FMCSA advises states to issue CDLs under usual procedures

Nov 2, 2001 12:00 PM

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has advised states to continue to renew old and issue new commercial driver licenses (CDL) under their usual procedures. Some states have stopped issuing CDLs with hazardous materials endorsements. Those states included Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New Mexico. Other states reportedly were expected to follow suit.

The state decisions followed a recently-passed bill that requires changes in the procedures and prohibits states from issuing or renewing licenses unless the Department of Transportation (DOT) has first determined that applicants do not pose a security risk. The bill requires the Department of Justice to perform background records checks on anyone requesting a CDL to transport hazardous materials. However, the legislation cannot be implemented until DOT completes the rulemaking process, according to FMCSA.

FMCSA will make available to each state a FBI watch list to assist them in their security activities, according to Julie Cirillo, FMSCA assistant administrator.