Maryland CDL Handbook

Maryland

Commercial

Driver License

Maryland

Commercial

Driver License

Manual

Manual

CDL Driver’s Manual COPYRIGHT © 2005 AAMVA All Rights reserved This material is based upon work supported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under Cooperative Agreement No. DTFH61-97-X-00017. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

COPYRIGHT © 2005 AAMVA. All rights reserved

This material has been created for and provided to State Driver License Agencies (SDLAs) by AAMVA for the purpose of educating Driver License applicants (Commercial or Non-Commercial). Permission to reproduce, use, distribute or sell this material has been granted to SDLAs only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher. Any unauthorized reprint, use, distribution or sale of this material is prohibited.

Make the Call. Save Lives.

Kevin Kimmel, truck driver for Con-way Truckload and winner of TAT’s 2015 Harriet Tubman Award

In January 2015, an RV pulled into a truck stop in Virginia. Observant professional truck driver Kevin Kimmel recognized suspicious activity around that RV, which had pulled back by the truck line, and decided something was off. Instead of turning a blind eye, he made a call that brought law enforcement out to the scene within a few minutes. After interviewing the occupants of the vehicle, they discovered that a young woman, 20 years old, had been kidnapped from Iowa two weeks prior. She had been beaten, raped, her whole body burned by instruments heated on the RV stove, branded and starved. She was being sold by her traffickers, Laura Sorenson and Aldair Hodza, through sex ads on Craigslist, where men were purchasing her and then arriving at the RV to rape her. She was dying from malnutrition and the torture she was subjected to … had the call not been made that brought law enforcement out to that truck stop, doctors said she would have died within the next few days. Now a recovering survivor, this young woman calls Kimmel her guardian angel. He calls himself a Trucker Against Trafficking.

Truckers Against Trafficking is a non-profit organization that has been working with the trucking industry since 2009 to provide the needed training and tools to enable members of the industry to both recognize human trafficking when they see it happening and to know what actions to take to enable law enforcement to effectively fight this crime. Through this training and these tools, truckers are becoming Everyday Heroes like Kevin Kimmel, who was also named TAT’s 2015 Harriet Tubman Award winner.

Make the Call, Save Lives. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Traffickers use force, fraud and coercion to control their victims. Any minor engaged in commercial sex is a victim of human trafficking. Trafficking can occur in many locations, including truck stops, restaurants, rest areas, hotels/motels, strip clubs, private homes, etc. Truckers are the eyes and the ears of our nation’s highways. If you see a minor working any of those areas or suspect that the person selling sex is under someone else’s control in order to make a quota, call the National Hotline and report your tip:

One of the tools TAT provides is a wallet card with red flags to look for, questions to ask if you suspect someone is a victim and actionable information to report. This wallet card is available by App, from the appropriate App Store, on all smart phones, whether Android, iPhone or Windows format, as well as by emailing tat.truckers@gmail.com, for a version to carry in your wallet. Questions to Ask: Do you keep your own money? If not, who does? Do your parents/siblings/relatives know where you are? If not, why not? When was the last time you saw your family? Are you physically or sexually abused? Are you or your family threatened? What is the nature of the threats? 1-888-3737-888 (US) • 1-800-222-TIPS (Canada) 01800-5533-000 (Mexico) • Text INFO or HELP to BeFree (233733) For law enforcement to open an investigation on your tip, they need “actionable information,” and as many details as you can provide. Specific tips helpful when reporting to the hotline would include: Trafficking Red Flags to Look For: -Lack of knowledge of their community or whereabouts -Restricted or controlled communication-not allowed to speak for self -CB chatter about “commercial company” or flashing lights signaling “buyer” location -Not in control of own identification documents (ID/passport) -Any acknowledgement that she/he has a pimp and is making a quota -Signs of branding or tattooing of trafficker’s name (often on the neck) Descriptions of cars (make, model, color, license plate number, etc.) and people (height, weight, hair color, eye color, age, etc.) Take a picture if you can. Specific times and dates (When did you see the event in question take place? What day was it?) Addresses and locations where suspicious activity took place Additionally, TAT provides a powerful, 26-minute training video on its website (www.truckersagainsttrafficking.org), which, when watched along with taking and passing a short test, certifies drivers as TAT-Trained, a designation which can go on your resume. Because professional drivers often find themselves in locations frequented and exploited by human traffickers, they are in a unique position to recognize the signs of human trafficking and to make the call that can lead to victim recovery and perpetrator arrests. Get your wallet card today. Be an Everyday Hero! Make the call (1-888-3737-888); save lives!

1-888-3737-888 (US) 1-800-222-TIPS (Canada) 01800-5533-000 (Mexico) Text INFO or HELP to BeFree (233733) The new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations require that all entry-level drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) receive training from a provider list located on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry website. Effective February 7, 2022, to be eligible to take required skills or knowledge tests, commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants must have completed applicable entry-level driver training from a registered training provider. WHO IS AFFECTED: New commercial motor vehicle drivers looking to obtain a Class A or Class B for the first time; current CDL holders wishing to upgrade their license by moving from a Class B to a Class A license, or those adding a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time. WHEN: Effective February 7, 2022 WHAT: CDL applicants who have never held a CDL and those switching from Class B to Class A are required to take Entry-Level Driver Training prior to taking the driver’s skills test. CDL Hazmat applicants must have this training prior to starting the application of the Commercial Learners Permit. CDL applicants should register on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and successfully complete training prior to making an appointment with MDOT MVA. WHY: Based on a Congressional mandate to improve safety the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has required training for new CDL holders. EXCEPTIONS: Drivers who have held out of state CDL and drivers who previously held CDLs but who have let them lapse are not required to go through training to get a new CDL. Returning drivers who hold a CLP prior to February 7, 2022 are not required to go through training as long as they successfully convert to a full CDL before the CLP expires. FMCSA Rule 49 CFR 380 – Special Training Requirements

FOREWORD In 1986, the Congress of the United States passed the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This Act requires the states to adopt uniform minimum licensing and testing standards for drivers of commercial motor vehicles. By April 1, 1992, all drivers of commercial vehicles needed a Commercial Driver’s License. Maryland’s Commercial Driver’s License Program became effective January 1, 1990.This was the beginning of a new era that resulted in each commercial driver to be looked upon as a professional.

