The exact age you will have to be to drive an ice cream truck will vary depending on your location; however, note that it will most likely fall in line with the minimum age for obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and this is normally 18 years old.
Nevertheless, states might have varying requirements or give room for younger individuals to drive non-commercial ice cream trucks with a regular driver’s license.
Aside from that, also take into account local regulations that could impose further age restrictions or mandate special permits for operating an ice cream truck. As such, be sure to carry out well-detailed research to ensure you can note all necessary state and local laws.
Factors That Determine the Stipulated Age of an Ice Cream Truck
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State Regulations
Every state in the United States possesses its set of laws that stipulate how commercial vehicles operate. You will find that a good number of states require drivers to be at least 18 years old to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
However, some others permit younger individuals to drive non-commercial ice cream trucks as long as they possess a regular driver’s license.
According to research, States like California and New York are known for their comprehensive regulations that mention ice cream trucks, including where they are legally allowed to operate or even specific safety requirements.
Keep in mind that these regulations will in most instances feature minimum age requirements for drivers. For instance, in California, ice cream truck operators are expected to be at least 18 years old.
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Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements
To drive a larger or more specialized ice cream truck, you will be expected to obtain a CDL and this will indeed determine how old you have to be.
In most states, you only have to be 18 years to obtain a CDL to operate your ice cream truck within a single state (intrastate). However, if you would like to drive across state lines (interstate), then you will have to be at least 21.
It is also important to point out that obtaining a CDL will in most states depend on the vehicle’s weight (gross vehicle weight rating or GVWR) and whether it possesses specialized equipment.
For instance, if an ice cream truck exceeds 26,001 pounds GVWR or is fully fitted to transport 16 or more passengers, then you will have to obtain a CDL. Don’t also forget there are varying classes of CDL (Class A, B, and C) depending on the vehicle type.
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Local Municipal Ordinances
Do not forget to take into account local municipal ordinances when considering starting and running an ice cream truck. They possess additional regulations for ice cream truck operators, and this might as well include age requirements.
You will find that some of them tend to mandate ice cream truck operators to be at least 21 years old, regardless of the state regulations.
Aside from that, some also require these businesses to obtain special permits or vendor licenses, and this will also come with age restrictions. Also, note that some of these permits warrant background checks and health inspections.
You would also want to take into account zoning laws since a good number of them will also stipulate where ice cream trucks can operate, including restricting sales in certain residential areas or near schools.
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Insurance Policies
For any ice cream truck business, insurance remains a major component that safeguards the business as well as its resources. You will find that most insurance companies have their age requirements for drivers. Insurance companies first evaluate the risk that comes with insuring drivers based on age, experience, and driving history.
Younger drivers will most definitely be considered higher risk, and this will mean higher premiums or more stringent age requirements.
Commercial vehicle insurance policies in the United States expect drivers to be at least 21 years old to be covered. You need to understand that this requirement is based on the statistical risk that comes with younger drivers as well as the company’s underwriting policies.
Also note that insurance policies might feature liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage, and each one will come with specific terms that might impact age requirements as well.
Owing to that, you must reach out to insurance providers to comprehend the minimum age requirements and guarantee the right coverage.
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Employer Policies
If the plan is to drive an ice cream truck for a company, then it is safe to say that the policies of the employer will determine how old you will have to be.
Employers are known to stipulate age requirements to ensure they are in line with their insurance policies, risk management strategies, or operational needs.
Keep in mind that a good number of modern companies prefer to work with drivers who are at least 21 years old to ensure they are not going against their insurance requirements or to even reduce liability risks.
Employers may also request a particular level of driving experience or specific training as regards operating an ice cream truck, and this could in many ways impact the age requirement.
Be sure to take your time to comprehend these policies before you apply because aside from getting the job, you would want to work in a company whose visions and principles align with your plans and intentions.