Document ID: FMCSA-2016-0429-0001
Agency: fmcsa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Regulatory Guidance: Commercial Driver's License Standards, Requirements and Penalties
Posted Date: 2019-03-08T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 46 (Friday, March 8, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8464-8474]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-04180]

[[Page 8464]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

49 CFR Parts 383 and 384

[Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0429]

Commercial Driver's License Standards, Requirements and 
Penalties; Regulatory Guidance

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notification of updated regulatory guidance; request for 
comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA revises certain regulatory guidance concerning the 
``Commercial Driver's License Standards; Requirements and Penalties'' 
and ``State Compliance with Commercial Driver's License Program'' 
rules. FMCSA seeks comment specifically on the deletion of 47 FMCSA 
guidance statements because: The rule is clear and further guidance is 
not needed; the deleted guidance was unclear; the deleted guidance is 
duplicative of other guidance statements; or the guidance is obsolete 
due to rulemakings completed since the guidance was issued. In 
addition, other guidance statements were revised for clarity and 
reorganized so that like content is grouped together. While this 
guidance is effective immediately, FMCSA is also seeking comments on 
the revisions to this guidance regarding commercial driver's license 
standards, requirements, and penalties and may issue additional changes 
if comments demonstrate a need. It is noted, however, that the 
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) regulations are not amended.

DATES: Effective Date: The updated guidance is effective on March 7, 
2019.
    Comment Date: Comments must be received on or before May 7, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-2016-0429 using any of the 
following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
on-line instructions for submitting comments.
    Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 0590-0001.
    Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number 
for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without 
change to www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to www.regulations.gov at any time or visit Room W12-140 
on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The on-line Federal document management system 
is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want 
acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a self-
addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement 
page that appears after submitting comments on-line.
    Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits 
comments from the public to better inform its guidance process. DOT 
posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information 
the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the 
system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Selden Fritschner, CDL Division, 
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590, phone (202) 366-0677, email 
Selden.Fritschner@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) are located 
in chapter III of subtitle B of title 49 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (49 CFR parts 350 through 399). FMCSA employs regulatory 
guidance statements to explain how the Agency applies particular 
regulations to specific facts. A guidance statement does not alter the 
meaning of an FMCSR. Guidance statements are provided in question-and-
answer format; statements interpreting the same regulation are numbered 
(e.g., ``Section 395.8, Question 7'').
    The Agency notifies the public of regulatory guidance through 
publication in the Federal Register. Over the years, the Federal 
Highway Administration (FHWA), FMCSA's predecessor agency, and FMCSA 
have published regulatory guidance on numerous occasions interpreting 
many parts of the FMCSRs. In 1997, FHWA published a comprehensive 
compilation of its regulatory guidance (62 FR 16370, April 4, 1997). 
The Agency stated that regulatory guidance issued prior to that date 
was superseded to the extent it was inconsistent with the compilation. 
Agency guidance published since then has been limited to specific 
topics that amend or supplement the 1997 document.
    Section 5203 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act 
(Pub. L. 114-94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1535, Dec. 4, 2015) (FAST Act), titled 
``Guidance,'' requires that each guidance document issued by FMCSA have 
a date of issuance or a date of revision, as applicable, and include 
the name and contact information of a point of contact at the Agency 
who can respond to questions regarding the guidance. In addition, this 
section of the FAST Act requires that each guidance document issued or 
revised by FMCSA be published on a publicly accessible internet website 
of the Department on the date of issuance or revision. As a result, 
these interpretations will also be published on FMCSA's website at 
www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
    Further, Section 5203 requires that not later than 5 years after 
the date on which a guidance document is published under paragraph 
(a)(2) or during an applicable review under subsection (c), whichever 
is earlier, the Secretary must revise regulations to incorporate the 
guidance document to the extent practicable. FMCSA considered this 
requirement in making deletions and edits to guidance where the 
regulations themselves now fully address questions answered by the 
guidance. For example, Question 4 under section 383.73 clarifies that 
State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) may facilitate the commercial 
learner's permit application process and to administer the commercial 
driver's license general knowledge test to individuals who are not 
domiciled in that State. FMCSA anticipates publishing a rulemaking to 
incorporate the guidance document into the regulations. This question 
would be removed from the guidance when that rulemaking is complete.
    Section 5203 also requires that the Administrator publish in the 
Federal Register a notice and request for comment that solicits input 
from stakeholders on which guidance documents should be updated or 
eliminated. Because improvement of guidance documents is a focus for 
all

[[Page 8465]]

components of the Department (not just FMCSA), DOT will publish a 
Federal Register document inviting public comments on which DOT 
guidance (from any DOT operating administration) should be updated or 
eliminated. In addition, FMCSA is also reviewing its interpretations 
and guidance incrementally, starting with parts 383 and 384. This 
document serves as a separate request for comments and input on 
guidance for these specific parts.
    In response to the FAST Act, FMCSA is also reviewing the guidance 
statements for 49 CFR part 325 (Compliance with Interstate Motor 
Carrier Noise Emission Standards) and the rest of the FMCSRs (49 CFR 
parts 350-382 and 385-399). Any such revisions shall be the subject of 
separate future Federal Register documents.
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    \1\ See https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/advisory-committees/mcsac/welcome-fmcsa-mcsac.
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    The Agency also tasked its Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee 
(MCSAC) \1\ with reviewing the existing guidance statements to obtain 
stakeholders' views prior to making the preliminary decision concerning 
the deletion, revision, and reorganization of guidance statements. The 
MCSAC provided recommendations to FMCSA on November 21, 2016, which are 
available in the docket listed at the beginning of this document. The 
MCSAC recommendations included guidance statements for 49 CFR parts 383 
and 384. FMCSA reviewed the MCSAC final report in the development of 
these guidance changes. It should be noted that the guidance published 
today does not include all of the deletions recommended by MCSAC 
because the Agency believes some of the guidance still has value. In 
other cases, FMCSA proposes to delete guidance not recommended for 
deletion by MCSAC.

Regulatory Guidance Previously Deleted

    Since the 1997 comprehensive publication, the guidance noted on the 
table below was deleted pursuant to the cited Federal Register 
documents. FMCSA restates those deletions in Table 1 of this document 
as subsequent regulatory publications did not properly reflect those 
deletions.