COMMERICAL MOTOR VEHICLE A “Commercial Motor Vehicle” means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used to transport passengers or cargo if the vehicle fits any of the following conditions. •Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds. •A vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds (GVWR for a single vehicle or GCWR for a combination of vehicles means: The value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum gross weight). •Any vehicle which is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. •A vehicle of any size which transports hazardous materials, which requires placarding. NOTE: GROSS COMBINATION WEIGHT RATING (GCWR) AND GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) MEANS THE VALUE SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER. This is determined from the manufacture plate on the vehicle/trailer.

MARYLAND COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE CLASSES Each driver applicant must possess and be tested on his/her knowledge and skills, for the commercial motor vehicle for which he/she desires a commercial driver’s license, and obtain the appropriate endorsement(s) where required. Class A License: Authorizes the licensee to operate Tractor/Trailer or Combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds if the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. Class B License: Authorizes the licensee to operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds; Any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. Class C License: Authorizes the licensee to operate any single vehicle less than 26,001 pounds GVWR; or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR, and is designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which requires the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations. Endorsements: T = Doubles/Triple Trailers P = Passenger Vehicles N = Tank Vehicles H = Hazardous Materials S = School Buses X = Tank & Hazardous Materials INFORMATION FOR THE COMMERCIAL DRIVER

i Waivers have been granted for the operation of some commercial vehicles. You are not required to have a Commercial Driver’s License to drive a vehicle that has been excluded. However, you must have a Maryland non-commercial driver’s license of the appropriate class to operate a vehicle that has been excluded. (With the exception of fire apparatus, that may be operated by the use of an Emergency Vehicle Operator Card (EVOC) and a valid State driver’s license. See your fire chief for details). The following vehicles have been excluded from CDL requirements in Maryland:

• 1. Controlled and operated by a farmer;

• • Used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from a farm;
• • Not used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier; and
• • Used within 150 miles of the person’s farm;

• 2. An emergency vehicle;

• • Equipped with audible and visual signals (fire apparatus); and
• • Operated by a member of, or a person in the employ of, a volunteer or paid fire or rescue organization;

• 3. A vehicle owned or operated by the United States Department of Defense if it is controlled and operated by;

• • Any member of the military reserves or National Guard on active duty including personnel on full- time National Guard duty and personnel on part-time training; or

• 4. A motor vehicle designed and constructed primarily to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use. PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS (49 CFR 391.41) A person shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless they are physically qualified to do so and has on their person the original, or a photographic copy (no alterations or erasures), of a medical examiner’s certification that they are physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. Based on a medical disqualification you may be eligible to process for an Intrastate (Maryland Only) or Interstate (Federal) Waiver. Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will only consider issuing CDL Intrastate Waivers for the physical/medical conditions listed below.

• • Amputation and loss of limb (Must have working prosthesis)
• • Power grasping and prehension
• • Deaf/Hard of Hearing (LIMITED Eligibility) The Motor Vehicle Administration will not consider an intrastate waiver for an individual who maintains a Hazardous Materials, Passenger and/or School Bus endorsements. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration may issue a waiver to individuals who do not meet the qualifications of 391.41 Title 49 CFR the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that cover amputation, loss of a limb, power grasping or prehension problems, and deaf/hard of hearing (LIMITED eligibility). VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED ii MEDICAL CERTIFICATION (Form MCSA-5876) As of January 30, 2014, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) enacted new procedures for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to comply with requirements implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). As of July 8, 2015, FMCSA revised the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Med Cert - formerly DOT card). The new form (MCSA- 5876) will be provided to you by the Medical Examiner. All CDL holders are required to provide a valid updated medical certification card (Med Cert) and self-certify to the type of commerce (see below) to the MVA throughout their licensing period (where required). The MVA will add the medical certification status and the information from the medical certification documents (DOT card, waiver/exemption if required) to your commercial driving record. You must submit your medical certificate (MCSA-5876) information to the MVA at: MDOT MVA website: https://mymva.maryland.gov/go/web/CDLMedCert MDOT MVA Address: MDOT MVA/CDL Med Cert Unit 6601 Ritchie Hwy, N.E. – Room 213, Glen Burnie MD 21062 It is your responsibility to provide a current and valid medical certificate before or upon expiration of the previous medical certificate. You do not need to wait to be notified, but correspondence will be sent to your residence/mailing address on file 45 days prior to expiration requesting documentation. If you are contacted by the MVA for documentation and fail to do so within the period indicated, your entire commercial driving privileges will be automatically downgraded to a non-commercial Class C license, and you will need to schedule an appointment (mymva.maryland.gov) at an MVA branch office to obtain the Class C license. If you have been downgraded, you will need to schedule an appointment (mymva.maryland.gov) at a MVA branch office to reinstate your CDL and you will be required to present valid Med Cert documentation at that time. It is imperative that all CDL holders maintain a current residence/mailing address with the MVA (provided in person) in order to receive correspondence and avoid an automatic downgrade of your commercial driving privilege. MVA mail is not forwarded and if you do not comply, you are not authorized to operate a commercial motor vehicle. SCHOOL BUS ENDORSEMENT: Under federal law and state law, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) must cancel a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) when the holder fails to submit the required medical certification. As a CDL driver who holds an “S” endorsement you must submit a new Medical Examiner’s Certificate annually. If you take no action, your driving record will automatically reflect the removal of the “S” endorsement from your license. To keep your CDL and S endorsement in good standing, please submit your Medical Examiner’s Certificate using one of the following methods:
• • Upload your Medical Certificate to myMVA eServices, visit: https://mymva.maryland.gov/go/web/CDLMedCert
• • Business Providers/Employers may upload medical certificates at https://mymva.maryland.gov/go/web/CDLMedCert on someone else behalf.
• • Mail to: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, Driver Services Division, Room 213 Commercial Licensing Unit, 6601 Ritchie Highway NE., Glen Burnie, MD 21062 *Please allow 5-7 business days for processing. For quickest service, use our web services* MEDICAL CERTIFICATION AND SELF-CERTIFICATION iii All CDL holders will be required to select one of the categories listed below:
• • NON-EXCEPTED INTERSTATE (NI) - The CDL holder is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines in accordance with 49 CFR Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR).
• • NON-EXCEPTED INTRASTATE (NA) - The CDL holder is qualified to drive a commercial vehicle ONLY within the state of Maryland and has an approved MVA CDL Medical Waiver.
• • EXCEPTED INTERSTATE (EI) - The CDL holder drives a commercial motor vehicle across state lines ONLY for specific excepted activities, such as to transport school children or staff, sick or injured persons, corpses, etc., in accordance with 49 CFR Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Since the driver must meet all Maryland requirements without an MVA CDL Medical Waiver, the CDL holder may select NI to maximize his/her driving options
• • EXCEPTED INTRASTATE (EA) - The CDL holder drives a commercial motor vehicle ONLY within Maryland. Although exempt from the qualification requirements under 49 CFR Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) based on the type of driving performed, the CDL holder must meet all Maryland requirements without an MVA CDL Medical Waiver and may select NI to maximize his/her driving options. COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE LEARNERS INSTRUCTIONAL PERMIT: You will be required to provide:
• • Proof of age
• • Lawful admission into the United States (for Hazardous Materials only)
• • Proof of Maryland residence
• • Valid full Maryland Non-Commercial Driver’s License (must be off provisional license).
• • Valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Card), or Intrastate/Interstate Waiver.
• • You must be 21 years of age to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines (Interstate).
• • You must be 18 years of age to drive a commercial motor vehicle within Maryland (Intrastate).
• • You must be 21 years of age to haul hazardous materials.
• • You must provide Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Card); Intrastate/Interstate Waiver prior to taking required tests which includes passing the vision screening and any required CDL knowledge tests before a learner’s instructional permit will be issued. You will be required to provide the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Card) during any transactions at the MVA. When you apply for a Commercial Driver’s License you will also be asked to:
• • Certify that you do not have a driver’s license from more than one state or country and;
• • Surrender your current license and;
• • Certify that your driver’s license and driving privilege is not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified or subject to any of these actions;
• • Provide information to the Motor Vehicle Administration of previous State licenses (to include Washington, D.C.) held in the previous 10 years including previous addresses and license numbers. SELF-CERTIFICATION iv Depending on the class of license and what endorsements you are requesting will determine what CDL knowledge tests are required. A passing score of 80% is required per test. You must provide a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Card) or a valid Intrastate State/Interstate Waiver. If you fail any knowledge test for the second time, you must wait a minimum of seven days before you can re-take that specific test again. The following endorsements will not be listed on your CLP until you have completed and pass your skills test: Double/Triples and Hazmat.
• • General Knowledge Test is required for all applicants. (Must be successfully passed to proceed to additional knowledge tests).
• • Air Brake Knowledge Test is required if your vehicle is equipped with air brakes.
• • Combination Vehicles Knowledge Test is required if you want to drive combination vehicles (Trailer over 10,000 lbs. GVWR).
• • Tanker Knowledge Test is required if you want to haul liquids in bulk.
• • Double/Triples Knowledge Test is required to pull double or triple trailers.
• • Passenger Knowledge Test is required for all bus drivers to include school bus operators. (You must perform a skills test in a bus of the appropriate class/endorsement).
• • School Bus Knowledge Test is required for all school bus operators, as well as the Passenger Knowledge Test. (You must also perform skills test in a school bus of appropriate class).
• • Hazardous Materials Knowledge Test is required if you wish to haul hazardous materials. You must pass the hazardous materials knowledge test and provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Individuals are required to schedule an appointment for the completion of the electronic Hazmat application and fingerprint/background record check process. The Administration may not issue a hazardous material endorsement to a commercial driver’s license holder without the approval of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the Federal Department of Homeland Security. You are required to pay the appropriate fees. The Administration may not issue a Learner’s Instructional Permit with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement.

