TRANSPORTATION CODETITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFICSUBTITLE B. DRIVER'S LICENSES AND PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION CARDSCHAPTER 522. COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSESSUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONSSec. 522.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the Texas Commercial Driver's License Act.
Sec. 522.003. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Alcohol" means:(A) beer, ale, port, stout, sake, or any other similar fermented beverages or products containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, brewed or produced wholly or in part from malt or a malt substitute;(B) wine containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume; or(C) distilled spirits, including ethyl alcohol, ethanol, and spirits of wine in any form, and all dilutions and mixtures of distilled spirits from whatever source or by whatever process produced.(2) "Alcohol concentration" means the number of grams of alcohol for each:(A) 100 milliliters of blood;(B) 210 liters of breath; or(C) 67 milliliters of urine.(3) "Commercial driver's license" means a license issued to an individual that authorizes the individual to drive a class of commercial motor vehicle.(4) "Commercial driver learner's permit" means a commercial driver's license that restricts the holder to driving a commercial motor vehicle as provided by Section 522.011(a)(2)(B).(5) "Commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used to transport passengers or property that:(A) has a gross combination weight or a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, including a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight or a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds;(B) has a gross vehicle weight or a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds;(C) is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or(D) is transporting hazardous materials and is required to be placarded under 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F.(6) "Controlled substance" means a substance classified as a controlled substance under:(A) Section 102(6), Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. Section 802(6)), including Schedules I-V of 21 C.F.R. Part 1308; or(B) Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code.(7) "Conviction" means:(A) an adjudication of guilt, an unvacated forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure the person's appearance in court, a plea of guilty or nolo contendere accepted by the court, the payment of a fine or court costs, or the violation of a condition of release without bail, in a court, regardless of whether the penalty is suspended, probated, or rebated; or(B) a determination by a court, an authorized administrative tribunal or officer, or the department as authorized by this chapter that:(i) the person has refused to give a specimen to determine the person's alcohol concentration or the presence in the person's body of a controlled substance or drug while driving a commercial motor vehicle; or(ii) the person has driven a commercial motor vehicle while the person's alcohol concentration was 0.04 or more.(8) "Department" means the Department of Public Safety.(9) "Disqualify" means to withdraw the privilege to drive a commercial motor vehicle, including to suspend, cancel, or revoke that privilege under a state or federal law.(10) "Domicile" means the place where a person has the person's true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence and to which the person intends to return whenever absent.(11) "Drive" means to operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle.(12) "Driver's license" has the meaning assigned by Section 521.001.(13) "Drug" has the meaning assigned by Section 481.002, Health and Safety Code.(14) "Employer" means a person who owns or leases a commercial motor vehicle or assigns a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle.(15) "Federal act" means the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (49 U.S.C. App. Section 2701 et seq.).(16) "Foreign jurisdiction" means a jurisdiction other than a state.(17) "Gross combination weight rating" means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination or articulated vehicle or, if the manufacturer has not specified a value, the sum of the gross vehicle weight rating of the power unit and the total weight of the towed unit or units and any load on a towed unit.(18) "Gross vehicle weight rating" means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.(19) "Hazardous materials" has the meaning assigned by 49 C.F.R. Section 383.5.(20) Repealed by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 43, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.(21) "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer propelled or drawn by mechanical power and used on a highway. The term does not include a vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer operated exclusively on a rail.(22) "Nonresident commercial driver's license" means a commercial driver's license issued by a state to an individual who resides in a foreign jurisdiction.(23) "Out-of-service order" means:(A) a temporary prohibition against driving a commercial motor vehicle issued under Section 522.101, the law of another state, or 49 C.F.R. Section 383.5; or(B) a declaration by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or an authorized enforcement officer of a state or local jurisdiction that a driver, commercial motor vehicle, or motor carrier operation is out of service under 49 C.F.R. Section 383.5.(24) "Secretary" means the United States secretary of transportation.(24-a) "Seed cotton module" means compacted seed cotton in any form.(25) "Serious traffic violation" means:(A) a conviction arising from the driving of a motor vehicle, other than a parking, vehicle weight, or vehicle defect violation, for:(i) excessive speeding, involving a single charge of driving 15 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit;(ii) reckless driving, as defined by state or local law;(iii) a violation of a state or local law related to motor vehicle traffic control, including a law regulating the operation of vehicles on highways, arising in connection with a fatal accident;(iv) improper or erratic traffic lane change;(v) following the vehicle ahead too closely; or(vi) a violation of Sections 522.011 or 522.042; or(B) a violation of Section 522.015.(26) "State" means a state of the United States or the District of Columbia.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 991, Sec. 6, eff. June 1, 2005; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 8.01, eff. June 1, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 247, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 3, eff. January 1, 2008.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 782, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.004. APPLICABILITY. (a) This chapter does not apply to:(1) a vehicle that is controlled and operated by a farmer and:(A) used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from a farm;(B) used within 150 miles of the person's farm; and(C) not used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier;(2) a fire-fighting or emergency vehicle necessary to the preservation of life or property or the execution of emergency governmental functions, whether operated by an employee of a political subdivision or by a volunteer fire fighter;(3) a military vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle, when operated for military purposes by military personnel, including:(A) active duty military personnel, including personnel serving in the United States Coast Guard; and(B) members of the reserves and national guard on active duty, including personnel on full-time national guard duty, personnel engaged in part-time training, and national guard military technicians;(4) a recreational vehicle that is driven for personal use;(5) a vehicle that is owned, leased, or controlled by an air carrier, as defined by Section 21.155, and that is driven or operated exclusively by an employee of the air carrier only on the premises of an airport, as defined by Section 22.001, on service roads to which the public does not have access; or(6) a vehicle used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules or cotton burrs.(b) In this section, "recreational vehicle" means a motor vehicle primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational camping or travel use. The term includes a travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, and motor home.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1061, Sec. 13, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 357, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 4, eff. January 1, 2008.
Sec. 522.005. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY. The department may adopt rules necessary to carry out this chapter and the federal act.