   Table 1--Deletions by Final Rule (Date and Federal Register Edition
                                 Noted)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Previous guidance    Previously deleted
            Section                  numbers                by:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
383.5.........................  3 and 4..........  Final Rule titled
                                                    ``Gross Combination
                                                    Weight Rating;
                                                    Definition'' dated
                                                    March 19, 2014 (79
                                                    FR 15245).
383.23........................  1, 2, and 4......  Final Rule titled,
                                                    ``Commercial
                                                    Driver's License
                                                    Testing and
                                                    Commercial Learner's
                                                    Permit Standards
                                                    dated May 9, 2011
                                                    (76 FR 26854).
383.73........................  11...............  Final Rule titled,
                                                    ``Commercial
                                                    Driver's License
                                                    Testing and
                                                    Commercial Learner's
                                                    Permit Standards
                                                    dated May 9, 2011
                                                    (76 FR 26854).
383.95........................  2 and 3..........  Final Rule titled,
                                                    ``Commercial
                                                    Driver's License
                                                    Testing and
                                                    Commercial Learner's
                                                    Permit Standards
                                                    dated May 9, 2011
                                                    (76 FR 26854).
383.113.......................  1 and 2..........  Final Rule titled,
                                                    ``Commercial
                                                    Driver's License
                                                    Testing and
                                                    Commercial Learner's
                                                    Permit Standards
                                                    dated May 9, 2011
                                                    (76 FR 26854).
383.131.......................  1................  Final Rule titled,
                                                    ``Commercial
                                                    Driver's License
                                                    Testing and
                                                    Commercial Learner's
                                                    Permit Standards
                                                    dated May 9, 2011
                                                    (76 FR 26854).
383.133.......................  1, 2 and 3.......  Final Rule titled,
                                                    ``Commercial
                                                    Driver's License
                                                    Testing and
                                                    Commercial Learner's
                                                    Permit Standards
                                                    dated May 9, 2011
                                                    (76 FR 26854).
383.153.......................  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6   Final Rule titled,
                                 and 7.             ``Commercial
                                                    Driver's License
                                                    Testing and
                                                    Commercial Learner's
                                                    Permit Standards
                                                    dated May 9, 2011
                                                    (76 FR 26854).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Guidance Deleted by This Document

    FMCSA deletes 47 regulatory guidance statements that interpret 
sections in parts 383 and 384 of the CDL regulations as shown in Table 
2.

                                Table 2--Deletions by Section and Question Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               49 CFR section                                Previous question numbers now deleted
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
383.3.......................................  3, 5, 7, 11, 14, 17, 18, 32.
383.5.......................................  6, 8, 10.
383.21......................................  1.
383.23......................................  3.
383.37......................................  1, 2.
383.51 (General)............................  7, 8.
383.51 (Alcohol)............................  1, 4, 5.
383.71......................................  1, 2, 3, 4.
383.73......................................  1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11.
383.77......................................  1, 2.
383.93......................................  1, 3, 5, 11, 12.
383.95......................................  1.
Special Topics (Motorcoaches)...............  1.
Special Topics (State Reciprocity)..........  1, 2, 3.
Special Topics (International)..............  1.
384.209.....................................  1.
384.211.....................................  1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 8466]]

    The reason for the particular deletion is set forth in Table 3 
below:

                     Table 3--Reasons for Deletions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Previous guidance
        49 CFR section               numbers               Reason
------------------------------------------------------------------------
383.3.........................  3, 7, 14, 32.....  Issue addressed in
                                                    deleted question is
                                                    more accurately
                                                    addressed in other,
                                                    retained guidance.
383.93........................  1, 3.............
383.95........................  1................
Special Topics (State           2................
 Reciprocity).
383.3.........................  5, 11............  Language of the
                                                    regulation is clear
                                                    on the issue.
383.5.........................  10...............
383.23........................  3................
383.37........................  1, 2.............
383.73........................  2, 11............
383.77........................  2................
383.93........................  12...............
383.3.........................  18...............  Current regulation
                                                    makes these
                                                    questions obsolete.
383.5.........................  8................
383.21........................  1................
383.51 (General)..............  7, 8.............
383.51 (Alcohol)..............  4, 5.............
383.71........................  1................
383.73........................  1, 6, 9, 10......
383.77........................  1................
383.93........................  5, 11............
Special Topics (Motorcoaches).  1................
Special Topics (State           1................
 Reciprocity).
384.209.......................  1................
384.211.......................  1................
383.5.........................  6................  Either the question,
                                                    answer, or both were
                                                    unclear and the
                                                    regulation is clear
                                                    on the issue.
383.71........................  2, 3.............
383.73........................  4................
Special Topics (State           3................
 Reciprocity).
383.51 (Alcohol)..............  1................  Irrelevant to any
                                                    regulatory language
                                                    within this part.
383.71........................  4................
383.3.........................  17...............  Restates the language
                                                    of the regulation,
                                                    and, therefore, does
                                                    not clarify the
                                                    rule.
Special Topics (International)  1................  Obsolete. On February
                                                    25, 2016, the
                                                    Government of Mexico
                                                    published an accord
                                                    that changed the
                                                    validity of the
                                                    Mexican licenses.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Guidance Added

    FMCSA adds two regulatory guidance statements that interpret 
sections in the part 383 CDL regulations. These new statements were 
developed in response to requests for guidance from the States and 
others. The new guidance statements are in Table 4.

                       Table 4--New Guidance Added
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           New guidance
                     49 CFR section                           number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
383.91..................................................               6
383.113.................................................               1
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Guidance Revised/Renumbered

    FMCSA revises 55 regulatory guidance statements that interpret 
sections in parts 383 and 384 and makes number changes only to 24 other 
guidance statements. Technical corrections are minor ministerial 
changes, for example, changing references to ``FHWA'' to ``FMCSA,'' 
updating regulatory citations, or making minor grammatical changes. The 
revised or renumbered guidance statements are in Table 5:

                                     Table 5--Guidance Revised or Renumbered
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Previous guidance
              Section                        number                    Changes              New guidance number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
383.3..............................  1.....................  Technical correction.......  1.
383.3..............................  2.....................  Technical correction.......  2.
383.3..............................  4.....................  Number change only; no       3.
                                                              substantive change.
383.3..............................  6.....................  Text of guidance to          4.
                                                              previous Question 7 was
                                                              added to this guidance and
                                                              number change.
383.3..............................  8.....................  Technical correction and     5.
                                                              number change.
383.3..............................  9.....................  Technical correction and     6.
                                                              number change.
383.3..............................  10....................  Technical correction and     7.
                                                              number change.
383.3..............................  12....................  Number change only; no       8.
                                                              substantive change.
383.3..............................  13....................  Technical correction and     9.
                                                              number change.

[[Page 8467]]

