Can a C1 license drive a blue-plate tow truck?
3 Answers
Holders of a C1 driver's license can drive blue-plate tow trucks, as well as trucks with a total mass of less than 4500KG (excluding), vehicles with seating capacity of 9 or fewer people, and vehicles with a body length of less than 6 meters (excluding) that are installed with blue license plates. Permitted vehicle types: The C1 driver's license allows driving small and mini passenger cars, light and mini trucks; light, small, and mini special-purpose operation vehicles; and small passenger cars with seating capacity of 9 or fewer people. C1 driver's license holders cannot drive: large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. Additionally, C1 license holders cannot drive vehicles with more than 9 seats or trucks with a total length exceeding 6 meters. What type of transmission is C1: C1 is for manual transmission.
With more driving experience over the years, I often get similar questions from friends. A blue-license tow truck with a lightweight trailer might seem like something a C1 license can handle, but in reality, it's not allowed. A C1 license only permits driving small passenger vehicles with a total weight limit of 4.5 tons. Once you attach a trailer, even if it's a lightweight blue-license one, the combined weight can easily exceed the limit, making it illegal under regulations. You need a C1D license to legally operate a towing setup. I recommend checking the official DMV website to learn about the upgrade process—safety comes first. Don't take risks while driving; fines and points are minor compared to the liability in case of an accident. Always drive within the scope of your license—being safe and reliable is what matters most.
I was also curious about this when I first got my C1 license. Actually, the C1 license doesn't allow you to drive a trailer at all. Although a blue-plate trailer is considered a light vehicle, towing a trailer requires a C1D or higher qualification. The law clearly prohibits C1 license holders from doing this alone, otherwise it's considered unlicensed driving. If caught by traffic police, you'll get 12 points deducted and a fine of over a thousand yuan. From a safety perspective, trailers can be unstable if not handled properly, easily causing tail swings and loss of control. If you really want to drive one, it's best to upgrade your license – just take a simple C1D test. Download a traffic management app to check the detailed rules and avoid trouble. Driving requires following the rules; keeping safe is the right way.