Sec. 522.006. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY. The department may enter into a contract to carry out this chapter, including a contract with an agency of another state or with another organization.
Sec. 522.007. EXEMPTION FOR NEIGHBORING STATES. (a) The public safety director shall enter negotiations with an appropriate person or entity of a state bordering this state for the purpose of applying the exemption contained in Section 522.004(a)(1) to residents of that state.(b) The public safety director may enter an agreement to apply the exemption contained in Section 522.004(a)(1) to residents of a bordering state only if that state extends a similar exemption to residents of this state.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1061, Sec. 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
SUBCHAPTER B. LICENSE OR PERMIT REQUIREDSec. 522.011. LICENSE OR PERMIT REQUIRED; OFFENSE. (a) A person may not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless:(1) the person:(A) has in the person's immediate possession a commercial driver's license issued by the department appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven; and(B) is not disqualified or subject to an out-of-service order;(2) the person:(A) has in the person's immediate possession a commercial driver learner's permit issued by the department; and(B) is accompanied by the holder of a commercial driver's license issued by the department appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven, and the license holder:(i) occupies a seat beside the permit holder for the purpose of giving instruction in driving the vehicle; and(ii) is not disqualified or subject to an out-of-service order; or(3) the person is authorized to drive the vehicle under Section 522.015.(b) A person commits an offense if the person violates Subsection (a).(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.(d) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(1)(A) if the person charged produces in court a commercial driver's license that:(1) was issued to the person;(2) is appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven; and(3) was valid when the offense was committed.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 522.012. RESTRICTED LICENSE. (a) If the department is authorized under the federal act to grant the waiver, the department by rule may waive the knowledge and skills tests required by Section 522.022 and issue a restricted commercial driver's license to an employee of a farm-related service industry.(b) In granting a waiver under this section, the department is subject to any condition or requirement established for the waiver by the secretary or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.(c) In addition to any restriction or limitation imposed by this chapter or the department, a restricted commercial driver's license issued under this section is subject to any restriction or limitation imposed by the secretary or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.(d) In this section, "farm-related service industry" has the meaning assigned by the secretary or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under the federal act.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 522.013. NONRESIDENT LICENSE. (a) The department may issue a nonresident commercial driver's license to a resident of a foreign jurisdiction if the secretary has determined that the commercial motor vehicle testing and licensing standards in the foreign jurisdiction do not meet the testing standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383.(b) An applicant must surrender any nonresident commercial driver's license issued by another state.(c) Before issuing a nonresident commercial driver's license, the department must establish the practical capability of disqualifying the person under the conditions applicable to a commercial driver's license issued to a resident of this state.(d) "Nonresident" must appear on the face of a license issued under this section.(e) The department may issue a temporary nonresident commercial driver's license to a person who does not present a social security card as required by Section 522.021(a-1)(1) but who otherwise meets the requirements for a nonresident commercial driver's license, including the requirement that the commercial motor vehicle testing and licensing standards of the country of which the applicant is a resident not meet the testing and licensing standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383. A license issued under this subsection:(1) expires on the earlier of:(A) the 60th day after the date the license is issued;(B) the expiration date of the visa presented under Section 522.021(a-1)(2)(B); or(C) the expiration date of the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record, or a successor document, presented under Section 522.021(a-1)(2)(C); and(2) may not be renewed.(f) The department may not issue more than one temporary nonresident commercial driver's license to a person.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1319, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 522.014. PERMIT. The department may issue a commercial driver learner's permit to an individual who has passed the vision and written tests required for a Texas driver's license appropriate for the class of vehicle to be driven.
Sec. 522.015. LICENSE OR PERMIT ISSUED BY OTHER JURISDICTION. A person may drive a commercial motor vehicle in this state if:(1) the person has a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued by:(A) another state in accordance with the minimum federal standards for the issuance of a commercial motor vehicle driver's license; or(B) a foreign jurisdiction the testing and licensing standards of which the United States Department of Transportation has determined meet the requirements of the federal act;(2) the person's license or permit is appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven;(3) the person is not disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle and is not subject to an out-of-service order; and(4) the person has not had a domicile in this state for more than 30 days.
SUBCHAPTER C. LICENSE OR PERMIT APPLICATION AND ISSUANCESec. 522.021. APPLICATION; OFFENSE. (a) An application for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit must include:(1) the full name and current residence and mailing address of the applicant;(2) a physical description of the applicant, including sex, height, and eye color;(3) the applicant's date of birth;(4) the applicant's social security number, unless the application is for a nonresident commercial driver's license and the applicant is a resident of a foreign jurisdiction;(5) certifications, including those required by 49 C.F.R. Section 383.71(a); and(6) any other information required by the department.(a-1) If the application is for a nonresident commercial driver's license and the applicant is a resident of a foreign jurisdiction that does not meet the testing and licensing standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383, the applicant must present:(1) a social security card issued to the applicant; and(2) each of the following:(A) a passport issued to the applicant by the country of which the applicant is a resident;(B) a Temporary Worker visa; and(C) a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record or a successor document.(b) The application must be sworn to and signed by the applicant. An officer or employee of the department may administer the oath. An officer or employee of this state may not charge for administering the oath.(c) The application must meet the requirements of an application under Section 521.141 and must be accompanied by the fee required under Section 522.029. The department may require documentary evidence to verify the information required by Subsection (a).(c-1) If the department requires proof of an applicant's identity as part of an application under this section, the department must accept as satisfactory proof of identity an offender identification card or similar form of identification issued to an inmate by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice if the applicant also provides supplemental verifiable records or documents that aid in establishing identity.(d) A person who knowingly falsifies information or a certification required by Subsection (a) commits an offense and is subject to a 60-day cancellation of the person's commercial driver's license, commercial driver learner's permit, or application. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1218, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1319, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 14.03, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.022. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS. The department may not issue a commercial driver's license other than a nonresident license to a person unless the person:(1) has a domicile in this state;(2) has passed knowledge and skills tests for driving a commercial motor vehicle that comply with minimal federal standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383, Subparts G and H; and(3) has satisfied the requirements imposed by the federal act, federal regulation, or state law.