 
383.3..............................  14....................  Technical correction and     Sec.   383.93,
                                                              number change.               Question 1.
383.3..............................  15....................  Technical correction and     10.
                                                              number change.
383.3..............................  16....................  Technical correction and     11.
                                                              number change.
383.3..............................  19....................  Number change only; no       12.
                                                              substantive change.
383.3..............................  20....................  Number change only; no       14.
                                                              substantive change.
383.3..............................  21....................  Number change only; no       13.
                                                              substantive change.
383.3..............................  22....................  Number change only; no       16.
                                                              substantive change.
383.3..............................  23....................  Number change only; no       17.
                                                              substantive change.
383.3..............................  24....................  Number change only; no       18.
                                                              substantive change.
383.3..............................  25....................  Technical correction and     19.
                                                              number change.
383.3..............................  26....................  Technical correction and     15.
                                                              number change.
383.3..............................  27....................  Technical correction and     20.
                                                              number change.
383.3..............................  28....................  Technical correction and     21.
                                                              number change.
383.3..............................  29....................  Edited to improve accuracy   22.
                                                              and number change.
383.3..............................  30....................  Edited to improve accuracy   23.
                                                              and number change.
383.3..............................  31....................  Edited to improve accuracy   24.
                                                              and number change.
383.3..............................  33....................  Number change only; no       26.
                                                              substantive change.
383.5..............................  1.....................  Technical correction.......  1.
383.5..............................  2.....................  Number change only; no       6.
                                                              substantive change.
383.5..............................  5.....................  Technical correction and     2.
                                                              number change.
383.5..............................  7.....................  Technical correction and     3.
                                                              number change.
383.5..............................  9.....................  Technical correction and     4.
                                                              number change.
383.5..............................  11....................  Technical correction and     5.
                                                              number change.
383.5..............................  12....................  Technical correction and     7.
                                                              number change.
383.5..............................  13....................  Number change only; no       8.
                                                              substantive change.
383.5..............................  14....................  Number change only; no       9.
                                                              substantive change.
383.21.............................  2.....................  Number change only; no       1.
                                                              substantive change.
383.23.............................  5.....................  Technical correction and     1.
                                                              number change.
383.31.............................  1.....................  Technical correction.......  1.
383.33.............................  1.....................  Technical correction.......  1.
383.37.............................  3.....................  Technical correction and     1.
                                                              number change.
383.37.............................  4.....................  Updated pursuant to 67 FR    2.
                                                              49742, ``Commercial
                                                              Driver's License
                                                              Standards, Requirements,
                                                              and Penalties; Commercial
                                                              Driver's License Program
                                                              Improvement and
                                                              Noncommercial Motor
                                                              Vehicle Violations Final
                                                              Rule,'' July 31, 2002 and
                                                              number change.
383.51--General Questions..........  1.....................  Updated pursuant to 67 FR    1.
                                                              49742, ``Commercial
                                                              Driver's License
                                                              Standards, Requirements,
                                                              and Penalties; Commercial
                                                              Driver's License Program
                                                              Improvement and
                                                              Noncommercial Motor
                                                              Vehicle Violations Final
                                                              Rule,'' July 31, 2002.
383.51--General Questions..........  2.....................  Technical correction and     3.
                                                              number change.
383.51--General Questions..........  3.....................  Technical correction and     5.
                                                              number change.
383.51--General Questions..........  4.....................  No changes.................  4.
383.51--General Questions..........  5.....................  Technical correction and     2.
                                                              number change.
383.51--General Questions..........  6.....................  Updated pursuant to 67 FR    7.
                                                              49742, ``Commercial
                                                              Driver's License
                                                              Standards, Requirements,
                                                              and Penalties; Commercial
                                                              Driver's License Program
                                                              Improvement and
                                                              Noncommercial Motor
                                                              Vehicle Violations Final
                                                              Rule,'' July 31, 2002.
383.51--Alcohol Questions..........  2.....................  Technical correction and     1.
                                                              number change.
383.51--Alcohol Questions..........  3.....................  Technical correction and     2.
                                                              number change.
383.51--Alcohol Questions..........  6.....................  Updated pursuant to 67 FR    Sec.   383.51, General
                                                              49742, ``Commercial          Question 6.
                                                              Driver's License
                                                              Standards, Requirements,
                                                              and Penalties; Commercial
                                                              Driver's License Program
                                                              Improvement and
                                                              Noncommercial Motor
                                                              Vehicle Violations Final
                                                              Rule,'' July 31, 2002 and
                                                              number change.
383.51--Alcohol Questions..........  7.....................  Technical correction and     Sec.   383.51, General
                                                              number change.               Question 8.
383.51--Alcohol Questions..........  8.....................  Technical correction and     Sec.   383.51, General
                                                              number change.               Question 9.
383.71.............................  4.....................  Technical correction and     1.
                                                              number change.
383.73.............................  5.....................  Number change only; no       1.
                                                              substantive change.
383.73.............................  7.....................  Technical correction and     2.
                                                              number change.
383.73.............................  8.....................  Number change only; no       3.
                                                              substantive change.
383.73.............................  NA-New as of August     Assigned guidance number;    4.
                                      11, 2017. See 82 FR     no substantive change or
                                      36101.                  technical corrections..
383.75.............................  1.....................  Technical correction.......  1.

[[Page 8468]]

 
383.75.............................  2.....................  Updated pursuant to 76 FR    2.
                                                              26854, ``Commercial
                                                              Driver's License Testing
                                                              and Commercial Learner's
                                                              Permit Standards Final
                                                              Rule,'' May 9, 2011..
383.75.............................  3.....................  Technical correction.......  3.
383.91.............................  2.....................  Technical correction.......  2.
383.91.............................  4.....................  Technical correction.......  4.
383.91.............................  5.....................  Technical correction.......  5.
383.93.............................  383.3, Question 14....  Technical correction and     1.
                                                              number change.
383.93.............................  2.....................  Number change only; no       5.
                                                              substantive change.
383.93.............................  4.....................  Technical correction and     2.
                                                              number change.
383.93.............................  7.....................  Number change only; no       3.
                                                              substantive change.
383.93.............................  8.....................  Number change only; no       7.
                                                              substantive change.
383.93.............................  9.....................  Technical correction and     4.
                                                              number change.
383.93.............................  10....................  Number change only; no       8.
                                                              substantive change.
383.93.............................  13....................  Number change only; no       9.
                                                              substantive change.
383.93.............................  14....................  Technical correction and     10.
                                                              number change.
383.93.............................  15....................  Number change only; no       11.
                                                              substantive change.
383.93.............................  383.3, Question 34....  Technical correction and     12.
                                                              number change.
383.95.............................  4.....................  Technical correction and     1.
                                                              number change.
383.153............................  8.....................  Technical correction and     1.
                                                              number change.
Special Topics--Motorcoaches and     2.....................  Technical correction and     1.
 CDL.                                                         number change.
384.209............................  2.....................  Number change only; no       1.
                                                              substantive change..
384.231............................  1.....................  Technical correction.......  1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current Guidance

    The guidance published today in this document uses the following 
abbreviations:

Commercial Driver's License--CDL
Commercial Motor Vehicle--CMV
Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986--CMVSA
Farm-Related Service Industries--FRSI
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration--FMCSA
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations--FMCSRs
Gross Combination Weight Rating--GCWR
Gross Vehicle Weight--GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating--GVWR
Hazardous Materials--HM