• a. Maryland law requires that each out-of-state CDL license holder with the Hazardous Materials Endorsement must complete a new TSA Hazmat Threat Assessment Background Record check here in Maryland, even if they completed one previously.
• b. Additional Hazmat information may be obtained by contacting the MVA at 1-800-950-1MVA, 1-800-950-1682 or at www.MVA.Maryland.gov or by contacting the TSA at their website, www.TSA.gov and inserting CDL Hazmat in the Search field.
• c. Subsequent Hazardous Materials knowledge test are by appointment only if the applicant fails the first test. HAZMAT ENDORSEMENT Under federal law, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) must cancel a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) when the holder fails to submit the required TSA background or TWIC card for Hazmat. As a CDL driver who holds a “Hazmat Endorsement” you must submit a new TSA Background or TWIC card prior to the expiration date. If you take no action, your driving record will automatically reflect the removal of the “Hazmat Endorsement” from your license. To keep your CDL and Hazmat endorsement in good standing, please schedule an appointment on our website. For customers requiring a new TSA Background check and fingerprint services schedule an appointment at https://mymva. maryland.gov/go/web/AddAppointment. Select “Commercial Driver’s License Services,” then “Add/Renew a CDL Hazmat Endorsement.” Hazmat fingerprinting and background checks are only available at MDOT MVA offices in Glen Burnie, Bel Air, Frederick, Salisbury, or Waldorf. KNOWLEDGE TESTS/ENDORSEMENTS v For customers updating a TWIC card, a knowledge (written) test is required. Schedule CDL knowledge test at https://mymva. maryland.gov/go/web/AddAppointment. Select “Commercial Driver’s License Services,” then “Retake My Commercial Learner’s Permit Test.” Don’t forget to bring your new TWIC card to the appointment. SKILLS TEST ARE ADMINISTERED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY: The CDL Skills Test consists of a:

• 1. Pre-Trip Inspection to include an air brake test if vehicle is equipped with air brakes;
• 2. Basic Control Skills Test; and
• 3. Public Road Test. NOTE: YOU MUST PASS THE PRE-TRIP INSPECTION TO CONTINUE ONTO THE BASIC CONTROL SKILLS TEST AND YOU MUST PASS THE BASIC CONTROL SKILLS TEST TO CONTINUE ONTO A PUBLIC ROAD TEST. If you fail any portion of the test you must pay a retest fee before scheduling another appointment. QUALIFYING SCORES:

