Do tow truck operators who hold a CDL require endorsements to tow “endorsable” vehicles?

§383.93 – Endorsements

Guidance Q&A

Question 8: Do tow truck operators who hold a CDL require endorsements to tow “endorsable” vehicles?

Guidance: For CDL endorsement purposes, the nature of the tow truck operations determines the need for endorsements:

Is a driver who operates a truck tractor pulling a heavy-haul trailer attached to the tractor by means of a “jeep,” that meets the definition of a CMV under part 383 required to have a CDL with a double/triple trailer endorsement?

§383.93 – Endorsements

Guidance Q&A

Question 7: Is a driver who operates a truck tractor pulling a heavy-haul trailer attached to the tractor by means of a “jeep,” that meets the definition of a CMV under part 383 required to have a CDL with a double/triple trailer...

Does an unattached tote or portable tank with a cargo capacity of 1,000 gallons or more meet the definition of “portable tank” requiring a tank vehicle endorsement on the driver’s CDL?

§383.93 – Endorsements

Guidance Q&A

Question 6: Does an unattached tote or portable tank with a cargo capacity of 1,000 gallons or more meet the definition of “portable tank” requiring a tank vehicle endorsement on the driver’s CDL?

Guidance: Yes.

Are drivers of double and triple saddle mount combinations required to have the double/triple trailers endorsement on their CDLs?

§383.93 – Endorsements

Guidance Q&A

Question 5: Are drivers of double and triple saddle mount combinations required to have the double/triple trailers endorsement on their CDLs?

Guidance: Yes, if the following conditions apply:

•...

Do persons transporting battery-powered forklifts need to obtain an HM endorsement?

§383.93 – Endorsements

Guidance Q&A

Question 4: Do persons transporting battery-powered forklifts need to obtain an HM endorsement?

Guidance: No, battery powered vehicles and equipment are not required to be placarded for transportation.

Must all drivers of vehicles required to be placarded have CDLs containing the HM endorsement?

§383.93 – Endorsements

Guidance Q&A

Question 3: Must all drivers of vehicles required to be placarded have CDLs containing the HM endorsement?

Guidance: Yes, unless waived by the State, as allowed by the provisions of § 383.3.

Would the driver in the following scenarios be required to have a CDL with an HM endorsement?

§383.93 – Endorsements

Guidance Q&A

Question 2: Would the driver in the following scenarios be required to have a CDL with an HM endorsement?

a.   A driver transports 1,001 or more pounds of Division 1.4 (Class C explosive) materials in a vehicle with a...

Are employees of a governmental agency who drive emergency response vehicles that transport HM in quantities requiring placarding subject to the CDL regulations?

§383.93 – Endorsements

Guidance Q&A

Question 1: Are employees of a governmental agency who drive emergency response vehicles that transport HM in quantities requiring placarding subject to the CDL regulations?

Guidance: No, if the vehicle is being operated under...

May a truck tractor (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5) be driven on public roads by a driver with a Class B CDL?

§383.91 – Commercial Vehicle Groups

Guidance Q&A

Question 6: May a truck tractor (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5) be driven on public roads by a driver with a Class B CDL?

Guidance: Yes, but only if the truck tractor is not pulling a towed unit (...

Do tow truck operators need CDLs? If so, in what vehicle group(s)?

§383.91 – Commercial Vehicle Groups

Guidance Q&A

Question 5: Do tow truck operators need CDLs? If so, in what vehicle group(s)?

Guidance: For CDL purposes, the tow truck and its towed vehicle are treated the same as any other powered unit towing...