PART 383--COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE STANDARDS; REQUIREMENTS AND 
PENALTIES

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.3 Applicability

    Question 1: Is a school or church bus driver required to obtain a 
CDL?
    Guidance: Yes, if the driver operates a vehicle designed to 
transport 16 or more people (including the driver) or that has a GVWR 
or GVW, whichever is higher, of 26,001 pounds or more.
    Question 2: Do mechanics, shop help, and other occasional drivers 
need a CDL?
    Guidance: Yes, if the vehicle is a CMV and is operated or test-
driven on a public highway.
    Question 3: Does part 383 apply to drivers of vehicles used in 
``van pools''?
    Guidance: Yes, if the vehicle is designed to transport 16 or more 
people (including the driver) or has a GVWR or GVW, whichever is 
higher, of 26,001 pounds or more.
    Question 4: Does off-road motorized construction equipment meet the 
definitions of ``motor vehicle'' and ``commercial motor vehicle'' as 
used in Sec.  383.5 and 49 CFR 390.5?
    Guidance: No. Off-road motorized construction equipment is outside 
the scope of these definitions when (1) operated at construction sites; 
or (2) operated on a public road open to unrestricted public travel, 
provided the equipment is not used in furtherance of a transportation 
purpose. Occasionally driving such equipment on a public road to reach 
or leave a construction site does not amount to furtherance of a 
transportation purpose. The definition of off-road motorized 
construction equipment is to be narrowly construed and limited to 
equipment which, by its design and function is obviously not intended 
for use, nor is it used on a public road in furtherance of a 
transportation purpose. Examples of such equipment include motor 
scrapers, backhoes, motor graders, compactors, tractors, trenchers, 
bulldozers and railroad track maintenance cranes.
    Question 5: Do operators of motorized cranes and vehicles used to 
pump cement at construction sites have to meet the testing and 
licensing requirements of the CDL program?
    Guidance: Yes, because such vehicles are designed to be operated on 
the public highways, they do not qualify as off-road construction 
equipment.
    Question 6: May a State require persons operating recreational 
vehicles or other CMVs used by groups of people, including family 
members, for non-business purposes to have a CDL?
    Guidance: Yes. States may extend the CDL requirements to drivers of 
recreational vehicles and other vehicles used for non-business 
purposes.
    Question 7: Does a driver of either a tractor trailer or a straight 
truck that is converted into a mobile office need a CDL?
    Guidance: Yes, if the vehicle meets the definition of a CMV in 
Sec.  383.5.
    Question 8: Are State, county and municipal workers operating CMVs 
required to obtain CDLs?
    Guidance: Yes, unless they are waived by the State under the 
firefighting and emergency equipment exemption in Sec.  383.3(d).
    Question 9: Do the regulations require that a person driving an 
empty school bus from the manufacturer to the local distributor obtain 
a CDL?
    Guidance: Yes. Any driver of a bus that is designed to transport 16 
or more persons, or that has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, is 
required to obtain a CDL in the applicable class with a passenger 
endorsement. This includes

[[Page 8469]]

drivers transporting empty school buses on a public highway.
    Question 10: Are public transit employees known as ``hostlers,'' 
who maintain and park transit buses on transit system property, subject 
to CDL requirements?
    Guidance: No, as long as they do not operate on public highways.
    Question 11: Are drivers of non-military amphibious landing craft 
that are usually used in water but occasionally used on a public 
highway, such as those used for sightseeing tours, subject to the CDL 
requirements?
    Guidance: Yes, if they are designed to transport 16 or more 
passengers including the driver or have a GVWR or GVW, whichever is 
higher, of 26,001 pounds or more.
    Question 12: Must a civilian operator of a CMV, as defined in Sec.  
383.5, who operates wholly within a military facility open to public 
travel, have a CDL?
    Guidance: Yes, a civilian operator of a CMV, who operates wholly 
within a military facility open to public travel, must have a CDL. The 
CDL requirement applies to every person who operates a CMV in 
interstate, foreign or intrastate commerce. If the road, whether on 
military or other private property, is open to public travel, vehicles 
traveling upon it are operating in interstate, foreign or intrastate 
commerce.
    Question 13: Are police officers who operate buses and vans which 
are designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, 
and are used to transport police officers during demonstrations and 
other crowd control activities required to obtain a CDL?
    Guidance: Not necessarily. A State may, in its discretion, under 
Sec.  383.3(d), exempt persons who operate CMVs necessary for the 
preservation of life or property or the execution of emergency 
governmental functions. These vehicles must be equipped with audible 
and visual signals and may include Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) 
team vehicles and other vehicles used in response to emergencies.
    Question 14: Does the FMCSA include the Space Cargo Transportation 
System (SCTS) off-road motorized military equipment under the 
definitions of ``motor vehicle'' and ``commercial motor vehicle'' as 
used in Sec.  383.5?
    Guidance: No. Although the SCTS has vehicular aspects (it is 
mechanically propelled on wheels), the SCTS is obviously incompatible 
with highway traffic and is found only at locations adjacent to 
military bases in California and Florida, and is operated by skilled 
technicians. The SCTS is moved to and from its point of manufacture to 
its launch site by ``driving'' the ``vehicles'' short distances on 
public roads at speeds of five miles per hour or less. This is only 
incidental to their primary functions; the SCTS is not designed to 
operate in traffic; and its mechanical manipulation often requires a 
different set of knowledge and skills. In most instances, the SCTS has 
to be specially marked, escorted, and attended by numerous observers.
    Question 15: Do active duty military personnel, not wearing 
military uniforms, qualify for a waiver from the CDL requirements if 
the CMVs are rental trucks or leased buses from the General Services 
Administration?
    Guidance: Yes. The drivers in question do not need to be in 
military uniforms to qualify for the waivers if they are on active duty 
and performing a military function.
    Question 16: May fuel be considered ``farm supplies'' as used in 
Sec.  383.3(d)(1)?
    Guidance: Yes. The decision to grant the waiver is left to each 
individual State.
    Question 17: Is the transportation of seed-cotton modules from the 
cotton field to the gin by a module transport vehicle considered a form 
of custom harvesting activity that may be included under the FRSI 
waiver (Sec.  383.3(f))?
    Guidance: Yes. The transportation of seed-cotton modules from field 
to gin may, at the State's discretion, be considered as custom 
harvesting and therefore eligible for the FRSI waiver. However, cotton 
ginning operations as an industry, and specifically the transport of 
cotton from the gin, are not eligible activities under the FRSI waiver 
because these activities are not considered appropriate elements of 
custom harvesting.
    Question 18: May a State (1) require an applicant for a CDL farmer 
waiver (Sec.  383.3(d)) to take HM training as a condition for being 
granted a waiver; and (2) reduce the 150-mile provision in the waiver 
to 50 miles if the driver is transporting HM?
    Guidance: Yes. The Federal farm waiver is permissive, not 
mandatory.
    Question 19: Are custom harvesters who harvest trees for tree 
farmers eligible to be considered ``custom harvesters'' for purposes of 
the FRSI waiver from selected CDL requirements?
    Guidance: Yes, if the State considers a business that harvests 
trees for tree farmers to be a custom harvesting operation, then its 
employees could qualify for the FRSI-restricted CDLs, subject to the 
limitations of the waiver provisions in Sec.  383.3(f).
    Question 20: May a farmer who meets all of the conditions for a 
farm waiver be waived from the CDL requirements when transporting 
another farmer's products absent any written or verbal contract?
    Guidance: No. If a farmer is transporting another farmer's products 
and being paid for doing so, directly or indirectly, he or she is 
acting as a for-hire carrier and does not meet the conditions for a 
farm waiver. The existence of contract, written or verbal, is not 
relevant to the CDL waiver provisions.
    Question 21: May a State exempt CMV drivers employed by a 
partnership, corporation or an association engaged in farming from the 
CDL requirements under the farmer waiver (Sec.  383.3(d)) or is the 
waiver only available to drivers employed by a family-owned farm?
    Guidance: Yes. Since farming partnerships, corporations, and 
associations are legal ``persons,'' States may exempt drivers working 
for these organizations from the CDL requirements, provided they can 
operate within the waiver conditions.
    Question 22: May a State exempt CMV drivers employed by farm 
cooperatives from the CDL requirements under the farmer waiver (Sec.  
383.3(d))?
    Guidance: No. The waiver covers only operators of farm vehicles 
which are controlled and operated by ``farmers'' as defined in 49 CFR 
390.5. The waiver does not extend to ancillary businesses, like 
cooperatives, that provide farm-related services to members.
    Question 23: Is a person who grows sod as a business considered a 
farmer and eligible for the farmer waiver?
    Guidance: Yes, the State has the discretion to recognize the 
growing of sod as a farming activity and to provide an exemption under 
the farmer waiver in Sec.  383.3.
    Question 24: Would a tillerman, a person exercising control over 
the steerable rear axle(s) on a CMV, be considered a driver or a person 
who operates a CMV and be subject to applicable CDL regulations?
    Guidance: Yes. A person physically located on the rear of a manned 
CMV who controls a steerable rear axle while the CMV is moving at 
highway speeds would be considered a person who operates a CMV, and 
would, therefore, be subject to the applicable CDL regulations in part 
383. A person walking beside a CMV or riding in an escort car while 
controlling a steerable rear axle at slow speeds would not be 
considered a person who operates a CMV, and, therefore, would not be 
subject to applicable CDL regulations.