• • A Pre-Trip Inspection score is based on the type of vehicle.
• • A Basic Control Skills Test is based on total points (9 points are a failure). An automatic failure will occur if an individual hits a curb, or exceeds the time limit (see below).
• • A Public Road Test is based on total points (31 points are a failure) or an automatic failure will occur if there is an accident, running a red light or stop sign, etc. TIME LIMIT (All Vehicle Classes A, B, & C) (subject to change without notice):
• • A Pre-Trip Inspection is 45 minutes.
• • A Basic Control Skills Test is 10 minutes per maneuver.
• • A Public Road Test on average is 35 to 40 minutes based on MVA location and route. NOTE:Skills Tests are not available at all Motor Vehicle locations. Skills Tests are given only by appointment. Knowledge Tests are given on a walk-in basis initially, then by appointment thereafter. No test will start after 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. No test will start after 10:00 a.m. Saturday DRIVING, DRINKING, AND DRUGS Signing a Maryland’s driver license or a learner’s permit application form enters you into an agreement. It says that if you are detained by a police officer who suspects you are driving or attempting to drive under the influence or intoxicated by alcohol and/ or drugs, you agree to submit to a chemical test of your blood and breath. This is called a Blood Alcohol Concentration, or BAC test. An alcohol concentration of 0.04% or more when driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle will:
• • Disqualify you from driving a commercial motor vehicle for one year (three years if the vehicle was required to be placarded for HAZMAT) for the first offense, and;
• • Disqualify you for life for a subsequent offense Please note: You will be required to take the knowledge (written) test. The test is included as a part of the CDL Hazmat appointment. vi
• • Disqualify you from driving a commercial motor vehicle for one year for the first offense, and;
• • Disqualify you for life for a subsequent offense. Implied Consent: In Maryland, any person who drives or attempts to drive a motor vehicle on a highway or on any private property used by the public in general, consents to take a test to determine alcohol concentration or a test to determine the concentration of a drug or a controlled dangerous substance. Testing is free of charge to the driver and shall be given a breath test to determine alcohol concentration, unless the driver or other persons require medical treatment for serious or life threatening injury or the test equipment is unavailable. In that event, the test shall be a blood test. A test to determine drug or controlled dangerous substance content shall also be a blood test. A refusal to submit to take a test will:
• • Disqualify you from driving a commercial motor vehicle for one year for the first offense, and;
• • Disqualify you for life for a subsequent offense. CDL holders are also subject to driver disqualifications and penalties under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 385.51. ALL INDIVIDUALS MAINTAINING A CDL ARE REQUIRED TO PRESENT A VALID MEDICAL EXAMINER’S CERTIFICATE (DOT CARD), OR APPROPRIATE INTRASTATE OR INTERSTATE WAIVER, DURING ALL MVA TRANSACTIONS. DRIVERS MUST
• • Notify their home state Motor Vehicle Administration of any convictions in other states.
• • Notify their employer of any convictions.
• • Notify their employer of any revocation, suspension, cancellation, or disqualification.
• • Provide information to the Motor Vehicle Administration of previous State licenses (to include Washington, D.C.) held in the previous 10 years including previous addresses and license numbers.
• • Provide Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT card) or Intrastate/Interstate Waiver during all MVA transactions.
• • Maintain only one driver’s license. CONVICTIONS Effective September 30, 2005, any convictions you receive for moving violations will be viewed as a cause to disqualify you from driving a commercial vehicle, regardless of whether the moving violation happened while you were driving a commercial vehicle, non-commercial vehicle or your private vehicle.
• • Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is considered a conviction under federal regulations and
• • MD TA § 16-803(d).
• • The Administration may not issue any type of temporary, conditional or work restricted license per COMAR 11.11.12.07 and 49 CFR 384.210. Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) works closely with The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) in testing procedures that meet Federal requirements. Although we make every effort to ensure that the information we provide is accurate, it is not intended to take the place of published State and Federal Laws and Regulations. An alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more while operating on a commercial driver license, regardless of the vehicle type, will: vii Table Of Contents Introduction....................................................................... 1-1 Driving Safely.................................................................... 2-1 Transporting Cargo Safely................................................ 3-1 Transporting Passengers Safely....................................... 4-1 Air Brakes.......................................................................... 5-1 Combination Vehicles....................................................... 6-1 Doubles and Triples.......................................................... 7-1 Tank Vehicles.................................................................... 8-1 Hazardous Materials......................................................... 9-1 School Bus...................................................................... 10-1 Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection............................................. 11-1 Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test..................................... 12-1 On-Road Driving............................................................. 13-1 This Section Covers
• • Commercial Driver License Tests
• • Medical Requirements
• • Driver Disqualifications
• • Other Safety Rules
• • International Registration Program There is a federal requirement that each state have minimum standards for the licensing of commercial drivers. Class B Heavy Straight Vehicles. Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds falls in Group B, or any such vehicle towing another vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. Class B includes straight trucks and large buses, including articulated buses. Safely driving these heavy vehicles requires considerably more knowledge and skill than driving the small trucks and buses found in Class C. Since they include the skills required to drive Class C vehicles, drivers who have qualified for a Class B license may also drive vehicles in Class C. This manual provides driver license testing information for drivers who wish to have a commercial driver license (CDL). This manual does NOT provide information on all the federal and state requirements needed before you can drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). You may have to contact your state driver licensing authority for additional information. You must have a CDL to operate: Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. Class C Small Vehicles. Any single vehicle with a GVWR less than 26,001 pounds falls in Group C, or any such vehicle towing another vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. However, vehicles of this size are included in the CDL program only if they are: 1) Designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver, or (2) Used to transport hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F) or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73. A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver). Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73. Federal regulations through the Department of Homeland Security require a background check and fingerprinting for the Hazardous Materials endorsement. Contact your local department of driver licensing for more information. There are a great variety of vehicles in Class C. Some rather large Class C vehicles may require more skill and knowledge to operate than do the smaller ones. However, the licensing category is based principally on the type of cargo carried. Because of the seriousness of an accident involving hazardous material or human passengers, the safe operation of even the smaller vehicles in Class C requires special knowledge and the drivers of these vehicles must have a CDL. (Your state may have additional definitions of CMVs.) CDL Classifications The CDL vehicle classification included in the federal standard, together with the type of cargo to be transported, determine what type of CDL license and endorsement an applicant must apply for. There are three basic vehicle classes or groups: STATE OPTIONS: Some states may include more drivers and vehicles in their CDL programs. For example, in some states, a CDL may be required for buses designed to carry fewer than 16 passengers. Going beyond the federal standard is acceptable and the state will need to decide which battery of tests applies to these drivers, or develop a new battery. INTRODUCTION Class A Combination Vehicles. Any combination of vehicles with gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds falls in Group A provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. Most Class A vehicles are trucks such as truck-tractor/semi-trailer or truck and trailer combinations. However, tractor-trailer buses may be found in a few communities. Driving a Class A vehicle requires considerably more skill and knowledge than driving vehicles in Classes B and C. Since these skills include those required to drive a B and C vehicle, a driver who has a Class A license also may drive vehicles in Classes B and C. Endorsements All commercial drivers who drive certain types of vehicles or haul certain types of cargo must add endorsements to their CDL license and/or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) to show that they have the specialized knowledge required for these operations. There are six kinds of CDL endorsements that may be required, depending on the vehicle or type of cargo. NOTE: The only endorsements that may be added to a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) are:
• - Passenger (P);
• - School bus (S); and
