What are the consequences of driving a forklift with a C1 driver's license?
3 Answers
C1 driver's license does not permit driving a forklift, as forklifts are classified as engineering special vehicles and require training and certification from the technical supervision department. Below are the specific details about the C1 driver's license: 1. Permitted vehicle types: The C1 driver's license is one of the codes for motor vehicle driver's licenses. According to the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses,' the C1 license allows driving small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles, light, small, and micro special operation vehicles, and small passenger vehicles with seating capacity of 9 or fewer. Based on these standards, a C1 license holder cannot drive vehicles with more than 9 seats. 2. Examination subjects: These include traffic regulations and related knowledge, field driving, road driving, and safe and civilized driving common sense, totaling four subjects.
As a seasoned truck driver who frequently handles freight, I know this is quite common. A C1 driver's license is mainly for driving small cars and light trucks, but it doesn't cover forklifts. Operating a forklift requires a specialized forklift operation certificate. Using a C1 license to drive a forklift can have serious consequences—it counts as unlicensed operation. If caught by traffic police, you could face fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 RMB, a 12-point deduction, and even risk having your license revoked. In the unfortunate event of an accident causing injuries or property damage, you’d have to pay out of pocket since insurance won’t cover it. What’s worse, without proper training, forklift operation can easily lead to tipping or collisions—I’ve seen a veteran colleague at a construction site lose his job after misoperation crushed his leg. So never cut corners—get the proper certification. Spending a few thousand on training is far better than living with regret.
Having been in charge of safety at the factory for many years, I must emphasize the importance of safety awareness. A C1 driver's license is not all-purpose—operating a forklift is a specialized task that requires specific training and certification. The risks are too high if you start driving a forklift with just a C1 license: when encountering curves or uneven terrain, forklifts are prone to tipping over and causing injuries, which is incomparable to regular cars. In case of an accident, insurance companies may refuse coverage due to unlicensed operation, leaving you fully liable. Legally, the penalties are severe, often involving fines exceeding a thousand yuan and point deductions. From my experience, companies frequently crack down on such violations, and employees may face warnings or termination. Therefore, I recommend everyone to familiarize themselves with forklift operation knowledge, undergo proper training without cutting corners, to protect both yourself and others.
