What does it mean if a vehicle is designed to carry 16 or more passengers?

If a vehicle is designed to carry 16 or more passengers, it requires a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate. This requirement is in place to ensure that drivers of larger passenger vehicles possess the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate the vehicle and manage the responsibilities that come with transporting multiple passengers.

Driving a bus or a similar vehicle with a high passenger capacity involves complex considerations, such as maneuvering, stopping distances, and emergency procedures, that can differ markedly from those applicable to standard passenger vehicles. Thus, the law mandates that only those who have completed the appropriate training and testing, as prescribed for a CDL, can operate these vehicles. This regulation helps enhance safety for both the passengers and others on the road.