Restricted CDL

Restricted CDL licenses are issued under 49 CFR 383.3 (f)

1. A State may, at its discretion, waive the required knowledge and skills tests and issue a restricted CDL to employees of these designated farm-related service industries:
   • Agri-chemical businesses;
   • Custom harvesters;
   • Farm retail outlets and suppliers;
   • Livestock feeders.
2. A restricted CDL issued pursuant to this paragraph shall meet all the requirements of this part, except subpart H of this part. A restricted CDL issued pursuant to this paragraph shall be accorded the same reciprocity as a CDL meeting all of the requirements of this part. The restrictions imposed upon the issuance of this restricted CDL shall not limit a person’s use of the CDL in a non-CMV during either validated or non-validated periods, nor shall the CDL affect a State’s power to administer its driver licensing program for operators of vehicles other than CMVs.
3. A State issuing a CDL under the terms of this paragraph must restrict issuance as follows:
   • Applicants must have a good driving record. Drivers who have not held any motor vehicle operator’s license for at least one year shall not be eligible for this CDL. Drivers who have between one and two years of driving experience must demonstrate a good driving record for their entire driving history. Drivers with more than two years of driving experience must have a good driving record for the two most recent years. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term good driving record means that an applicant:
     • Has not had more than one license;
     • Has not had any license suspended, revoked, or canceled;
     • Has not had any conviction for any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying offenses contained in § 383.51(b);
     • Has not had any conviction for any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations; and
     • Has not had any conviction for a violation of State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation) arising in connection with any traffic accident, and has no record of an accident in which he/she was at fault.
   • Restricted CDLs shall have the same renewal cycle as unrestricted CDLs but shall be limited to the seasonal period or periods as defined by the State of licensure, provided that the total number of days in any calendar year for which the restricted CDL is valid does not exceed 210. If a State elects to provide for more than one seasonal period, the restricted CDL is valid for commercial motor vehicle operation only during the currently approved season, and must be revalidated for each successive season. Only one seasonal period of validity may appear on the license document at a time. The good driving record must be confirmed prior to any renewal or revalidation.
   • Restricted CDL holders are limited to operating Group B and C vehicles, as described in 49 CFR 383.3 subpart F.
   • Restricted CDLs shall not be issued with any endorsements on the license document. Only the limited tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsement privileges that the restricted CDL automatically confers are permitted.
   • Restricted CDL holders may not drive vehicles carrying any placardable quantities of hazardous materials, except for diesel fuel in quantities of 3,785 liters (1,000 gallons) or less; liquid fertilizers (i.e., plant nutrients) in vehicles or implements of husbandry in total quantities of 11,355 liters (3,000 gallons) or less; and solid fertilizers (i.e., solid plant nutrients) that are not transported with any organic substance.
   • Restricted CDL holders may not hold an unrestricted CDL at the same time.Restricted CDL holders may not operate a commercial motor vehicle beyond 241 kilometers (150 miles) from the place of business or the farm currently being served.

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