Can a C1 License Drive Agricultural Vehicles?
2 Answers
No, agricultural vehicles generally require a C3 license. According to Article 99 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, driving an agricultural vehicle with a C1 license will result in 12 penalty points and a fine of 500 yuan due to driving a vehicle type not covered by the license. What is a C1 Driver's License: A C1 driver's license is one of the codes for motor vehicle driving licenses. The permitted driving scope of a C1 license includes small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles, light, small, and mini special operation vehicles; small passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer. Permitted Vehicle Types: The permitted driving scope of a C1 license includes small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles, light, small, and mini special operation vehicles; small passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer. Vehicles Not Permitted with a C1 License: large buses, tractors, city buses, medium buses, large trucks, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. Additionally, a C1 license does not permit driving vehicles with more than 9 seats or trucks with a total length exceeding 6 meters. Age Requirements: The minimum age for applying for a C1 license is 18 years old, with no upper age limit. However, applicants aged 70 or older must pass tests on memory, judgment, and reaction abilities.
I've been driving for twenty years and have seen many novices trying to drive tractors with a C1 license, but it's really not allowed. The C1 license only permits driving small cars or low-speed trucks. Agricultural vehicles like harvesters and large tractors require a specialized agricultural machinery driving license. Last time, my neighbor Lao Li secretly drove his father's tractor into the field, ended up flipping into a ditch, not only injuring his leg but also getting heavily fined by the traffic police. Operating agricultural vehicles is challenging, with steering and braking systems different from those in cars—it's too dangerous without specialized training. At my age, I prioritize safety more and suggest that if you want to drive one, go get the agricultural machinery license. Don't cut corners to save time or money; no one can bear the consequences if something goes wrong. Using agricultural vehicles during busy farming seasons is indeed convenient, but it must be done legally and compliantly—after all, life is more important than time.