[[Page 8470]]

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.5 Definition

    Question 1:
    a. Does ``designed to transport'' as used in the definition of a 
CMV in Sec.  383.5 mean original design or current design when a number 
of seats are removed?
    b. If all of the seats except the driver's seat are removed from a 
vehicle originally designed to transport only passengers to convert it 
to a cargo-carrying vehicle, does this vehicle meet the definition of a 
CMV in Sec.  383.5?
    Guidance:
    a. ``Designed to transport'' means the original design. Removal of 
seats does not change the design capacity of the CMV so long as it 
still transports passengers.
    b. No, unless this modified vehicle has a GVWR or GVW, whichever is 
higher, of 26,001 pounds or more, or is used to transport placarded HM. 
This vehicle shall not transport passengers. Only the driver may occupy 
this converted vehicle.
    Question 2: When a State agency contracts with private parties for 
services involving the operation of CMVs, is the State agency or 
contractor considered the employer?
    Guidance: For the purposes of part 383, if the contractor employs 
individuals and assigns and monitors their driving tasks, the 
contractor is considered the employer. If the State agency assigns and 
monitors driving tasks, then the State agency is the employer.
    Question 3: Does the definition of a CMV in Sec.  383.5 of the CDL 
requirements include parking lot and/or street sweeping vehicles and is 
a driver of such a vehicle required to have a CDL?
    Guidance: If the GVWR of a parking lot or street sweeping vehicle 
is 26,001 pounds or more, it is a CMV under Sec.  383.5. If the vehicle 
is operated on a public highway, the driver would need a CDL.
    Question 4: One definition of CMV is a vehicle ``designed to 
transport'' 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Does that 
include standing passengers if the vehicle was specifically designed to 
accommodate standees?
    Guidance: No. ``Designed to transport'' refers only to the number 
of designated seats; it does not include areas suitable, or even 
designed, for standing passengers.
    Question 5: Must operators of motor graders or motor scrapers 
obtain CDLs and be subject to controlled substances and alcohol testing 
if they operate the equipment on public roads?
    Guidance: No.
    Question 6: Are rubberized collapsible containers or ``bladder 
bags'' attached to a trailer considered a tank vehicle, thus requiring 
operators to obtain a CDL with a tank vehicle endorsement?
    Guidance: Yes.
    Question 7: A driver operates a combination vehicle with a GCWR of 
26,001 pounds or more. The tractor is towing a semitrailer and a full 
trailer, each with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds. Is this 
combination a Group A vehicle that requires a driver with a Class A 
CDL?
    Guidance: Yes. The GVWR for multiple towed units are added to 
determine whether the 10,000 pound GVWR threshold has been met. If the 
total GVWR for the two trailers is more than 10,000 pounds, and the 
tractor's GVWR is sufficient to produce a GCWR of at least 26,001 
pounds, the combination is a Group A vehicle requiring a driver with a 
Class A CDL with a double/triple trailers endorsement.
    For example, a combination vehicle with a GCWR of 36,000 pounds 
includes a semitrailer and a trailer, each of which has a GVWR of 6,000 
pounds. This is a Group A vehicle having a Gross GCWR of 36,000 pounds 
inclusive of two towed units having a combined GVWR of 12,000 pounds.
    Question 8: On May 9, 2011, FMCSA revised the definition of ``tank 
vehicle'' to include any CMV that is designed to transport any liquid 
or gaseous materials within a tank or tanks having an individual rated 
capacity of more than 119 gallons or more that is either permanently or 
temporarily attached to the vehicle or the chassis. Does the new 
definition include loaded Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) or their 
tanks temporarily attached to a CMV?
    Guidance: Yes. The new definition is intended to cover (1) a 
vehicle transporting an IBC or other tank used for any liquid or 
gaseous materials with an individual rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or 
more that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle 
or chassis; or (2) a vehicle used to transport multiple IBCs or other 
tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and 
an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that are 
permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or the chassis.
    Question 9: On May 9, 2011, FMCSA revised the definition of ``tank 
vehicle.'' Does the new definition cover the transportation of empty 
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) or other tanks, or empty storage 
tanks?
    Guidance: No. The definition of ``tank vehicle'' does not cover the 
transportation of empty IBCs or other tanks, or empty tanks when these 
containers are manifested either as empty or as residue on a bill of 
lading, and are actually empty or contain only residue. Furthermore, 
the definition of tank vehicle does not cover the transportation of 
empty storage tanks that are not designed for transportation and have a 
rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more, that are temporarily attached 
to a flatbed vehicle.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.21--Number of Drivers' Licenses

    Question 1: Is a person from Puerto Rico required to surrender his 
or her driver's license in order to obtain a non-domiciled CDL?
    Guidance: No. Since Puerto Rico and the U.S. Territories are not 
included in the definition of a State in section 12016 of the CMVSA (49 
U.S.C. 31301(14)), they must be considered foreign countries for 
purposes of the CDL requirements. Under part 383, a person domiciled in 
a foreign country is not required to surrender his or her foreign 
license in order to obtain a non-domiciled CDL. There are two reasons 
for permitting this dual licensing to a person domiciled in Puerto 
Rico: (a) There is no reciprocal agreement with Puerto Rico recognizing 
its CMV testing and licensing standards as equivalent to the standards 
in part 383, and (b) the non-domiciled CDL may not be recognized as a 
valid license to drive in Puerto Rico.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.23--Commercial Driver's License

    Question 1: May a foreign driver with an employment authorization 
document obtain a CDL to operate a CMV in the United States?
    Guidance: Yes. A foreign driver holding an employment authorization 
document or an unexpired foreign passport accompanied by an approved 
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) I-94 Arrival/Departure Record may 
obtain a non-domiciled CDL. However, drivers who are citizens of Canada 
and Mexico are not eligible for non-domiciled CDLs because FMCSA has 
determined that commercial licenses issued by Canadian provinces and 
territories, and the United Mexican States, are in accordance with the 
standards established by our rules. Therefore, all Mexican and Canadian 
drivers must have an appropriate commercial license from his or her 
home country. Finally, a foreign driver who is in this country on an 
employment authorization document or an unexpired foreign

[[Page 8471]]

passport accompanied by an approved CBP I-94 Arrival/Departure Record 
may not obtain a resident CDL since he or she is not ``domiciled'' in a 
U.S. State, as defined in Sec.  383.5 (``State of domicile'').

