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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Commercial Driver's License: Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Motor Vehicles; Application for Exemption

Notice of final disposition; granting of application for exemption.

FMCSA approves an application from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV) for an exemption for a period of 2 years from a provision of the Agency's commercial driver's license (CDL) regulations requiring that each CDL issued by a State contain a color photograph of the driver. Virginia DMV requested that it be allowed to use a black and white, laser-engraved photograph in lieu of a color photograph. Virginia DMV believes that the issuance of CDLs with black-and-white, laser-engraved photographs would enhance the security of the credential and assist law enforcement officials with the identification of the CDL holder. FMCSA has determined that the exemption would provide for a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety achieved without the exemption.

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