Can a C1 license holder drive a blue-plate oil tanker?
2 Answers
Holders of a C1 driver's license can drive a blue-plate oil tanker, but they need to obtain a hazardous materials professional qualification certificate. Vehicles with a total mass of less than 4500KG (excluding), seating capacity of 9 or fewer people, and a body length of less than 6 meters (excluding) are eligible for blue license plates. Permitted vehicle types: The C1 driver's license allows driving small and mini passenger vehicles, as well as light and mini cargo vehicles; light, small, and mini special-purpose vehicles; and small passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer people. C1 license holders cannot drive: 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, 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 vehicles.
In my daily research on automotive regulations, I've noticed many people assume that a C1 license allows them to drive any blue-plate vehicle. While blue-plate tanker trucks may indeed be classified as small vehicles with a total weight generally under 4.5 tons (theoretically permissible for C1 license holders), additional qualifications are required if the tanker transports hazardous materials like fuel—such as a Dangerous Goods Transport Driver's Certificate. Driving without this certificate could result in 12 penalty points, fines exceeding a thousand yuan, and even license suspension if caught by traffic police. A blue plate doesn't imply simplicity; always check the permitted load capacity and safety configurations on the vehicle registration certificate. I advise against risking driving tanker trucks without verifying the vehicle classification first—consult local DMV regulations for clarity. Safety must always come first; recklessness leads to irreversible consequences.