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.31--Notification of Convictions for 
Driver Violations

    Question 1: Must an operator of a CMV (as defined in Sec.  383.5), 
who holds a CDL, notify his/her current employer of a conviction for 
violating a State or local (non-parking) traffic law in any type of 
motor vehicle, as required by Sec.  383.31(b), even though the 
conviction is under appeal?
    Guidance: Yes. The taking of an appeal does not vacate or annul the 
conviction, nor does it stay the notification requirements of Sec.  
383.31. The driver must notify his/her employer within 30 days of the 
date of the conviction.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.33--Notification of Driver's License 
Suspensions

    Question 1: When a driver (a) receives an Administrative Order of 
Suspension due to a blood alcohol reading in excess of the legal limit 
with notice that the suspension is not to be effective until 45 days 
after the notice or after an administrative hearing, and (b) a hearing 
is subsequently held, in effect suspending the license, what is the 
effective date of suspension for purposes of notifying the employer 
under Sec.  383.33?
    Guidance: The effective date of the suspension is the date given 
the employee in the Administrative Order of Suspension. For the purpose 
of notifying the employer, the employee must notify his or her employer 
by the end of the next business day of receiving the Administrative 
Order of Suspension.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.37--Employer Responsibilities

    Question 1: If an individual driver had two convictions for serious 
traffic violations while driving a CMV, and neither the FMCSA nor his/
her State licensing agency took any disqualification action, does the 
motor carrier have any obligation under FMCSA regulations to refrain 
from using the driver for 60 days? If so, when does that time period 
begin?
    Guidance: No. The motor carrier's responsibility under Sec.  
383.37(a) to refrain from using the driver begins only when it learns 
of a disqualification action imposed by FMCSA or the State agency and 
continues until the disqualification period set by the State or FMCSA 
is completed.
    Question 2: Is a driver who has a CDL and has been convicted of a 
felony disqualified from operating a CMV under the FMCSRs?
    Guidance: Not necessarily. The FMCSRs do not prohibit a driver who 
has been convicted of a felony from operating a CMV unless the offense 
involved the use of a motor vehicle, either a CMV or a non-CMV. (Table 
1 to Sec.  383.51(b))

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.51--Disqualification of Drivers- 
General Questions

    Question 1:
    a. If a CDL holder was convicted of one ``excessive speeding'' (15 
or more miles over the speed limit) violation in a CMV and the same 
violation in his/her personal vehicle, would the driver be 
disqualified? Or,
    b. If a CDL holder was convicted of two separate ``excessive 
speeding'' (15 or more miles over the speed limit) violations in his/
her personal passenger vehicle, would the driver be disqualified?
    Guidance: Yes, in both cases, if the second offense was within 3 
years of the first. Whether the vehicle is a CMV is irrelevant.
    Question 2: If a State disqualifies a driver for two convictions 
for serious traffic violations under Sec.  383.51 and that driver is 
then reinstated and commits a third serious violation, what additional 
period of disqualification must be imposed on that driver?
    Guidance: If the third violation for a serious violation occurs 
within 3 years of the original violation and the driver is convicted of 
the third violation, then the driver must be disqualified for an 
additional 120 days.
    Question 3: Section 383.51 of the FMCSRs disqualifies a driver if 
certain offenses were committed while operating a CMV. Will the States 
be required to identify on the motor vehicle driver's record the class 
of vehicle being operated when a violation occurs?
    Guidance: No, the State must only identify whether the violation 
occurred in a CMV, not the specific class of CMV. The only other 
indication that is required is if the vehicle was carrying HM as 
defined in Sec.  383.5.
    Question 4: What is meant by leaving the scene of an accident 
involving a CMV?
    Guidance: As used in part 383, the disqualifying offense of 
``leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV'' is all-inclusive 
and covers the entire range of situations where the driver of the CMV 
is required by State law to stop after an accident and either give 
information to the other party, render aid, or attempt to locate and 
notify the operator or owner of other vehicles involved in the 
accident.
    Question 5: If a CDL holder commits an offense that would normally 
be disqualifying, but the CDL holder is driving under the farm waiver 
in Sec.  383.3(d)(1), must the conviction result in a disqualification 
and action against the CDL holder?
    Guidance: Yes. A CDL holder is subject to the disqualification 
requirements, even if the CDL holder is not operating a CMV or a 
vehicle requiring the CDL when the offense occurs.
    Question 6: Is a driver who possesses a valid CDL issued by his/her 
State of domicile, but who is suspended by another State for reasons 
unrelated to the violation of a motor vehicle traffic control law, 
disqualified from operating a CMV?
    Guidance: No. Section 383.5 defines the term ``Disqualification'' 
for CDL holders and limits the basis of out-of-State disqualifications 
to those resulting from a conviction for a violation of State or local 
law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than parking, 
vehicle weight or vehicle defect violations).
    Question 7: May a State issue a ``conditional,'' ``occupational'' 
or ``hardship'' license that includes CDL driving privileges when a CDL 
holder loses driving privileges to operate a private passenger vehicle 
(non-CMV)?
    Guidance: No. Under 49 CFR 384.210, a State may not knowingly issue 
a CLP, CDL, or a commercial special license or permit (including a 
provisional or temporary license) permitting a person to drive a CMV 
during a period in which the CLP or CDL holder's noncommercial driving 
privilege has been disqualified.
    Question 8: Must the State use the date of conviction, rather than 
the offense date, to calculate the starting and ending dates for the 
driver disqualification period specified in Sec.  383.51?
    Guidance: Yes, the State must use the date of conviction or a later 
date, rather than the offense date, as the basis for calculating the 
starting and ending dates for the driver disqualification period. The 
use of the conviction date or a later date ensures that the driver 
receives due process of law but still serves the full disqualification 
required.
    Question 9: Must the State use the offense date or the conviction 
date to determine if two or more serious traffic

[[Page 8472]]

convictions occurred within a 3-year period?
    Guidance: The State must use the offense dates to determine if two 
or more serious traffic convictions fall within the 3-year period 
specified in Sec.  383.51, Table 2.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.51--Disqualification of Drivers--
Alcohol Questions

    Question 1: Is a driver disqualified for driving a CMV while off-
duty with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.04 percent?
    Guidance: Yes. Any person driving a CMV, as defined in Sec.  383.5, 
regardless of the person's duty status, must be disqualified if 
convicted of driving with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.04 
percent.
    Question 2:
    a. Does a receipt to drive issued pursuant to the administrative 
license revocation (ALR) procedure authorize the continued operation of 
a CMV when the license surrendered is a CDL?
    b. Does the acceptance of a receipt to drive place the CDL holder 
in violation of the one driver's license requirement?
    Guidance:
    a. Yes. The ALR procedure of taking possession of the driver's CDL 
and issuing a receipt to drive or other ``temporary license'' is valid 
under part 383. The CDL that is being held by the State is still valid 
until the ALR period begins.
    b. The driver violates no CDL requirements for accepting the 
receipt which may be used to the extent authorized.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.71--Driver Application Procedures