• - Tank vehicle (N). Double and Triple Trailers (T). Many drivers who are qualified to drive Class A vehicles may wish to pull double or triple trailers. Research shows that considerable additional knowledge and skill is necessary to safely pull double and triple trailers in various traffic conditions and driving environments. Consequently, adding the endorsement to the licenses of Class A drivers is necessary if they wish to pull double or triple trailers. A special knowledge examination on the problems associated with pulling multiple trailers must be passed. Tank Vehicle (N). Drivers ofany commercial motor vehicle 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 and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or the chassis must obtain this endorsement. Applies to Class A, B and C (only applicable to Class C if the vehicle is hauling hazardous materials) vehicles. Liquids in bulk cause driving control problems because the cargo is heavy, prone to shifting, and has a high center of gravity. These drivers must pass a special knowledge examination on the problems posed by large volume liquid cargos to add the endorsement to their CDL/CLP. Passengers (P). Drivers who wish to drive a vehicle having a design capacity to carry 16 or more people, including the driver, must add a passenger endorsement to their CDL/CLP. They must pass a special knowledge examination on safety considerations when transporting passengers and must pass skills tests in a passenger vehicle. The endorsement applies to applicants who wish to drive a bus in any class (A, B, or C). The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the US Department of Transportation require background checks on commercial drivers who are certified to transport hazardous materials. The background checks include a review of criminal, immigration and FBI records. If the driver is found to represent a security threat, TSA will notify the person and the state will deny issuance of an endorsement. Combination Hazardous Materials and Tank Vehicle (X). Drivers of tank vehicles who haul hazardous materials or waste in amounts requiring placards must add an X endorsement to their CDL, showing that they have passed the special knowledge examinations for both tank vehicles and hazardous materials. School Buses (S). Drivers who wish to drive a school bus, must add a school bus endorsement to their CDL/CLP. They must pass a special knowledge examination on safety considerations when transporting passengers in a school bus and must pass skills tests in a school bus. The endorsement applies to applicants who wish to drive a school bus in any class (A, B, or C). In addition to these six required endorsements, states may add special endorsements of their own as they see fit. Restrictions Restrictions may be added to Commercial Driver Licenses/Permits based upon the type of vehicle and equipment that the driver uses for the Skills Test. There are ten standardized restriction codes. NOTE: If a CLP is issued with a Passenger (P) or a School Bus (S) endorsement, it must also contain a (P) – No passengers in a CMV bus restriction. If a CLP is issued with a Tanker (N) endorsement, it must also contain a (X) – No cargo in a CMV tank vehicle. CDL Endorsements & Restrictions Hazardous Materials (H). Any driver, regardless of the vehicle Class/Group (A, B, or C) who wishes to haul any material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR part 172; or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin 42 CFR Part 73 must add a hazardous materials endorsement to their CDL. S/he must pass a special written examination on how to recognize, handle, and transport hazardous materials. (K)- Intrastate only: If an applicantcertifies their status as either Non-Excepted Intrastate or Excepted Intrastate, the state must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that person is restricted from operating a CMV in interstate commerce. States may impose this restriction for reasons other than those specified above. (L) - No Air brake equipped CMV: If an applicant does not take or fails the air brake component of the knowledge test, or performs the skills test in a vehicle not equipped with air brakes, the State must indicate on the CLP or CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with any type of air brakes. For the purposes of the skills test and the restriction, air brakes include any braking system operating fully or partially on the air brake principle. (M)- No Class A passenger vehicle: If an applicant applying for a passenger endorsement performs the skills test in a passenger vehicle requiring a Group B CDL, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a passenger vehicle requiring a Group A CDL. (N)- No Class A and B passenger vehicle: If an applicant applying for a passenger endorsement performs the skills test in a passenger vehicle requiring a Group C CDL, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a passenger vehicle requiring a Group A or B CDL (O)- No tractor trailer CMV: If an applicant performs the skills test in a combination vehicle for a Group A CDL with the power unit and towed unit connected with a pintle hook or other non-fifth wheel connection, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a tractor-trailer combination connected by a fifth wheel that requires a Group A CDL. An applicant who passes a skills test using a combination vehicle that is NOT a Truck Tractor Semi-Trailer combination, but is otherwise equipped with a fifth wheel, will be issued a CDL with an “O” restriction. A CLP holder with a S endorsement is prohibited from operating a school bus with passengers, other than Federal/State auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the CLP holder as prescribed by § CFR 383.25(a)(1) of this part. (V)- Medical Variance: If the State is notified according to § 383.73(o)(3) that the driver has been issued a medical variance, the State must indicate the existence of such a medical variance on the CDLIS driver record and the CDL document, if issued, using the restriction code ‘‘V’’ to indicate there is information about a medical variance on the CDLIS driver record. (X) - No cargo in CMV tank vehicle: A CLP holder with an N endorsement may only operate an empty tank vehicle and is prohibited from operating any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials that has not been purged of any residue. (Z)- No full air brake equipped CMV: If an applicant performs the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air over hydraulic brakes, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with any braking system operating fully on the air brake principle. For the purposes of the skills test and the restriction, air over hydraulic brakes includes any braking system operating partially on the air brake and partially on the hydraulic brake principle. Any additional jurisdictional restrictions that apply to the CLP driving privilege. To Get a CDL or CLP To get a CDL or CLP, you must pass knowledge and skills tests. This manual will help you pass the tests, however, it is not a substitute for a truck driver training class or program. Formal training is the most reliable way to learn the many special skills required for safely driving a large commercial vehicle and becoming a professional driver in the trucking industry. Figure 1.1 helps you determine if you need a CDL (E)- No manual transmission. If an applicant performs the skills test in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with a manual transmission. For the purposes of the skills test and the restriction, an automatic transmission includes any transmission not operating fully on the gear shift and clutch principle. (P)- No passengers in CMV bus: A CLP holder with a P endorsement is prohibited from operating a CMV carrying passengers, other than Federal/ State auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the CLP holder as prescribed by § CFR 383.25(a) (1) of this part. Is the GVWR of the trailer/ Is the GCWR 26,001 or more pounds? Class “A” Yes Yes toward unit 10,001 or more pounds? No Is the GVWR of the power unit 26,001 or more pounds? Class “B” No Yes No Is the vehicle transporting hazardous materials in a Yes Class “C” placardable quantity No Is the vehicle designed to transport Class “C” Yes 16 or more passengers including the driver? No No CDL Required Gross combination weight rating (GCWR) Means the value specified by the manufacturer of the power unit, if the value is displayed on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) certification label; or the sum of the gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs)or the gross vehicle weights (GVWs)of the power unit and the towed unit(s), or any combination thereof, that produces the highest value. (The underlined and italicized text above is for use by roadside enforcement onlyfor the purpose of determing whether the driver/vehicle is subject to CDL regulations.It is not used to determine whether a vehicle is representative for the purposes of skills testing). Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle. Figure 1.1 NOTE: A bus may be Class A, B, or C depending on whether the GVWR is over 26,001 pounds or is a combination vehicle. Determining Class of CDL Required 1.1.1 – Knowledge Tests You will have to take one or more knowledge tests, depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. The CDL knowledge tests include: • The general knowledge test, taken by all applicants. • The passenger transport test, taken by all bus driver applicants. • The air brakes test, which you must take if your vehicle has air brakes, including air over hydraulic brakes. • The combination vehicles test, which is required if you want to drive combination vehicles. • The hazardous materials test, required if you want to haul hazardous materials as defined in 49 CFR 383.5. In order to obtain this endorsement you are also required to pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check. • The tank vehicle test, required if you want to haul any liquid or gaseous materials in a tank or tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis • The doubles/triples test, required if you want to pull double or triple trailers. • The School Bus test, required if you want to drive a school bus. 1.1.2 – Skills Tests If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can take the CDL skills tests. There are three types of general skills that will be tested: Vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed. Any vehicle that has components marked or labeled cannot be used for the Vehicle Inspection Test. Vehicle Inspection. You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a Vehicle inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why. Basic Vehicle Control. You will be tested on your skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area. These areas may be marked On-road Test. You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, up and down grades, single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive. Figure 1.2 details which sections of this manual you should study for each particular class of license and for each endorsement.

