Can a C1 driver's license drive a 4.2-meter truck?

[JacksonLynn]

If it is a truck with a dark blue license plate, a C1 license can drive it. If it is a truck with a yellow license plate, a C1 license cannot be used, only a B license is allowed. C1 license allows driving the following vehicle types: small cars; approved vehicles: small and micro passenger cars, light and small trucks, as well as light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles. New drivers who have just obtained their license should pay attention to the following points: Develop the habit of checking rearview mirrors: Many new drivers lack experience in driving fast, and their driving skills are not up to standard, so they must control their speed on the road. The premise of driving is to ensure personal safety. Learn to brake: When driving, the right foot should be placed on the brake pedal, which is a crucial state of readiness for braking. Developing this habit can greatly improve driving safety. Practice driving at slow speeds: When practicing driving, for the safety of oneself and others, do not be overconfident and drive too fast. Instead, slow down, as this allows time to respond to any sudden situations that may arise.

[OLondyn]

A few days ago, my neighbor Xiao Wang just got penalized for this and specifically checked the traffic regulations: A C1 driver's license can indeed drive a blue-plate 4.2-meter truck, but there are strict conditions. The total mass of the vehicle must not exceed 4.5 tons, and the cargo box length of 4.2 meters is fine, but the key is to check the total mass marked on the vehicle's registration certificate. Nowadays, some 4.2-meter light trucks exceed 4 tons when empty, and carrying any cargo would definitely exceed the limit. Driving such a vehicle on the road would result in a penalty for driving a vehicle beyond the permitted license category. The experienced drivers I know all suggest checking the vehicle's nameplate before loading cargo. If it exceeds the registered weight on the registration certificate, even if the truck is empty, don't touch the steering wheel.

[McDelaney]

I remember when I was getting my C1 license, the instructor specifically emphasized that I could drive blue-plate trucks with a vehicle length under 6 meters and a total weight below 4.5 tons. Many box trucks on the market have a cargo compartment of 4.2 meters but the whole vehicle is only 4.8 meters long, which can be driven with a blue plate. However, last year's new regulations required some 4.2-meter models to switch to yellow plates, so it's advisable to check the plate color before driving. Once during a delivery, I noticed a colleague's 4.2-meter truck had a total mass of 4495kg on the registration certificate. These borderline cases are the most dangerous—if you overload it and get weighed, you'll still be fined.

[LeChase]

This depends on two key criteria: the total registered mass on the vehicle license and the license plate color. Common compliant 4.2-meter light trucks like FAW Jiefang Tiger VN and JAC Shuailing typically have a gross vehicle weight around 3 tons. However, models with engine displacement exceeding 2.5L are often classified as yellow-plate vehicles. Last time a logistics company recruited drivers, they explicitly required: C1 license holders can only drive blue-plate vans, and must ensure the internal cargo compartment width ≤ 2.1 meters. During actual inspections, they also check tire specifications - installing wider tires might alter the vehicle classification.

[Lamar]

My cousin encountered this issue while driving a vegetable market delivery truck. His Foton Aoling has a 4.2-meter cargo box, with a total permissible mass of 4.495 tons on the vehicle license. When loaded with 2 tons of vegetables, the weighbridge showed 5.2 tons, and the traffic police impounded the vehicle for 300% overloading. Later, we learned that many 4.2-meter light trucks come from the factory with reinforced frames and dual rear tires, making their actual load capacity exceed the standard. Driving such vehicles with a C1 license carries significant risks. Now, he always checks the vehicle's model announcement before taking a job and avoids heavy-duty truck models with the HD suffix.