Sec. 522.0225. VERIFICATION OF DOMICILE. (a) The department shall adopt rules for determining whether a domicile has been established under Section 522.022, including rules prescribing the types of documentation the department may require from the applicant to determine the validity of the claimed domicile.(b) The department may contract with a third-party personal data verification service to assist the department in verifying a claim of domicile, including whether the physical address provided by the applicant is the applicant's actual residence.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 13.05, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 522.0226. POST OFFICE BOX NOT VALID AS ADDRESS. (a) In this section, "post office box address" means a United States Postal Service post office box address or a private mailbox address.(b) Unless an exception exists under state or federal law, an applicant may receive delivery of a commercial driver's license at a post office box address only if the applicant has provided the department the physical address where the applicant resides.(c) The department may require the applicant to provide documentation that the department determines necessary to verify the validity of the physical address provided under Subsection (b).(d) The department may contract with a third-party personal data verification service to assist the department in verifying whether the physical address provided by the applicant is the applicant's actual residence.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 13.05, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 522.023. TESTS. (a) The tests required by Section 522.022 must be prescribed by the department.(b) The knowledge test must be conducted by the department. The department shall provide each applicant who has a reading impairment an opportunity to take the knowledge test orally or, at the applicant's option, the applicant may have the questions read to the applicant and may answer in writing.(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), the department must conduct the skills test.(d) The department may authorize a person, including an agency of this or another state, an employer, a private driver training facility or other private institution, or a department, agency, or instrumentality of local government, to administer the skills test specified by this section if:(1) the test is the same that would be administered by the department; and(2) the person has entered into an agreement with the department that complies with 49 C.F.R. Section 383.75.(e) The skills test must be taken in a commercial motor vehicle that is representative of the type of vehicle the person drives or expects to drive.(f) The department may waive the skills test for an applicant who meets the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Section 383.77.(g) The department shall test the applicant's ability to understand highway traffic signs and signals that are written in English.(h) An applicant who pays the applicable fee required by Section 522.029 is entitled to three examinations of each element under Section 522.022. If the applicant has not qualified after the third examination, the applicant must submit a new application accompanied by the required fee.(i) The department may not issue a commercial driver's license to a person who has not passed each examination required under this chapter.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 5, eff. January 1, 2008.
Sec. 522.0235. WAIVER OF VISUAL STANDARDS FOR INTRASTATE DRIVER. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the department by rule may provide for a waiver of the visual standards for a commercial driver's license in 49 C.F.R. Part 391, Subpart E, if the person who is applying for a commercial driver's license or who has been issued a commercial driver's license is a person who drives a commercial motor vehicle only in this state.(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to standards for distant binocular acuity.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.100(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 522.024. ADDITIONAL TESTING. To ensure compliance with the federal act and to promote the systematic conversion to commercial driver's licenses, the department may require the commercial driver's license testing of a person to whom the department has previously issued a driver's license that authorizes the driving of a vehicle that may be subject to this chapter. The testing may be required before the expiration of an existing license.
Sec. 522.025. LIMITATIONS ON ISSUANCE OF LICENSE OR PERMIT. (a) The department may not issue a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit to a person who is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle or while the person's driver's license or driving privilege is suspended, revoked, or canceled in any state.(b) The department may not issue a commercial driver's license to a person who has a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or commercial driver learner's permit issued by another state unless the person surrenders the license or permit. The department shall return a surrendered license or permit to the issuing state for cancellation.
Sec. 522.026. LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF DRIVER'S LICENSES; OFFENSE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person drives a commercial motor vehicle and has more than one driver's license.(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that the offense occurred during the 10-day period beginning on the date the person was issued a driver's license.(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Sec. 522.027. MINIMUM AGE. The department may not issue a commercial driver's license or a commercial driver learner's permit to a person who is younger than 18 years of age.
Sec. 522.028. CHECK OF DRIVING RECORD. Before issuing a commercial driver's license, the department shall check the applicant's driving record as required by 49 C.F.R. Section 383.73.
Sec. 522.029. FEES. (a) The fee for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued by the department is $60, except as provided by Subsections (f), (h), (j), and (k).(b) The fee for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit shall be reduced by $4 for each remaining year of validity of a driver's license, other than a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued by the department to the applicant.(c) The fee for a duplicate commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit is $10.(d) An applicant who is changing a class of license, endorsement, or restriction or who is adding a class of vehicle other than a motorcycle to the license must pay a fee of $10 for the examination, except for a renewal or original issuance of a commercial driver's license.(e) The fees required by this chapter and collected by an officer or agent of the department shall be remitted without deduction to the department. Text of subsec. (f) as added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1156, Sec. 2 (f) The fee for renewal of a commercial driver's license or a commercial driver learner's permit that includes authorization to operate a motorcycle is $45. Text of subsec. (f) as added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1372, Sec. 5 (f) If a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit includes an authorization to operate a motorcycle or moped, the fee for the driver's license or permit is increased by $8.(g) An applicant who is applying for additional authorization to operate a motorcycle shall pay a fee of $15 for the examination.(h) The fee for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued under Section 522.033 is $20.(i) Except as provided by Section 662.011, each fee collected under this section shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas mobility fund.(j) The fee for issuance or renewal of a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit is $25 for a license with an expiration date established under Section 522.054.(k) The fee for a nonresident commercial driver's license is $120. The fee for a temporary nonresident commercial driver's license is $20.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1156, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1372, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 546, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 11.05, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 37, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1319, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.001(106), eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.002(35), eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.030. CONTENT OF LICENSE. A commercial driver's license must:(1) be marked "Commercial Driver License" or "CDL";(2) be, to the extent practicable, tamper-proof; and(3) include:(A) the name and mailing address of the person to whom it is issued;(B) the person's color photograph;(C) a physical description of the person, including sex, height, and eye color;(D) the person's date of birth;(E) a number or identifier the department considers appropriate;(F) the person's signature;(G) each class of commercial motor vehicle that the person is authorized to drive, with any endorsements or restrictions;(H) the name of this state; and(I) the dates between which the license is valid.
