What are the requirements for a restricted CDL?
No CDL knowledge or driving tests are required for issuance of a restricted CDL.
Applicants must meet all requirements of a regular CDL and have two years of driving experience with a license permitting at least two years of unaccompanied driving. This does not include a motorcycle license, a minor’s school license, or a minor’s restricted license.
Additionally, the applicant must have a good driving record for the most recent two-year period. A “good driving record” means a driving record showing:
-
No multiple licenses.
- No driver’s license suspensions, revocations, disqualifications, denials, bars, or cancellations of any kind.
- No convictions in any type of motor vehicle for:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
- Leaving the scene of an accident.
- Committing any felony involving a motor vehicle.
- Speeding 15 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit.
- Reckless driving, drag racing, or eluding or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer.
- Improper or erratic lane changes.
- Following too closely.
- A moving violation that contributed to a motor vehicle accident.
- A violation deemed serious under rule 761-615.17(321).
- No record of contributive accidents
- Provide proof of citizenship (certified copy of U.S. birth certificate, passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship), lawful permanent residency (Permanent resident card), or an employment authorization document (EAD) or I-94 document.
What am I valid to drive?
Restricted CDL holders are limited to driving Class B and/or Class C vehicles, including tank vehicles and vehicles equipped with air brakes (except passenger vehicles).
The only hazardous materials allowed to be carried with a restricted CDL are:
- Liquid fertilizers, such as anhydrous ammonia, in quantities of 3,000 gallons or less.
- Solid fertilizers, such as ammonium nitrate, provided they are not mixed with any organic substance.
Restricted CDL holders may operate between the place of business and the farm currently being serviced, but not to exceed 150 miles from the place of business.
When the driver is not operating a CMV, he/she can only drive the types of vehicles he/she was valid for before the restricted CDL was issued. That license type will be indicated on the restriction supplement. A person already holding a CDL is not eligible for a restricted CDL.
How long is the restricted CDL valid?
A restricted CDL will be valid for up to 210 days within the calendar year.
These days can be taken either consecutively or split into a maximum of three separate periods at the driver's discretion.
Periods shorter than 210 days can be chosen in increments of 70 or 105 days, as long as the total validity within the calendar year remains under 210 days. If needed, a period's validity may be extended by 35 days, as long as the extension request is submitted before the period ends and the overall validity within the calendar year remains within 210 days. (An application for extension that is made after an individual period expires will be treated as an application for a new individual period.)
A restricted CDL must be validated for CMV operation for each individual period of validity. This means the licensee must have their good driving record confirmed and a new card issued at each application for an individual period of validity.
Examples
Driver A elects a single restricted CDL valid for 210 days, beginning March 15 and continuing through Oct. 11. Driver A will go to a driver’s license issuance site for the restricted CDL before it is issued to confirm his good driving record and be issued the card, and after the restricted CDL expires will not be eligible for an extension or another restricted CDL until the next calendar year.
Driver B elects to divide her 210 days for the calendar year into two 105-day periods, one beginning March 1 and continuing through June 14, and one beginning Sept. 1 and continuing through Dec. 15. Driver B will go to a driver’s license issuance site for each restricted CDL before it is issued to confirm her good driving record and be issued the card, and after the second restricted CDL expires will not be eligible for an extension or another restricted CDL until the next calendar year.
Driver C elects to divide his 210 days for the calendar year into three 70-day periods, one beginning April 10 and continuing through June 19; one beginning Aug. 14 and continuing through Oct. 23; and one beginning Nov. 1 and continuing through Jan. 10. Driver C will go to a driver’s license issuance site for each restricted CDL before it is issued to confirm his good driving record and be issued the card, and after the third restricted CDL expires will not be eligible for an extension or another restricted CDL until the next calendar year.
Driver D initially applies for a restricted CDL that is valid for 105 days, beginning March 20 and continuing through July 3, but because of flooding decides to extend that period of validity by 35 days, to August 7. Driver D expended 140 days of her total 210 days for the calendar year, and would be eligible only for a second restricted CDL valid for a period of 70 days the remainder of the calendar year.
What is the cost?
The cost of a restricted CDL is $8 per year. Each time the driver comes in to update the validation period there will be a $10 charge and a complete search of the applicant’s driving record.
How do I get a restricted CDL added to my license?
If you meet the requirements above, you will need to make an appointment to come into a driver's license service center or visit a county treasurer’s office. Many of the county treasurer's locations are not conducting business as usual. If you choose to go to a county treasurer location, please contact the location you plan to visit before making the trip.