Arizona troopers say only CDL holder in commercial vehicle was sitting in back seat

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Highway Patrol halted a water hose hauler in the Mesa area for no commercial driver’s license (CDL) and more.

On July 11, 2026, troopers with the AZDPS Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Unit stopped a pickup truck transporting water hoses on AZ-202 near Brown Road.

The driver was not wearing a seatbelt and there were equipment violations.

“The driver did not have a CDL, however, the rear-seat passenger DID have a CDL but wasn’t driving. Instead of the licensed CDL operating the vehicle, an unauthorized driver with NO CDL was driving,” AZDPS said.

“New definition of “backseat driver” unlocked,” AZDPS joked.

The driver was issued “several citations” for operating without a CDL as well as the seatbelt violation.

“Driving a car already carries risk. Driving a large vehicle and hauling materials and equipment increases that risk. Make this summer fun, safe, and legal and don’t get yourself hosed with getting your company and driver’s license in trouble,” AZDPS said.

You can learn more about what types of vehicles require a CDL in the state of Arizona at this Arizona Department of Transportation link.