Sec. 522.031. NOTIFICATION OF LICENSE ISSUANCE. (a) After issuing a commercial driver's license, the department shall notify the commercial driver's license information system of that fact and provide the information required to ensure identification of the person.(b) In this section, "commercial driver's license information system" means the information system established under the federal act as a clearinghouse for locating information related to the licensing and identification of commercial motor vehicle drivers.
Sec. 522.032. CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS OF LICENSE OR PERMIT HOLDER; OFFENSE. (a) The holder of a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit who changes the holder's name or mailing address must apply for a duplicate license or permit not later than the 30th day after the date of the change in the manner provided by Section 521.054.(b) The holder of a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit who changes the holder's residence address shall notify the department not later than the 30th day after the date of the change.(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates this section. An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Sec. 522.033. COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE ISSUED TO CERTAIN SEX OFFENDERS. (a) The department may issue an original or renewal commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit to a person whose driver's license or personal identification certificate record indicates that the person is subject to the registration requirements of Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, only if the person is otherwise eligible for the commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit and:(1) applies in person for the issuance of a license or permit under this section; and(2) pays a fee of $20.(b) Notwithstanding Section 522.051, a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued under this section, including a renewal, duplicate, or corrected license, expires on the first birthday of the license holder occurring after the date of application, except that the initial license issued under this section expires on the second birthday of the license holder occurring after the date of application.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 546, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 522.034. APPLICATION FOR AUTHORIZATION TO OPERATE MOTORCYCLE. (a) An applicant for an original commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit that includes an authorization to operate a motorcycle must furnish to the department evidence satisfactory to the department that the applicant has successfully completed a basic motorcycle operator training course approved by the department under Chapter 662.(b) The department may not issue an original commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit that includes an authorization to operate a motorcycle to an applicant who fails to comply with Subsection (a).(c) When the department issues a license or permit to which this section applies, the department shall provide the person to whom the license is issued with written information about the Glenda Dawson Donate Life-Texas Registry program established under Chapter 49, Health and Safety Code.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1391, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER D. CLASSIFICATION, ENDORSEMENT, OR RESTRICTION OF LICENSESec. 522.041. CLASSIFICATIONS. (a) The department may issue a Class A, Class B, or Class C commercial driver's license.(b) Class A covers a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, if the gross vehicle weight rating of the towed vehicle or vehicles exceeds 10,000 pounds.(c) Class B covers:(1) a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more;(2) a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less; and(3) a vehicle designed to transport 24 passengers or more, including the driver.(d) Class C covers a single vehicle or combination of vehicles not described by Subsection (b) or (c) that is:(1) designed to transport 16-23 passengers, including the driver; or(2) used in the transportation of hazardous materials that require the vehicle to be placarded under 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F.(e) The holder of a commercial driver's license may drive any vehicle in the class for which the license is issued and lesser classes of vehicles except a motorcycle or moped. The holder may drive a motorcycle only if authorization to drive a motorcycle is shown on the commercial driver's license and the requirements for issuance of a motorcycle license have been met.
Sec. 522.042. ENDORSEMENTS; OFFENSE. (a) The department may issue a commercial driver's license with endorsements:(1) authorizing the driving of a vehicle transporting hazardous materials, subject to the requirements of Title 49 C.F.R. Part 1572;(2) authorizing the towing of a double or triple trailer or a trailer over a specified weight;(3) authorizing the driving of a vehicle carrying passengers;(4) authorizing the driving of a tank vehicle;(5) representing a combination of hazardous materials and tank vehicle endorsements; or(6) authorizing the driving of a school bus, as defined by Section 541.201.(b) The holder of a commercial driver's license may not drive a vehicle that requires an endorsement unless the proper endorsement appears on the license.(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates Subsection (b). An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 358, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 522.0425. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT; CANCELLATION. (a) The department shall cancel or deny the issuance of a hazardous materials endorsement of a person's commercial driver's license within 15 days of the date the department receives notification from a federal agency authorized to make a final determination of threat assessment under 49 C.F.R. Section 1572.13.(b) On receipt of a notification from a federal agency authorized to make an initial determination of threat assessment under 49 C.F.R. Section 1572.13, the department shall immediately cancel or deny the person the issuance of a hazardous materials endorsement of a commercial driver's license.(c) The cancellation or denial of a hazardous materials endorsement under this section shall be reported to the commercial driver's license information system before the 16th day after the date of cancellation or denial.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
Sec. 522.043. RESTRICTIONS; OFFENSE. (a) On issuing a commercial driver's license, the department for good cause may impose one or more restrictions suitable to the license holder's driving ability and limitations, including restrictions:(1) prohibiting the license holder from driving a vehicle equipped with air brakes; and(2) as provided by 49 C.F.R. Part 391, prohibiting driving a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce by a person who:(A) is under 21 years of age;(B) does not meet applicable physical guidelines; or(C) cannot sufficiently read and speak the English language.(b) For purposes of this section, the department may not administer examinations or tests relating to the applicant's proficiency in the English language, but if an applicant cannot speak English sufficiently to communicate to department personnel the applicant's need for a commercial driver's license, the department may issue to the person a commercial driver's license restricted to operation in intrastate commerce.(c) A person commits an offense if the person drives a commercial motor vehicle in violation of a restriction. An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
SUBCHAPTER E. EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL OF LICENSE OR PERMITSec. 522.051. EXPIRATION OF LICENSE OR PERMIT. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (f) and Sections 522.013(e), 522.033, and 522.054, an original commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit expires five years after the applicant's next birthday.(b) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued to a person holding a Texas Class A, B, C, or M license that would expire one year or more after the date of issuance of the commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit expires five years after the applicant's next birthday.(c) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued to a person holding a Texas Class A, B, C, or M license that would expire less than one year after the date of issuance of the commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit or that has been expired for less than one year expires five years after the expiration date shown on the Class A, B, C, or M license.(d) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued to a person holding a Texas Class A, B, C, or M license that has been expired for at least one year but not more than two years expires five years after the applicant's last birthday.(e) For purposes of this section, a person's "last birthday" is the birthday that occurs on or before the date of issuance, and a person's "next birthday" is the birthday that occurs on or after the date of issuance.(f) Except as provided by Section 522.013, a nonresident commercial driver's license other than a temporary nonresident commercial driver's license under Section 522.013(e) expires on the earlier of:(1) the expiration date of the visa presented under Section 522.021(a-1)(2)(B); or(2) the expiration date of the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record, or a successor document, presented under Section 522.021(a-1)(2)(C).