident lawyer.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyer  in Northwest Florida

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a semi truck collision, it’s important to consult with a skilled attorney about recovering the compensation you deserve. If you need legal assistance, contact truck accident lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297