The number of cars you can tow without a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) depends on the total weight of your rig. For most non-commercial drivers, the key limit is a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or less. This means the weight of your tow vehicle, the trailer, and everything loaded onto both must stay under that threshold. Typically, this allows you to tow a single car on a standard car hauler. Attempting to tow multiple cars at once will almost certainly exceed this limit and require a CDL.
The rules are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), but states have some variations. Two critical terms to know are:
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum weight a vehicle is designed to carry, including itself, passengers, and cargo.
- GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): The maximum weight of the tow vehicle plus the trailer and all cargo.
If your rig's actual weight or its manufacturer's GCWR rating exceeds 26,000 lbs, you'll need a CDL. For example, towing two mid-size sedans could easily push the total weight past 20,000 lbs, leaving little room for the tow vehicle before hitting the CDL requirement. Many heavy-duty pickups have a high GCWR, but you must check your specific truck's rating in the owner's manual or on the door jamb sticker.
| State Example | CDL Requirement Threshold (GCWR) | Common Exception (Farm/Recreational) |
|---|
| California | 26,001 lbs | Limited exemptions for agricultural operations |
| Texas | 26,001 lbs | Recreational vehicles may have different rules |
| Florida | 26,001 lbs | Non-commercial use with specific registrations |
| New York | 26,001 lbs | Requires careful adherence to federal guidelines |
| Ohio | 26,001 lbs | Personal use may have weight tier exceptions |
Beyond the license, towing multiple cars requires specialized equipment like a longer, heavier-duty trailer with additional axles and brakes, which also factors into the weight. Always err on the side of caution and check your specific state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations before hitting the road.