(g) A commercial driver's license issued to a person whose residence or domicile is a correctional facility or a parole facility expires on the first birthday of the license holder occurring after the first anniversary of the date of issuance. The department by rule shall establish the fee for a commercial driver's license issued to a person whose residence or domicile is a correctional facility or a parole facility.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1372, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 546, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 358, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 37, Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1319, Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 23.006, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1288, Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.052. RENEWAL OF LICENSE. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (g), a commercial driver's license issued by the department may be renewed in the year preceding the expiration date.(b) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a renewal of a commercial driver's license that has been expired for less than one year expires five years after the expiration date shown on the commercial driver's license.(c) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a renewal of a commercial driver's license that has been expired for at least one year but not more than two years expires six years after the applicant's last birthday.(d) If a commercial driver's license has been expired for more than two years, the person must make an application and meet the requirements for original issuance of a commercial driver's license.(e) A commercial driver learner's permit may not be renewed.(f) For purposes of this section, a person's "last birthday" is the birthday that occurs on or before the date of issuance.(g) A commercial driver's license issued under Section 522.033 or to which Section 522.054 applies may not be renewed before the 60th day preceding the expiration date.(h) A renewal commercial driver's license issued to a person whose residence or domicile is a correctional facility or a parole facility expires on the first birthday of the license holder occurring after the first anniversary of the date of issuance.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1372, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 546, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 358, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 37, Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1288, Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.053. LICENSE RENEWAL PROCEDURES. (a) A person applying for renewal of a commercial driver's license must complete the application form required by the department, including updated information and required certifications.(b) To retain a hazardous materials endorsement, an applicant must pass the written test for that endorsement.(c) The department may require an examination, including a vision test, for the renewal of a commercial driver's license.(d) Before renewing a commercial driver's license, the department shall check the applicant's driving record as required by 49 C.F.R. Section 383.73.
Sec. 522.054. LICENSE EXPIRATION: PERSON AT LEAST 85 YEARS OF AGE. (a) Each original commercial driver's license and commercial driver learner's permit of a person 85 years of age or older expires on the license holder's second birthday after the date of the license application.(b) A commercial driver's license of a person 85 years of age or older that is renewed expires on the second anniversary of the expiration date before renewal.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 37, Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 522.0541. DENIAL OF RENEWAL OF COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE. (a) In the manner ordered by a court in another state in connection with a matter involving the violation of a state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control and on receipt of the necessary information from the other state, the department may deny renewal of the commercial driver's license issued to a person by the department for the person's:(1) failure to appear in connection with a complaint or citation; or(2) failure to pay or satisfy a judgment ordering the payment of a fine and costs.(b) The information necessary under Subsection (a) may be transmitted through the commercial driver's license information system and must include:(1) the name, date of birth, and the commercial driver's license number of the license held by the person;(2) notice that the person failed to appear as required by law or failed to satisfy a judgment that ordered the payment of a fine and costs in the manner ordered by the court;(3) the nature of the violation; and(4) any other information required by the department.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 7, eff. January 1, 2008.Renumbered from Transportation Code, Section 522.054 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.001(107), eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.055. CLEARANCE NOTICE TO DEPARTMENT. On receipt of notice from the other state that the grounds for denial of the renewal of the commercial driver's license based on the license holder's previous failure to appear or failure to pay a fine and costs previously reported by that state under Section 522.0541 have ceased to exist, the department shall renew the person's commercial driver's license.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 7, eff. January 1, 2008.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.002(36), eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER F. NOTIFICATION OF CONVICTION, ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION, OR PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENTSec. 522.061. NOTIFICATION OF CONVICTION TO DEPARTMENT OR EMPLOYER. (a) A person who holds or is required to hold a commercial driver's license under this chapter and who is convicted in another state of violating a state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control shall notify the department in the manner specified by the department not later than the seventh day after the date of conviction.(b) A person who holds or is required to hold a commercial driver's license under this chapter and who is convicted in this state or another state of violating a state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control, including a law regulating the operation of vehicles on highways, shall notify the person's employer in writing of the conviction not later than the seventh day after the date of conviction.(c) A notification to the department or an employer must be in writing and must contain:(1) the driver's full name;(2) the driver's license number;(3) the date of conviction;(4) the nature of the violation;(5) a notation of whether the violation was committed in a commercial motor vehicle;(6) the location where the offense was committed; and(7) the driver's signature.(d) This section does not apply to a parking violation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 17.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.062. NOTIFICATION OF CONVICTION TO LICENSING AUTHORITY IN OTHER STATE. (a) If a person holds a commercial driver's license issued by another state and is finally convicted of a violation of a state traffic law or local traffic ordinance that was committed in a commercial motor vehicle, the department shall notify the driver's licensing authority in the issuing state of that conviction, in the time and manner required by 49 U.S.C. Section 31311.(b) This section does not apply to a parking violation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 522.063. NOTIFICATION OF DISQUALIFICATION. A person who is denied the privilege of driving a commercial motor vehicle in a state for any period, who is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle, or who is subject to an out-of-service order shall notify the person's employer of that fact before the end of the first business day after the date the person receives notice of that fact.
Sec. 522.064. NOTIFICATION OF PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT AND OFFENSES. (a) A person who applies for employment as a commercial motor vehicle driver shall provide the employer, at the time of the application, with the following information for the 10 years preceding the date of application:(1) a list of the names and addresses of the applicant's previous employers for which the applicant drove a commercial motor vehicle;(2) the dates between which the applicant drove for each employer;(3) the reason for leaving the employment of each employer; and(4) each specific criminal offense or serious traffic violation of which the applicant has been convicted and each suspension, revocation, or cancellation of driving privileges that resulted from the conviction.(b) The applicant must certify that the information furnished is true and complete. An employer may require an applicant to provide additional information. Before an application is submitted, the employer shall inform the applicant that the information provided by the applicant under this section may be used, and the applicant's previous employers may be contacted, to investigate the applicant's work history.(c) An employer shall require each applicant to provide the information specified by Subsections (a) and (b).