    Question 1: May a CDL skills test examiner conduct a driving skills 
test administered in accordance with part 383 before a person subject 
to 49 CFR part 382 is tested for alcohol and controlled substances?
    Guidance: Yes. A CDL skills test examiner, including a third party 
examiner, may administer a driving skills test to a person subject to 
49 CFR part 382 without first testing him/her for alcohol and 
controlled substances. The sole purpose of the CDL driving skills test 
is to assess a person's ability to operate a CMV.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.73--State Procedures

    Question 1: Must a new State of record accept the out-of-State 
driving record on CDL transfer applications and include this record as 
a permanent part of the new State's file?
    Guidance: Yes.
    Question 2: May a State allow an applicant to keep his/her current 
valid State license when issued a FRSI-restricted CDL?
    Guidance: No. That would violate the single-license requirement.
    Question 3: Does the word ``issuing'' as used in Sec.  383.73(b) 
include both temporary 60-day CDLs and permanent CDLs?
    Guidance: Yes, the word ``issuing'' applies to all CLPs/CDLs 
whether they are temporary or permanent.
    Question 4: May States accept applications for a CLP from 
individuals who are not domiciled in the State but who receive CDL 
training within the State, and administer the knowledge test to these 
individuals?
    Guidance: Yes. Section 383.73 does not prohibit States from 
accepting and processing CLP applications from Out-of-State applicants 
(e.g., individuals who are not domiciled in the State but who receive 
training there) and administering the knowledge test to such 
applicants, provided there is agreement between the testing State and 
the applicant's State of domicile. In particular: (1) The testing State 
must administer the general knowledge test in accordance with part 383, 
subparts F, G, and H; (2) transmission of general knowledge test 
results and any other supporting documentation shall occur by a direct, 
secure, electronic means to the State of domicile; and (3) in 
accordance with Sec.  383.73(h), only the State of domicile may create 
the CDLIS record and issue the physical CLP. Ultimately, the 
responsibility for compliance with all requirements of Sec. Sec.  
383.71 and 383.73 remains with the State of domicile. Under Sec.  
383.79, States of domicile are already required to accept skills test 
results from other States; this guidance clarifies that States of 
domicile may (but are not required to) accept knowledge test results 
from other States in the same manner. This guidance shall not be 
construed to allow a State to issue a CLP or CDL to an individual who 
is not domiciled in that State. Both the CLP and the CDL must be issued 
by the State of domicile, as required by 49 U.S.C. 31311(a)(12)(A).

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.75--Third Party Testing

    Question 1: May the CDL knowledge test be administered by a third 
party?
    Guidance: No. The third party testing provision found in Sec.  
383.75 applies only to the skills portion of the testing procedure. 
However, if an employee of the State who is authorized to supervise 
knowledge testing is present during the testing, then FMCSA regards it 
as being administered by the State and not by a third party.
    Question 2: Do third party skills test examiners have to meet all 
the requirements of State-employed examiners--i.e., all the State's 
qualification and training standards?
    Guidance: Yes. Section 384.228 requires third party skills 
examiners to meet the same qualification and training standards as 
State examiners to conduct skills tests.
    Question 3: Do third party skills test examiners have to be 
qualified to administer skills tests in all types of CMVs?
    Guidance: No, but they may administer skills tests only in those 
types of CMVs for which they are qualified.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.91--Commercial Motor Vehicle Groups

    Question 1: May a State expand a vehicle group to include vehicles 
that do not meet the Federal definition of the group?
    Guidance: Yes, if (a) A person who tests in a vehicle that does not 
meet the Federal standard for the Group(s) for which the issued CDL 
would otherwise be valid, is restricted to vehicles not meeting the 
Federal definition of such Group(s); and (b) The restriction is fully 
explained on the license.
    Question 2: Is a driver of a combination vehicle with a GCWR of 
less than 26,001 pounds required to obtain a CDL, if the trailer's GVWR 
is more than 10,000 pounds?
    Guidance: No, because the GCWR is less than 26,001 pounds. However, 
the driver would need a CDL if the vehicle is transporting HM, as 
defined in Sec.  383.5, or if it is designed to transport 16 or more 
people, including the driver.
    Question 3: Can a State which expands the vehicle group 
descriptions in Sec.  383.91 enforce those expansions on out-of-State 
CMV drivers by requiring them to have a CDL?
    Guidance: No. They must recognize out-of-State licenses that have 
been validly issued in accordance with the Federal standards and 
operative licensing compacts.
    Question 4: What CMV group is a driver of an articulated motorcoach 
(bus) with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more required to possess?
    Guidance: A driver of an articulated bus with a GVWR of 26,001 
pounds or more is required to possess a Class B CDL with the proper 
endorsement(s).
    Question 5: Do tow truck operators need CDLs? If so, in what 
vehicle group(s)?

[[Page 8473]]

    Guidance: For CDL purposes, the tow truck and its towed vehicle are 
treated the same as any other powered unit towing a non-powered unit.
     If the GCWR of the tow truck is 26,001 pounds or more and 
the towed vehicle alone exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR, then the driver 
needs a Class A CDL.
     If the GVWR of the tow truck alone is 26,001 pounds or 
more, and the driver either (a) drives the tow truck without a vehicle 
in tow, or (b) drives the tow truck with a towed vehicle of 10,000 
pounds or less GVWR, then the driver needs a Class B CDL.
     A driver of a tow truck or towing configuration that does 
not fit either configuration description above requires a Class C CDL 
only if he or she tows a vehicle required to be placarded for HM on a 
``subsequent move,'' i.e., after the initial movement of the disabled 
vehicle to the nearest storage or repair facility.
    Question 6: May a truck tractor (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5) be 
driven on public roads by a driver with a Class B CDL?
    Guidance: Yes, but only if the truck tractor is not pulling a towed 
unit (trailer) that is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.93--Endorsements

