Which type of vehicle must have an articulated vehicle license to operate?

To operate vehicles that weigh 18,000 lbs or more and are joined by a coupling device, an articulated vehicle license is required. This is because articulated vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, consist of a power unit (tractor) and one or more trailers that are connected using a coupling mechanism. The specific weight threshold of 18,000 lbs indicates that these vehicles are large and can be more complex to maneuver than standard vehicles.

This licensing requirement ensures that drivers have the appropriate training and skills to handle the unique challenges presented by articulated vehicles. Such requirements are put in place to enhance road safety and ensure that only qualified drivers operate these heavier, more complicated vehicles.

Other vehicle categories mentioned, like standard delivery trucks and vehicles under certain weight thresholds, do not require this type of specialized license because they either do not have the coupling mechanism or fall below the weight limit that classifies them as articulated vehicles, thus allowing them to be operated with a standard driver's license.