SUBCHAPTER G. UNAUTHORIZED DRIVINGSec. 522.071. DRIVING WHILE DISQUALIFIED PROHIBITED. Text of subsection as amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 499, Sec. 1 (a) A person commits an offense if the person drives a commercial motor vehicle on a highway:(1) after the person has been denied the issuance of a license, unless the person has a driver's license appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven that was subsequently issued;(2) during a period that a disqualification of the person's driver's license or privilege is in effect;(3) while the person's driver's license is expired, if the license expired during a period of disqualification;(4) during a period that the person was subject to an order prohibiting the person from obtaining a driver's license; or(5) in violation of an out-of-service order. Text of subsection as amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 8 (a) A person commits an offense if the person drives a commercial motor vehicle on a highway:(1) after the person has been denied the issuance of a license, unless the person has a driver's license appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven that was subsequently issued;(2) during a period that a disqualification of the person's driver's license or privilege is in effect;(3) while the person's driver's license is expired, if the license expired during a period of disqualification;(4) during a period that the person was subject to an order prohibiting the person from obtaining a driver's license; or(5) during a period in which the person, the person's employer, or the vehicle being operated is subject to an out-of-service order.(b) It is not a defense to prosecution that the person had not received notice of a disqualification imposed as a result of a conviction that results in an automatic disqualification of the person's driver's license or privilege.(c) Except as provided by Subsection (b), it is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that the person had not received notice of a denial, disqualification, prohibition order, or out-of-service order concerning the person's driver's license, permit, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle. For purposes of this subsection, notice is presumed if the notice was sent by first class mail to the last known address of the person as shown by the records of the department or licensing authority of another state.(d) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable as provided for an offense under Section 521.457.(e) For the purposes of Subsection (a)(5), "commercial motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 644.001.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1409, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 8, eff. January 1, 2008.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 499, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 522.072. EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES. (a) An employer may not knowingly permit a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle during a period in which:(1) the person has been denied the privilege of driving a commercial motor vehicle;(2) the person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle;(3) the person, the person's employer, or the vehicle being operated is subject to an out-of-service order in a state; or(4) the person has more than one commercial driver's license, except during the 10-day period beginning on the date the person is issued a driver's license.(b) An employer may not knowingly require a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle in violation of a federal, state, or local law that regulates the operation of a motor vehicle at a railroad grade crossing.(b-1) An employer who violates Subsection (a) or (b) commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor.(c) In addition to any penalty imposed under this chapter, an employer who violates this section may be penalized or disqualified under 49 C.F.R. Part 383.(d) For purposes of Subsections (a)(1)(C) and (a)(2), "commercial motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 644.001.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 13, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 9, eff. January 1, 2008.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 782, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER H. DISQUALIFICATION FROM DRIVING COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLESec. 522.081. DISQUALIFICATION. (a) This subsection applies to a violation committed while operating any motor vehicle, including a commercial motor vehicle. A person who holds a commercial driver's license is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for:(1) 60 days if convicted of:(A) two serious traffic violations that occur within a three-year period; or(B) one violation of a law that regulates the operation of a motor vehicle at a railroad grade crossing; or(2) 120 days if convicted of:(A) three serious traffic violations arising from separate incidents occurring within a three-year period; or(B) two violations of a law that regulates the operation of a motor vehicle at a railroad grade crossing that occur within a three-year period.(b) This subsection applies to a violation committed while operating any motor vehicle, including a commercial motor vehicle, except as provided by this subsection. A person who holds a commercial driver's license is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for one year:(1) if convicted of three violations of a law that regulates the operation of a motor vehicle at a railroad grade crossing that occur within a three-year period;(2) on first conviction of:(A) driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, including a violation of Section 49.04 or 49.07, Penal Code;(B) leaving the scene of an accident involving a motor vehicle driven by the person;(C) using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony, other than a felony described by Subsection (d)(2);(D) causing the death of another person through the negligent or criminal operation of a motor vehicle; or(E) driving a commercial motor vehicle while the person's commercial driver's license is revoked, suspended, or canceled, or while the person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle, for an action or conduct that occurred while operating a commercial motor vehicle;(3) for refusing to submit to a test under Chapter 724 to determine the person's alcohol concentration or the presence in the person's body of a controlled substance or drug while operating a motor vehicle in a public place; or(4) if an analysis of the person's blood, breath, or urine under Chapter 522, 524, or 724 determines that the person:(A) had an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more, or that a controlled substance or drug was present in the person's body, while operating a commercial motor vehicle in a public place; or(B) had an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more while operating a motor vehicle, other than a commercial motor vehicle, in a public place.