1910.266(g)(4): Valid License for Logging Vehicle Operators
Employers must make sure every person who operates a vehicle in a logging operation holds a valid operator's license for the class of vehicle they are driving.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(g)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $5,281 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.266(g) Vehicles (4 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.266(g)(4) is one requirement inside 1910.266 Logging operations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(4) The employer shall assure that each vehicle operator has a valid operator's license for the class of vehicle being operated. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Export the list: 1 inspections cited 1910.266(g)(4) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.266(g)(4).
At 4:15 p.m. on February 10, 2025, Employee #1 was working for a logging companyoperating a semi-truck attached to a trailer. The trailer was loaded with logs descending downhill when Employee #1 reportedly lost control causing the truck to flip over. The cab of the…
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.266(g)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.266(g)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(g) Vehicles 4 citations
- 1910.266(g)(3) 2 citations
- 1910.266(g)(2) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Do logging vehicle operators need a license?
Yes, each operator must have a valid operator's license.
Does any license work?
No, the license must be for the class of vehicle being operated.
Who is responsible for checking this?
The employer must assure each vehicle operator is properly licensed.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.266 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-06
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.
