NJ - CDL Exemption?

Does anyone know what NJ requires in terms of firefighters needing a CDL to drive the apparatus??

Fire apparatus is exempt from CDL requirements in NJ

Halligan,

Thanks. I had heard that there was something in the law that allowed non-CDL drivers to respond to an emergency, but not back to the station. It sounded kind of quirky...

Mantoloking? Wow, a neighbor!

As Halligan said, CDL is not required in NJ. Somewhere, I have not seen it in 20+ years, I believe it's written that in a "true" emergency (good luck defining that) anyone can drive, whether trained or not. I wouldn't go with that belief though.

Bones,

Thanks for the follow up.

See you at the Big One!

I do believe that legally you do need aCDL to drive fire apparatus except when responding to an emergency. if you are transporting a vehicle for repairs or the like you need cdl

Instead of speculating, I found the actual answer right on the state website.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/cit_permi...fications.html

39:3-10k Exemption for operators of certain emergency, other equipment or vehicles.

2.Unless otherwise required by federal law or regulation, and subject to any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the provisions of this act, no (1) designated operator of firefighting apparatus, (2) non-civilian operator of a military vehicle owned or operated by the United States Department of Defense or the National Guard, (3) operator of a farm vehicle controlled and operated by a farmer, used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery or farm supplies to or from a farm, operated within 150 miles of a person's farm, and not used in the operation of a common or contract motor carrier, or (4) operator of emergency or rescue equipment operated for the purposes of a first aid, ambulance or rescue squad or for disaster control, shall be subject to the licensing provisions of the "Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986," Pub.L.99-570 (49 U.S.C. s.2701 et seq.).

Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a waiver shall not be granted if the granting of the waiver would place the State in a position of not being in substantial compliance with the requirements of the federal act.

L.1989,c.164,s.2; amended 1990, c.103, s.37; 1991, c.11, s.2; 1991, c.126, s.2; 1997, c.269, s.2.