(c) A person who holds a commercial driver's license is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for three years if:(1) the person:(A) is convicted of an offense listed in Subsection (b)(2) and the vehicle being operated by the person was transporting a hazardous material required to be placarded; or(B) refuses to submit to a test under Chapter 724 to determine the person's alcohol concentration or the presence in the person's body of a controlled substance or drug while operating a motor vehicle in a public place and the vehicle being operated by the person was transporting a hazardous material required to be placarded; or(2) an analysis of the person's blood, breath, or urine under Chapter 522, 524, or 724 determines that while transporting a hazardous material required to be placarded the person:(A) while operating a commercial motor vehicle in a public place had an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more, or a controlled substance or drug present in the person's body; or(B) while operating a motor vehicle, other than a commercial motor vehicle, in a public place had an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.(d) A person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for life:(1) if the person is convicted two or more times of an offense specified by Subsection (b)(2), or a combination of those offenses, arising from two or more separate incidents;(2) if the person uses a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony involving:(A) the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance; or(B) possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance;(3) for any combination of two or more of the following, arising from two or more separate incidents:(A) a conviction of the person for an offense described by Subsection (b)(2);(B) a refusal by the person described by Subsection (b)(3); and(C) an analysis of the person's blood, breath, or urine described by Subsection (b)(4); or(4) if the person uses a motor vehicle in the commission of an offense under 8 U.S.C. Section 1324 that involves the transportation, concealment, or harboring of an alien.(e) A person may not be issued a commercial driver's license and is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle if, in connection with the person's operation of a commercial motor vehicle, the person commits an offense or engages in conduct that would disqualify the holder of a commercial driver's license from operating a commercial motor vehicle, or is determined to have had an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more or to have had a controlled substance or drug present in the person's body. The period of prohibition under this subsection is equal to the appropriate period of disqualification required by Subsections (a)-(d).(f) In this section, "felony" means an offense under state or federal law that is punishable by death or imprisonment for a term of more than one year.(g) A person who holds a commercial driver's license is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle if the person's driving is determined to constitute an imminent hazard under 49 C.F.R. Section 383.52. The disqualification is for the disqualification period imposed under that section and shall be noted on the person's driving record.(h) A disqualification imposed under Subsection (g) must run concurrently with any imminent hazard disqualification that is then currently in effect.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 991, Sec. 7, eff. June 1, 2005; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 8.02, eff. June 1, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 357, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 10, eff. January 1, 2008.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 18.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.082. REINSTATEMENT FOLLOWING DISQUALIFICATION FOR LIFE. (a) The department may adopt rules establishing guidelines, including conditions, under which a person disqualified for life under Section 522.081(d)(1) may apply to the department for reinstatement of the person's commercial driver's license, if authorized under federal law.(b) A person is not eligible for reinstatement unless the person has been disqualified for at least 10 years and meets the department's conditions for reinstatement.(c) If a reinstated driver is subsequently convicted of another disqualifying offense as specified by Section 522.081(b), the person is permanently disqualified and is not eligible for reinstatement.
Sec. 522.084. NOTIFICATION TO OTHER JURISDICTION. After disqualifying a person who has a domicile in another state or in a foreign jurisdiction, the department shall give notice of that fact to the licensing authority of the state that issued the person's commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit.
Sec. 522.085. PROBATION OF DISQUALIFICATION PROHIBITED. Notwithstanding Section 521.303, if a person is disqualified under this chapter, the disqualification may not be probated.
Sec. 522.086. ISSUANCE OF ESSENTIAL NEED OR OCCUPATIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PROHIBITED. A person who is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle may not be granted an essential need or occupational driver's license that would authorize operation of a commercial motor vehicle.
Sec. 522.087. PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO DISQUALIFICATION. (a) A person is automatically disqualified under Section 522.081(a)(1)(B), Section 522.081(b)(2), or Section 522.081(d)(2). An appeal may not be taken from the disqualification.(b) Disqualifying a person under Section 522.081(a), other than under Subdivision (1)(B) of that subsection, Section 522.081(b)(1), or Section 522.081(d)(1) or (3) is subject to the notice and hearing procedures of Sections 521.295-521.303. An appeal of the disqualification is subject to Section 521.308.(c) A disqualification imposed under Section 522.081(a) must run consecutively to any other disqualification that is then currently in effect.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1117, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 991, Sec. 8, eff. June 1, 2005; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 8.03, eff. June 1, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 11, eff. January 1, 2008.
Sec. 522.088. APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAW. Section 521.344 of this code and Section 13, Article 42.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, do not apply to a person disqualified under this chapter.
Sec. 522.089. EFFECT OF SUSPENSION, REVOCATION, CANCELLATION, OR DENIAL OF LICENSE UNDER OTHER LAW. (a) A suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of a driver's license or privilege under Chapter 521 or another law of this state disqualifies the person under this chapter.(b) If this chapter disqualifies a person for a longer period than the other law, the person is disqualified for the longer period.
Sec. 522.090. ADDITIONAL PENALTY. In addition to any penalty imposed under this chapter, a person convicted of an offense under Section 522.071(a)(5) may be penalized or disqualified under 49 C.F.R. Part 383.
Sec. 522.091. RECOGNITION OF ACTION TAKEN BY OTHER STATE. (a) The department shall give an out-of-state conviction, disqualification, or denial full faith and credit and treat it for sanctioning purposes under this chapter as if it occurred in this state.(b) The department may include the conviction, disqualification, or denial on the person's drivin
TRANSPORTATION CODETITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFICSUBTITLE B. DRIVER'S LICENSES AND PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION CARDSCHAPTER 522. COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSESSUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONSSec. 522.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the Texas Commercial Driver's License Act.
