There are many types of heavy machinery and equipment that can be rented. Some require specific certifications, while others can drive on the road and need a license. In this article, we’ll explore what license is needed to drive the different vehicles that can be rented.
License or Certification, What is Needed for Heavy Machinery?
When discussing that, it’s essential to make a fundamental clarification:
- To drive a vehicle on the road, the driver must have a specific license.
- To operate machinery, the operator must have a specific certification.
The relevant legislation regarding licenses is the Highway Code. This classifies every type of vehicle and indicates the types of licenses for heavy machinery and other vehicles. Additionally, there is a ministerial circular, specifically number 4857 dated 22/02/13, which defines what heavy machinery and agricultural machines are and what is required to drive them.
Regarding the operation of certain machinery and equipment, the norm to be respected is the State-Regions Agreement of 22/02/12. This legal source requires each operator to have a specific certification depending on the machine they intend to operate.
The Different Types of Licenses
License B
Vans, box trucks, pick-ups, and self-propelled platforms available for rent can circulate freely on the road since they have a white number plate. Generally, it is sufficient for the driver to have a License B to drive vehicles with a weight under 3.5 tons. Most models of self-propelled platforms and box trucks belong to this category. However, there are some versions that exceed this limit, for which a License C is required.
License BE
The license for heavy machinery and agricultural machines with a yellow license plate is the License B. However, to drive vehicles consisting of a tractor and trailer over 4250 kg, a License BE is necessary.
License C
In addition to the self-propelled platforms and box trucks mentioned earlier, to drive all vehicles that exceed 3.5 tons, a License C1 is required. This type is sufficient if the weight does not exceed 7.5 tons. Finally, there are also mobile cranes, which require a License C. It is important to clarify that the License C enables driving for personal use. However, to drive a vehicle on behalf of others, you must also have the CQC License.
Where You Can Drive
Regarding heavy machinery, including excavators or rollers, it is necessary to make a brief clarification. Article 58 of the Highway Code states that this type of machinery:
- can circulate on the road to transfer from and to the place where they will be used and to move materials necessary for their operation;
- for short transfers on the road, these types of vehicles can circulate freely;
- for longer routes, such as delivering from the rental center to the construction site, they must be transported on suitable vehicles.
Heavy machinery has a specific purpose, which in most cases is the construction of works and construction sites. Therefore, they cannot be used in any way as means of transporting goods or people.
Certification for Heavy Machinery
Having clarified what license is needed for heavy machinery, we will now focus on the requirements to operate such machinery. The legislation requires that all operators who operate certain equipment have a specific certification for their safe use. These machines include those that can drive on the road, but also all those that cannot, such as self-propelled platforms, compact earthmoving machines, and logistics equipment.
To obtain any type of certification (license), you must attend a theoretical and practical course and pass a final exam. When renting machinery, a list of the names of the authorized users who will operate the machinery must be provided to the lessor.
Our Conclusions
In general, driving and operating rented machinery are two distinct actions. Only some heavy machinery can drive on the road if they have a white or yellow license plate, and an appropriate license is required to drive them. To operate machinery, including those that drive on the road, operators must have a specific certification.
It is crucial to comply with the regulations regarding licenses and certifications to work with heavy machinery. This also guarantees safety at the workplace, as these are potentially hazardous machines.
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