California requires commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators to hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). But there are many rules concerning what constitutes a CMV and what type of CDL and endorsement the driver is required to hold. This article outlines the tests and requirements for licensure and the consequences of certain violations and improper CDL use.
- California Driver's License Restriction Code 64
- California Driver's License Restriction Code 64 Key
- 9 Restriction On Va License
- California Driver License Restrictions Codes
Restriction (08) for the duration of the original suspension period. Until a DL 101 is submitted. Restriction 08 added will be sent a notification of the restriction change. The driver may opt to maintain the IID restriction with unlimited driving privileges by contacting DLMAU at (916) 657-6525. Electronically distributed. M Restriction-Passenger Vehicle Or School Bus Only. The M restriction means the driver possesses a Class A CDL but obtains his or her passenger or school bus endorsement in a Class B vehicle. This means the driver will get the “M” restriction so that they are only allowed to operate a Class B or Class C passenger vehicle or school bus. California Class A CDL In most states, this license allows the driver to operate any vehicle with a semi-trailer or trailer with two or more axles. This also includes any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 26,000 pounds (provided that the GVWR of the towed vehicle is in excess of 10,000 pounds) under the following conditions. This is usually followed either by the restrictions codes assigned by the DMV or plain wording on what the restrictions are. If you have any restriction codes listed, you probably should already know what they mean. If not, log onto the DMV website, and there should be some easy explanation. Not worth making a trip to the DMV for though, I promise.
California Driver's License Restriction Code 64
Vehicles Requiring a CDL
California categorizes its licenses by class and commercial and non-commercial purposes.
Class A. A class A license is required for the operation of any vehicle weighing over 26,000 pounds and carrying a trailer over 10,000 pounds, including trailer buses and vehicles pulling multiple trailers. A non-commercial class A license can be used to tow trailers over 10,000 pounds within 150 miles of the person’s farm or to transport a not-for-hire travel trailer weighing over 10,000 pounds.
Class B. A class B license is required to operate any vehicle with three or more axels weighing over 6,000 pounds (empty) and any single vehicle weighing over 26,000 pounds. A class B license authorizes the driver to pull a trailer weighing less than 10,000 pounds. A non-commercial class B license can be used to drive certain farm labor vehicles and RVs over 40 feet in length.
Class C. A class C license (non-commercial) is sufficient to drive most vehicles under 26,000 pounds, with trailers less than 10,000 pounds. However, a class C CDL is required if that vehicle is carrying hazardous materials or more than ten passengers.
Endorsements. To drive certain vehicles and transport certain cargo-specific endorsements are required. A passenger endorsement is required to carry passengers and requires the driver to pass additional testing. A hazmat endorsement is required to transport hazardous materials and requires Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) clearance.
Restrictions. A CDL can also include restrictions based on the driver’s experience and knowledge. For example, a driver who cannot complete the driving test with an air-brake CMV will be restricted to CMVs with hydraulic brakes.
Testing
Like all licenses, CDLs require the completion of a written exam and driving test. The exams are tailored to the class of license and desired endorsements. Class A and B applicants must complete 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training prior to the driving test. Applicants must provide proof of identity, citizenship, and residency. The falsification of any information will result in disqualification. Cheating or aiding in cheating for the CDL tests will also result in CDL disqualification and misdemeanor charges.
CDL Disqualification
A CDL is a privilege and failure to comply with the many requirements can result in license disqualification. A driver can be disqualified due to another state’s license suspension or if the driver is deemed to be an imminent hazard, among many other reasons.
Serious Traffic Offenses
“Serious traffic offenses” include speeding 15 miles per hour or more over the limit, reckless driving, texting while driving in a CMV, and any traffic violation involving a fatality. Two serious traffic offenses in three years will result in a 90-day CDL disqualification. A third violation within three years results in a 120-day disqualification. Driving a CMV without a CDL is also considered a serious traffic offense, but not if the driver shows proof of then-valid licensure to the court.
Out-of-Service Order
A driver in violation of CDL rules or a vehicle in violation of equipment regulations can be issued an out-of-service order (OSO). OSOs are temporary but prohibit operation during their duration. Violation of the OSO can result in the employer being fined $2,750 to $25,000, and the driver will face:
- 1st offense: 180-day revocation (two years if in hazmat or passenger CMV) and a $2,500 fine.
- 2nd offense in ten years: Two-year revocation (three years if in hazmat or passenger CMV) and a $5,000 fine.
- 3rd offense in ten years: Three-year license revocation and a $5,000 fine.