What Sections Should You Study? | | | | | | | | |

| | LICENSE TYPE | | | ENDORSEMENT | | | |

| | Class A | Class B | Class C | Hazardous Materials | Double / Triple | Tank Vehicles | Passenger | School Bus

Sections to Study | 1 | X | X | X | | | | |

| 2 | X | X | X | | X | X | X |

| 3 | X | X | X | | | | |

| 4 | | | | | | | X |

| 5* | X | X | X | | X | | |

| 6 | X | | | | X | X | |

| 7 | | | | | X | | |

| 8 | | | | | | X | |

| 9 | | | | X | | X | |

| 10 | | | | | | | | X

| 11 | X | X | X | | | | X | X

| 12 | X | X | X | | | | X | X

| 13 | X | X | X | | | | X | X

* Study section 5 if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes. | | | | | | | | |

Figure 1.2 – What to Study 1.1 – Commercial Driver License Tests with traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar. The examiner will tell you how each control test is to be done. Starting January 30, 2012 and no later than January 30, 2014, if you are applying for a CDL Permit; or are renewing, upgrading, adding endorsements to a CDL; or transferring a CDL from another state, you are required to provide information to your State Driver’s License Agency (SDLA) regarding the type of commercial motor vehicle operation you drive in or expect to drive in with your CDL. Drivers operating in certain types of commerce will be required to submit a current medical examiner’s certificate and/or any medical variance documents that you have been issued (i.e. Vision, Skills Performance or Diabetic waivers, or other exemptions) to your SDLA to obtain a “certified” medical status as part of your driving record. You must contact your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) to obtain information regarding the requirement for submitting these documents. If you are required to have a ”certified” medical status and fail to provide and keep up-to-date your medical examiner’s certificate you become ”not-certified” and may lose your CDL. For the purpose of complying with the new requirements for medical certification, it is important to know how you are using the CMV. The following information will help you decide how to self-certify: 1.2.1 – Interstate or Intrastate Commerce Do you, or will you, use a CDL to operate a CMV in interstate or intrastate commerce? Interstate commerce is when you drive a CMV: • From one State to another State or a foreign country; • Between two places within a State, but during part of the trip, the CMV crosses into another State or foreign country; or • Between two places within a State, but the cargo or passengers are part of a trip that began or will end in another State or foreign country. Intrastate commerce is when you drive a CMV within a State and you do not meet any of the descriptions above for interstate commerce. If you operate in both intrastate commerce and interstate commerce, you must choose interstate commerce. Once you decide whether you will operate in interstate commerce or intrastate commerce, you must decide whether you will operate (or expect to operate) in a non-excepted or excepted status. This decision will tell you to which of the four types of commerce you must self-certify. Interstate Commerce: You operate in excepted interstate commerce when you drive a CMV in interstate commerce only for the following excepted activities: • To transport school children and/or school staff between home and school; • As Federal, State or local government employees; • To transport human corpses or sick or injured persons; • Fire truck or rescue vehicle drivers during emergencies and other related activities; • Primarily in the transportation of propane winter heating fuel when responding to an emergency condition requiring immediate response such as damage to a propane gas system after a storm or flooding; • In Response to a pipeline emergency condition requiring immediate response such as a pipeline leak or rupture; • In custom harvesting on a farm or to transport farm machinery and supplies used in the custom harvesting operation to and from a farm or to transport custom harvested crops to storage or market; • Beekeeper in the seasonal transportation of bees; • Controlled and operated by a farmer, but is not a combination vehicle (power unit and towed unit), and is used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery or farm supplies (no placardable hazardous materials) to and from a farm and within 150 air-miles of the farm; • As a private motor carrier of passengers for non-business purposes; or • To transport migrant workers. If you answered yes to one or more of the above activities as the only operation in which you drive, you operate in excepted interstate commerce and do not need a Federal medical examiner’s certificate. 1.2 – Medical Documentation Requirements 1.2.2 – Inter/Intrastate Commerce: Status Non-excepted or Excepted?