    Question 1: Are employees of a governmental agency who drive 
emergency response vehicles that transport HM in quantities requiring 
placarding subject to the CDL regulations?
    Guidance: No, if the vehicle is being operated under the provisions 
of Sec.  383.3(d)(2).
    Question 2: Would the driver in the following scenarios be required 
to have a CDL with an HM endorsement?
    a. A driver transports 1,001 or more pounds of Division 1.4 (Class 
C explosive) materials in a vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 
pounds?
    b. A driver transports less than 1,001 pounds of Division 1.4 
materials in a vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds?
    c. The driver transports any quantity of Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 
(Class A or B explosive) materials in any vehicle?
    Guidance:
    a. Yes; unless the explosive is a 1.4S explosive, which never 
requires placarding.
    b. No.
    c. Yes.
    Question 3: Must all drivers of vehicles required to be placarded 
have CDLs containing the HM endorsement?
    Guidance: Yes, unless waived by the State, as allowed by the 
provisions of Sec.  383.3.
    Question 4: Do persons transporting battery-powered forklifts need 
to obtain an HM endorsement?
    Guidance: No, battery powered vehicles and equipment are not 
required to be placarded for transportation.
    Question 5: Are drivers of double and triple saddle mount 
combinations required to have the double/triple trailers endorsement on 
their CDLs?
    Guidance: Yes, if the following conditions apply:
     There is more than one point of articulation in the 
combination;
     The GCWR is 26,001 pounds or more; and
     The combined GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in 
excess of 10,000 pounds.
    Question 6: Does an unattached tote or portable tank with a cargo 
capacity of 1,000 gallons or more meet the definition of ``portable 
tank'' requiring a tank vehicle endorsement on the driver's CDL?
    Guidance: Yes.
    Question 7: Is a driver who operates a truck tractor pulling a 
heavy-haul trailer attached to the tractor by means of a ``jeep,'' that 
meets the definition of a CMV under part 383 required to have a CDL 
with a double/triple trailer endorsement?
    Guidance: Yes. The ``jeep,'' also referred to as a load divider, is 
a short frame-type trailer complete with upper coupler, fifth wheel and 
undercarriage assembly and designed in such a manner that when coupled 
to a semitrailer and tractor it carries a portion of the trailer 
kingpin load while transferring the remainder to the tractor's fifth 
wheel.
    Question 8: Do tow truck operators who hold a CDL require 
endorsements to tow ``endorsable'' vehicles?
    Guidance: For CDL endorsement purposes, the nature of the tow truck 
operations determines the need for endorsements:
     If the driver's towing operations are restricted to 
emergency ``first moves'' from the site of a breakdown or crash to the 
nearest appropriate repair facility, then no CDL endorsement of any 
kind is required.
     If the driver's towing operations include any ``subsequent 
moves'' from one repair or disposal facility to another, then 
endorsements requisite to the vehicles being towed are required. 
Exception: Tow truck operators need not obtain a passenger or school 
bus endorsement.
    Question 9: Does a driver who operates a straight truck equipped 
with a pintle hook towing a full trailer (a semitrailer equipped with a 
converter dolly) need a doubles/triples endorsement on his or her CDL?
    Guidance: No. This combination is a truck towing a single trailer. 
This configuration does not require a driver to have a doubles/triples 
endorsement on a CDL.
    Question 10: Are drivers required to have both the ``P'' passenger 
and ``S'' school bus endorsement if they are not transporting students 
when operating a ``school bus,'' as defined in Sec.  383.5?
    Guidance: No. Only drivers actually transporting pre-primary, 
primary, or secondary school students from home to school, from school 
to home, or to and from school sponsored events in a school bus are 
required to have both the ``P'' and ``S'' endorsements. Only a ``P'' 
endorsement is required by drivers delivering school buses from the 
manufacturer, by mechanics and other drivers operating empty school 
buses, and by drivers transporting students and/or adults to and from 
events that are not sponsored by the school.
    Question 11: Is a person who operates a custom motorcoach in 
commerce with a GVWR or GVW greater than 26,001 pounds required to have 
a passenger endorsement for his or her CDL if the vehicle is designed 
or used to transport fewer than 16 passengers, including the driver?
    Guidance: Yes. The motorcoach is a Heavy Straight Vehicle (Group B) 
under Sec.  383.91 that is designed to transport passengers in 
commerce. The driver is, therefore, required by Sec.  383.93(b)(2) to 
have a passenger endorsement.
    Question 12: Must the driver of an empty tank vehicle that is being 
transported from the manufacturer to a local distributor or purchaser 
have a tank endorsement on his or her CDL?
    Guidance: The vehicle described meets the definition of a tank 
vehicle and, therefore, the driver would need a tank endorsement, 
unless the driver is (1) transporting an empty tank and has in his or 
her possession a manifest that states that the tank is empty or 
contains only a residue, or (2) the driver is transporting empty 
storage tanks that are not designed for transportation and have a rated 
capacity of 1,000 gallons or more, that are temporarily attached to a 
flatbed vehicle. The driver does not need a manifest stating that the 
storage tanks are empty or contain only residue.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.95--Air Brake Restrictions

    Question 1: May a driver with an air brake restriction on his or 
her CDL operate a CMV equipped with a hydraulic braking system that has 
an air-assisted parking brake release?

[[Page 8474]]

    Guidance: Yes. The air brake restriction applies only to the 
principal braking system used to stop the vehicle. Section 383.95(a) is 
not applicable to an air-assisted mechanism to release the parking 
brake.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.113--Required Skills

    Question 1: May a driver use a truck tractor (as defined in 49 CFR 
390.5) as a representative vehicle for purposes of completing the 
skills tests for a Class B CDL?
    Guidance: Yes, but only if the truck tractor has a GVWR of 26,001 
pounds or more.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383.153--Information on the Document and 
Application

    Question 1: May a State issue a CDL without a color photograph?
    Guidance: Yes, if requiring a photograph (whether in color or black 
and white) would violate a driver's religious beliefs. The issuing 
State must determine whether a driver's objection to a photograph has a 
genuine religious basis.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 383 Special Topics CDL Requirements

    Question 1: What skills test and restrictions are required for a 
CDL holder seeking to add a passenger endorsement?
    Guidance: The adding of an endorsement is considered a license 
upgrade and is regulated by Sec. Sec.  383.71(e) and 383.73(e). The 
additional knowledge and skills testing requirements for passenger 
endorsements are found at Sec.  383.117. Three scenarios may arise when 
a CDL holder applies for a passenger endorsement:
    a. The skills test is taken in a passenger vehicle that is in the 
same vehicle Class as the current CDL. In this scenario, the CDL holder 
retains the preexisting class of CDL and the passenger endorsement is 
added.
    b. The skills test is taken in a passenger vehicle that is in a 
higher vehicle Class than that of the current CDL. In this scenario, 
the CDL holder is issued a higher class CDL with the passenger 
endorsement.
    c. The skills test is taken in a passenger vehicle that is in a 
lower vehicle class than the current CDL. In this scenario, the CDL 
holder retains the vehicle class of the current CDL, but is restricted 
to driving passenger vehicles in the class in which the passenger 
skills test was taken, or any lower class.

PART 384--STATE COMPLIANCE WITH COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PROGRAM

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 384.209 Notification of Traffic 
Violations

    Question 1: Must the licensing agency establish a commercial driver 
record, including a CDLIS pointer record, for a person holding a non-
commercial license issued by that jurisdiction upon receiving 
notification of a conviction of any offense committed while (illegally) 
operating a CMV?
    Guidance: Yes.

Regulatory Guidance for 49 CFR 384.231 Satisfaction of State 
Disqualification Requirement

    Question 1: When accepting an applicant transferring from another 
State whose record reveals a disqualifying conviction for which the 
originating State did not take a disqualifying action, is the 
transferee State required to take the disqualifying action?
    Guidance: Yes. Section 384.206(b)(1) requires a State, including a 
transferee State, to check the applicant's driving record for the past 
10 years in every State where he/she was licensed. If adverse 
information is discovered, Sec.  384.206(b)(3) requires a State, 
including a transferee State, to ``promptly implement the 
disqualifications . . . that are called for in any applicable 
section(s) of this subpart.'' Section 384.231(a) makes the requirements 
of Sec.  384.206(b) applicable to the ``State of licensure''--which 
includes a transferee State under Sec. Sec.  384.206(b)(1) and 
384.231(b) then requires disqualifying action against a CDL holder who 
has been convicted of a disqualifying offense committed after the 
Federal compliance date for disqualification for that offense, but has 
not yet served the disqualification.

    Issued on: March 1, 2019.
Raymond P Martinez,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2019-04180 Filed 3-7-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P