Railroad Crossings
CMVs have special rules pertaining to crossing and approaching railroad tracks. Railroad-related violations will result in a revocation of 60 days for a first offense, 120 days for a second offense, and one year for a third offense within three years. An employer can also be held liable for knowingly permitting or requiring a CMV operator to violate railroad crossing laws and be fined up to $10,000.
Transporting Fireworks
A CMV operator caught carrying more than 10,000 pounds of fireworks will be suspended for three years.
Criminal Convictions
Various criminal convictions will also lead to a one-year license revocation. This includes DUI (driving under the influence), a DUI in a CMV, chemical test refusal, fleeing and eluding in a CMV, leaving the scene of an accident, using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony, driving with a revoked CDL, and vehicular manslaughter. The revocation period is three years if the driver was transporting hazardous materials. A second conviction of any of these offenses within three years is a lifetime disqualification. A driver will also receive a lifetime disqualification for using a motor vehicle to transport, manufacture, or distribute controlled substances.
Honesty
CDL holders are required to self-report any traffic conviction to both the State of California and to their employers. This reporting requirement includes both in-state and out-of-state convictions. Operators are also required to report OSOs to the state and their employers.
In order to drive certain types of vehicles with a commercial driver's license (CDL), it may be necessary toCalifornia Driver's License Restriction Code 64 Key
add an endorsement or remove a restriction. In either case, additional testing and fees will be required.CDL Endorsements
After you have satisfied the requirements for a Class A, B, or C commercial driver's license, you may also need to pass additional written and road driving tests to operate special types of commercial motor vehicles.
Below is a list of the federal endorsement codes you may need in addition to your CDL and what tests will be required by your state.
9 Restriction On Va License
- H Endorsement: Required for vehicles containing hazardous materials.
- Requires a written knowledge test.
- N Endorsement: Permits you to operate tank vehicles.
- Requires an additional written knowledge test.
- P Endorsement: Allows you to operate a vehicle that carries over a specified number of passengers (the exact number may depend on your state).
- Requires written knowledgeANDroad skills tests.
- S Endorsement: Permits theoperation of a school bus.
- Requires written knowledge AND road skills tests.
- ALSO requires separate application forms, fees, and background checks. See our guide to passenger and school bus endorsements.
- T Endorsement: Allows you to tow a double or triple trailer.
- Requires an additional knowledge test.
- X Endorsement: Combination endorsement for HAZMAT and tank vehicles.
- Requires a written knowledge test.
Check with your state to determine the exact process required for adding an endorsement to your commercial driver license.
California Driver License Restrictions Codes
CDL Restrictions
A restriction placed on your commercial driver's license may keep you from operating certain types of vehicles.
Common federal CDL restriction codes are listed below:
- E Restriction: Prohibits you from operating vehicles with a manual transmission.
- Occurs when you take your skills test in a CMV with automatic transmission.
- L Restriction: Prohibitsoperation of a vehicle containing a full air brake system.
- Occurs if you:
- Fail the Air Brakes Knowledge Test.
- Incorrectly identify air brake system components.
- Fail to properly conduct an air brakes system check.
- Take the road skill test in a CMV lacking a full air brake system.
- Occurs if you:
- Z Restriction: Also prohibits you from driving a CMV with full air brakes.
- Occurs if you tested in a vehicle with an air over hydraulic brake system.
- M Restriction: Restricts you to operating a Class B or C passenger vehicle/school bus ONLY.
- Occurs if you possess a Class A CDL, but earned your passenger/school bus endorsement driving a Class B vehicle.
- N Restriction: Restricts you to operating a Class C passenger vehicle/school bus ONLY.
- Occurs when you possess a Class B CDL, but earned your passenger/school bus endorsement driving a Class C vehicle.
- Restriction: Prohibits you from driving any Class A vehicle that has a fifth wheel connection.
- Occurs when you take your skills test in a CMV that has a non-fifth wheel connection, such as a pintle hook.
- V Restriction: Indicates that a medical variance has been reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- This may occur, for instance, if you have a vision or diabetic waiver issued by the FMCSA.
Depending on your state, there may be additional restriction codes that can be placed on your CDL license.
Removing a CDL Restriction
If you wish to remove a restriction from your CDL, you may be required to complete or provide:
- Additional written knowledge tests.
- Additional road skills tests.
- This includes testing in a vehicle meeting the requirements indicated by the restriction.
- Further medical evaluations.
- Payment of additional fees.