If you operate in both excepted interstate commerce and non-excepted interstate commerce, you must choose non-excepted interstate commerce to be qualified to operate in both types of interstate commerce. Intrastate Commerce: You operate in excepted Intrastate commerce when you drive a CMV only in intrastate commerce activities for which your State of licensure has determined do not require you to meet the State’s medical certification requirements. (contact your SDLA about their requirements). You operate in non-excepted intrastate commerce when you drive a CMV only in intrastate commerce and are required to meet your State of licensure’s medical certification requirements (contact your SDLA about their requirements). If you operate in both excepted intrastate commerce and non-excepted intrastate commerce, you must choose non-excepted intrastate commerce. 1.2.3 – Self-Certification Statements When completing an application for your CDL, you will be required to check the box next to the statement that describes your status. The actual statements on your application may vary from those shown below:  Interstate non-excepted: I certify that I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce, that I am subject to and meet the Federal DOT medical card requirements under 49 CFR part 391; and that I am required to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate.  Interstate excepted: I certify that I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce, but engage exclusively in transportation or operations excepted under 49 CFR §§390.3(f), 391.2, 391.68 or 398.3 from all or parts of the qualification requirements of 49 CFR part 391; and that I am not required to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate.  Intrastate excepted: I certify that I operate or expect to operate entirely in intrastate commerce, that I am not subject to the medical requirements for my State; and that I am not required to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate. 1.3 - CDL Disqualifications 1.3.1 – General You may not drive a commercial motor vehicle if you are disqualified for any reason. 1.3.2 – Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Commission of a Felony It is illegal to operate a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .04% or more. If you operate a CMV, you shall be deemed to have given your consent to alcohol testing. You will lose your CDL for at least one year for a first offense for: • Driving a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration is .04% or higher. • Driving a CMV under the influence of alcohol. • Refusing to undergo blood alcohol testing. • Driving a CMV while under the influence of a controlled substance. • Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV. • Committing a felony involving the use of a CMV. • Driving a CMV when the CDL is suspended. • Causing a fatality through negligent operation of a CMV. You will lose your CDL for at least three years if the offense occurs while you are operating a CMV that is placarded for hazardous materials. You will lose your CDL for life for a second offense. You will lose your CDL for life if you use a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances. You will be put out-of-service for 24 hours if you have any detectable amount of alcohol under .04%. If you answered no to all of the above activities, you operate in non-excepted interstate commerce and are required to provide a current medical examiner’s certificate (49 CFR 391.45),commonly referred to as a medical certificate or DOT card, to your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA). Most CDL holders who drive CMVs in interstate commerce are non-excepted interstate commerce drivers.  Intrastate non-excepted: I certify that I operate or expect to operate entirely in intrastate commerce, that I am subject to and meet the medical requirements for my State; and that I am required to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate. Serious traffic violations are excessive speeding (15 mph or more above the posted limit), reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following a vehicle too closely, traffic offenses committed in a CMV in connection with fatal traffic accidents, driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL or having a CDL in the driver’s possession, and driving a CMV without the proper class of CDL and/or endorsements. You will lose your CDL: • For at least 60 days if you have committed two serious traffic violations within a three-year period involving a CMV. • For at least 120 days for three or more serious traffic violations within a three-year period involving a CMV. 1.3.4 – Violation of Out-of-Service Orders You will lose your CDL: • For at least 90 days if you have committed your first violation of an out-of-service order. • For at least one year if you have committed two violations of an out-of-service order in a ten-year period. • [For at least three years if you have committed three or more violations of an out-of-service order in a ten-year period]. 1.3.5 – Railroad-highway Grade Crossing Violations You will lose your CDL: • For at least 60 days for your first violation. • For at least 120 days for your second violation within a three-year period. • For at least one year for your third violation within a three-year period. These violations include violation of a federal, state or local law or regulation pertaining to one of the following six offenses at a railroad-highway grade crossing: 1.3.6 – Hazardous Materials Endorsement Background Check and Disqualifications If you require a hazardous materials endorsement you will be required to submit your fingerprints and be subject to a background check. You will be denied or you will lose your hazardous materials endorsement if you: • Are not a lawful permanent resident of the United States. • Renounce your United States citizenship. • Are wanted or under indictment for certain felonies. • Have a conviction in military or civilian court for certain felonies. • Have been adjudicated as lacking mental capacity or have been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility as specified in 49 CFR §1572.109. • Are considered to pose a security threat as determined by the Transportation Security Administration. The background check procedures vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Your licensing agency will provide you with all the information you need to complete the required TSA background check procedures. 1.3.7 – Traffic Violations in Your Personal Vehicle The Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA) of 1999 requires a CDL holder to be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle if the CDL holder has been convicted of certain types of moving violations in their personal vehicle. 1.3.3 – Serious Traffic Violations • For all drivers failing to obey a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at the crossing. • For all drivers failing to negotiate a crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance.

• If your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, cancelled, or suspended due to violations of traffic control laws (other than parking violations) you will also lose your CDL driving privileges. • If your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, cancelled, or suspended due to alcohol, controlled substance or felony violations, you will lose your CDL for 1 year. If you are convicted of a second violation in your personal vehicle or CMV you will lose your CDL for life. • For drivers who are not required to always stop, failing to stop before reaching the crossing if the tracks are not clear. • For drivers who are not required to always stop, failing to slow down and check that the tracks are clear of an approaching train. • For drivers who are always required to stop, failing to stop before driving onto the crossing. • For all drivers failing to have sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping. 1.4 – Other CDL Rules There are other federal and state rules that affect drivers operating CMVs in all states. Among them are:

Your state may have additional rules that you must also obey. 1.5 – International Registration Plan International Fuel Tax Agreement If you operate a CDL required vehicle in interstate commerce, the vehicle, with few exceptions, is required to be registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). These federally mandated programs provide for the equitable collection and distribution of vehicle license fees and motor fuels taxes for vehicles traveling throughout the 48 contiguous United States and 10 Canadian provinces. Under the IRP, jurisdictions must register apportioned vehicles which includes issuing license plates and cab cards or proper credentials, calculate, collect and distribute IRP fees, audit carriers for accuracy of reported distance and fees and enforce IRP requirements. Registrant responsibilities under the Plan include applying for IRP registration with base jurisdiction, providing proper documentation for registration, paying appropriate IRP registration fees, properly displaying registration credentials, maintaining accurate distance records, and making records available for jurisdiction review. The basic concept behind IFTA is to allow a licensee (motor carrier) to license in a base jurisdiction for the reporting and payment of motor fuel use taxes. Under the IFTA, a licensee is issued one set of credentials which will authorize operations through all IFTA member jurisdictions.  The fuel use taxes collected pursuant to the IFTA are calculated based on the number of miles (kilometers) traveled and the number of gallons (liters) consumed in the member jurisdictions. The licensee files one • If your license to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, cancelled, or suspended you may not obtain a “hardship” license to operate a CMV. • You are not allowed to hold a mobile telephone to conduct a voice communication or dial a mobile telephone by pressing more than a single button when driving. • You are not allowed to send or read text messages while driving. • You must be properly restrained by a safety belt at all times while operating a commercial motor vehicle. The safety belt design holds the driver securely behind the wheel during a crash, helping the driver to control the vehicle and reduces the chance of serious injury or death. If you do not wear a safety belt, you are four times more likely to be fatally injured if you are thrown from the vehicle. • You cannot have more than one license. If you break this rule, a court may fine you up to $5,000 or put you in jail and keep your home state license and return any others. • You must notify your employer within 30 days of conviction for any traffic violations (except parking). This is true no matter what type of vehicle you were driving. • You must notify your motor vehicle licensing agency within 30 days if you are convicted in any other jurisdiction of any traffic violation (except parking). This is true no matter what type of vehicle you were driving. • You must notify your employer within two business days if your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, or if you are disqualified from driving. • You must give your employer information on all driving jobs you have held for the past 10 years. You must do this when you apply for a commercial driving job. • No one can drive a commercial motor vehicle without a CDL. A court may fine you up to $5,000 or put you in jail for breaking this rule. • If you have a hazardous materials endorsement you must notify and surrender your hazardous materials endorsement to the state that issued your CDL within 24 hours of any conviction or indictment in any jurisdiction, civilian or military, for, or found not guilty by reason of insanity of a disqualifying crime listed in 49 CFR 1572.103; who is adjudicated as lacking mental capacity or have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution as specified in 49 CFR 1572.109; or who renounces his or her U. S. citizenship; • Your employer may not let you drive a commercial motor vehicle if you have more than one license or if you’re CDL is suspended or revoked. A court may fine the employer up to $5,000 or put him/her in jail for breaking this rule. • All states are connected to one computerized system to share information about CDL drivers. The states will check on drivers’ accident records to be sure that drivers do not have more than one CDL. It is the base jurisdiction’s responsibility to remit the taxes collected to other member jurisdictions and to represent the other member jurisdictions in the tax collection process, including the performance of audits. An IFTA licensee must retain records to support the information reported on the IFTA quarterly tax return. The IRP registrant and the IFTA licensee may be the vehicle owner or the vehicle operator. The requirement for acquiring IRP plates for a vehicle and IFTA license for a motor carrier is determined by the definitions from the IRP Plan and the IFTA for Qualified Vehicle and Qualified Motor Vehicle: For purposes of IRP: A Qualified Vehicle is (except as provided below) any Power Unit that is used or intended for use in two or more Member Jurisdictions and that is used for the transportation of persons for hire or designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property, and: (i) has two Axles and a gross Vehicle weight or registered gross Vehicle weight in (ii) excess of 26,000 pounds (11,793.401 kilograms), or (iii)has three or more Axles, regardless of weight, or (iv) is used in combination, when the gross Vehicle weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds (11,793.401 kilograms). While similar, the Qualified Motor Vehicle in IFTA means a motor vehicle used, designed, or maintained for transportation of persons or property and: 1) Having two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms; or 2) Is used in combination, when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms gross vehicle or registered gross vehicle weight. Qualified Motor Vehicle does not include recreational vehicles. Although the actual format of the IVDR may vary, the information that is required for proper record keeping does not. In order to satisfy the requirements for Individual Vehicle Distance Records, these documents must include the following information: Distance Per Article IV of the IRP Plan (i) Date of trip (starting and ending) (ii) Trip origin and destination – City and State or Province (iii)Route(s) of travel (iv) Beginning and ending odometer or hubometer reading of the trip (v)Total distance traveled (vi)In-Jurisdiction distance (vii) Power unit number or vehicle identification number. Fuel Per Section P560 of the IFTA Procedures Manual .300 An acceptable receipt or invoice must include, but shall not be limited to, the following: .005 Date of purchase .010 Seller’s name and address .015 Number of gallons or liters purchased; .020 Fuel type .025 Price per gallon or liter or total amount of sale .030 Unit number or other unique vehicle identifier .035 Purchaser’s name An example of an IVDR that must be completed in its entirety for each trip can be found in Figure 1 below. Each individual IVDR should be filled out for only one vehicle. The rules to follow when trying to determine how and when to log an odometer reading are the following: • At the beginning of the day • When leaving the state or province • At the end of the trip/day quarterly tax return with the base jurisdiction by which the licensee will report all operations through all IFTA member jurisdictions. operating the vehicle. A universally accepted method of capturing this information is through the completion of an Individual Vehicle Distance Record (IVDR), sometimes times referred to as a Driver Trip Report. This document reflects the distance traveled and fuel purchased for a vehicle that operates interstate under apportioned (IRP) registration and IFTA fuel tax credentials.

If the vehicle you operate is registered under IRP and you are a motor carrier licensed under IFTA, then you are required to comply with the mandatory record keeping requirements for Not only do the trips need to be logged, but the fuel purchases need to be documented as well. You must obtain a receipt for all fueling and include it with your completed IVDR. There are different routes that a driver may take, and most of the miles may be within one state or province. Whether or not the distance you travel is primarily in one jurisdiction or spread among several jurisdictions, all information for the trip must be recorded. This includes the dates, the routes, odometer readings and fuel purchases. By completing this document in full and keeping all records required by both the IRP and the IFTA, you will have ensured that you and your company are in compliance with all State and Provincial laws surrounding fuel and distance record keeping requirements. For additional information on the IRP and the requirements related to the IRP, contact your base jurisdiction motor vehicle department or IRP, Inc. the official repository for the IRP. Additional information can be found on the IRP, Inc. website at www.irponline.org. There is a training video on the website home page available in English, Spanish and French For additional information on IFTA and the requirements related to IFTA, contact the appropriate agency in your base jurisdiction. You will also find useful information about the Agreement at the official repository of IFTA at http://www.iftach.org/index.php. The IVDR serves as the source document for the calculation of fees and taxes that are payable to the jurisdictions in which the vehicle is operated, so these original records must be maintained for a minimum of four years.

Figure 1 – Individual Vehicle Mileage & Fuel Record (Example)

Make sure that any trips that you enter are always filled out in descending order and that your trips include all state/provinces that you traveled through on your route. In addition, these records are subject to audit by the taxing jurisdictions. Failure to maintain complete and accurate records could result in fines, penalties and suspension or revocation of IRP registrations and IFTA licenses.