Sec. 522.003. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Alcohol" means:(A) beer, ale, port, stout, sake, or any other similar fermented beverages or products containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, brewed or produced wholly or in part from malt or a malt substitute;(B) wine containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume; or(C) distilled spirits, including ethyl alcohol, ethanol, and spirits of wine in any form, and all dilutions and mixtures of distilled spirits from whatever source or by whatever process produced.(2) "Alcohol concentration" means the number of grams of alcohol for each:(A) 100 milliliters of blood;(B) 210 liters of breath; or(C) 67 milliliters of urine.(3) "Commercial driver's license" means a license issued to an individual that authorizes the individual to drive a class of commercial motor vehicle.(4) "Commercial driver learner's permit" means a commercial driver's license that restricts the holder to driving a commercial motor vehicle as provided by Section 522.011(a)(2)(B).(5) "Commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used to transport passengers or property that:(A) has a gross combination weight or a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, including a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight or a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds;(B) has a gross vehicle weight or a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds;(C) is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or(D) is transporting hazardous materials and is required to be placarded under 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F.(6) "Controlled substance" means a substance classified as a controlled substance under:(A) Section 102(6), Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. Section 802(6)), including Schedules I-V of 21 C.F.R. Part 1308; or(B) Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code.(7) "Conviction" means:(A) an adjudication of guilt, an unvacated forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure the person's appearance in court, a plea of guilty or nolo contendere accepted by the court, the payment of a fine or court costs, or the violation of a condition of release without bail, in a court, regardless of whether the penalty is suspended, probated, or rebated; or(B) a determination by a court, an authorized administrative tribunal or officer, or the department as authorized by this chapter that:(i) the person has refused to give a specimen to determine the person's alcohol concentration or the presence in the person's body of a controlled substance or drug while driving a commercial motor vehicle; or(ii) the person has driven a commercial motor vehicle while the person's alcohol concentration was 0.04 or more.(8) "Department" means the Department of Public Safety.(9) "Disqualify" means to withdraw the privilege to drive a commercial motor vehicle, including to suspend, cancel, or revoke that privilege under a state or federal law.(10) "Domicile" means the place where a person has the person's true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence and to which the person intends to return whenever absent.(11) "Drive" means to operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle.(12) "Driver's license" has the meaning assigned by Section 521.001.(13) "Drug" has the meaning assigned by Section 481.002, Health and Safety Code.(14) "Employer" means a person who owns or leases a commercial motor vehicle or assigns a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle.(15) "Federal act" means the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (49 U.S.C. App. Section 2701 et seq.).(16) "Foreign jurisdiction" means a jurisdiction other than a state.(17) "Gross combination weight rating" means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination or articulated vehicle or, if the manufacturer has not specified a value, the sum of the gross vehicle weight rating of the power unit and the total weight of the towed unit or units and any load on a towed unit.(18) "Gross vehicle weight rating" means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.(19) "Hazardous materials" has the meaning assigned by 49 C.F.R. Section 383.5.(20) Repealed by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 43, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.(21) "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer propelled or drawn by mechanical power and used on a highway. The term does not include a vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer operated exclusively on a rail.(22) "Nonresident commercial driver's license" means a commercial driver's license issued by a state to an individual who resides in a foreign jurisdiction.(23) "Out-of-service order" means:(A) a temporary prohibition against driving a commercial motor vehicle issued under Section 522.101, the law of another state, or 49 C.F.R. Section 383.5; or(B) a declaration by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or an authorized enforcement officer of a state or local jurisdiction that a driver, commercial motor vehicle, or motor carrier operation is out of service under 49 C.F.R. Section 383.5.(24) "Secretary" means the United States secretary of transportation.(24-a) "Seed cotton module" means compacted seed cotton in any form.(25) "Serious traffic violation" means:(A) a conviction arising from the driving of a motor vehicle, other than a parking, vehicle weight, or vehicle defect violation, for:(i) excessive speeding, involving a single charge of driving 15 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit;(ii) reckless driving, as defined by state or local law;(iii) a violation of a state or local law related to motor vehicle traffic control, including a law regulating the operation of vehicles on highways, arising in connection with a fatal accident;(iv) improper or erratic traffic lane change;(v) following the vehicle ahead too closely; or(vi) a violation of Sections 522.011 or 522.042; or(B) a violation of Section 522.015.(26) "State" means a state of the United States or the District of Columbia.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 991, Sec. 6, eff. June 1, 2005; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 8.01, eff. June 1, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 247, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 3, eff. January 1, 2008.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 782, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.004. APPLICABILITY. (a) This chapter does not apply to:(1) a vehicle that is controlled and operated by a farmer and:(A) used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from a farm;(B) used within 150 miles of the person's farm; and(C) not used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier;(2) a fire-fighting or emergency vehicle necessary to the preservation of life or property or the execution of emergency governmental functions, whether operated by an employee of a political subdivision or by a volunteer fire fighter;(3) a military vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle, when operated for military purposes by military personnel, including:(A) active duty military personnel, including personnel serving in the United States Coast Guard; and(B) members of the reserves and national guard on active duty, including personnel on full-time national guard duty, personnel engaged in part-time training, and national guard military technicians;(4) a recreational vehicle that is driven for personal use;(5) a vehicle that is owned, leased, or controlled by an air carrier, as defined by Section 21.155, and that is driven or operated exclusively by an employee of the air carrier only on the premises of an airport, as defined by Section 22.001, on service roads to which the public does not have access; or(6) a vehicle used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules or cotton burrs.(b) In this section, "recreational vehicle" means a motor vehicle primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational camping or travel use. The term includes a travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, and motor home.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1061, Sec. 13, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 357, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 4, eff. January 1, 2008.
Sec. 522.005. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY. The department may adopt rules necessary to carry out this chapter and the federal act.
Sec. 522.006. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY. The department may enter into a contract to carry out this chapter, including a contract with an agency of another state or with another organization.
Sec. 522.007. EXEMPTION FOR NEIGHBORING STATES. (a) The public safety director shall enter negotiations with an appropriate person or entity of a state bordering this state for the purpose of applying the exemption contained in Section 522.004(a)(1) to residents of that state.(b) The public safety director may enter an agreement to apply the exemption contained in Section 522.004(a)(1) to residents of a bordering state only if that state extends a similar exemption to residents of this state.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1061, Sec. 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
SUBCHAPTER B. LICENSE OR PERMIT REQUIREDSec. 522.011. LICENSE OR PERMIT REQUIRED; OFFENSE. (a) A person may not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless:(1) the person:(A) has in the person's immediate possession a commercial driver's license issued by the department appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven; and(B) is not disqualified or subject to an out-of-service order;(2) the person:(A) has in the person's immediate possession a commercial driver learner's permit issued by the department; and(B) is accompanied by the holder of a commercial driver's license issued by the department appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven, and the license holder:(i) occupies a seat beside the permit holder for the purpose of giving instruction in driving the vehicle; and(ii) is not disqualified or subject to an out-of-service order; or(3) the person is authorized to drive the vehicle under Section 522.015.(b) A person commits an offense if the person violates Subsection (a).(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.(d) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(1)(A) if the person charged produces in court a commercial driver's license that:(1) was issued to the person;(2) is appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven; and(3) was valid when the offense was committed.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 522.012. RESTRICTED LICENSE. (a) If the department is authorized under the federal act to grant the waiver, the department by rule may waive the knowledge and skills tests required by Section 522.022 and issue a restricted commercial driver's license to an employee of a farm-related service industry.(b) In granting a waiver under this section, the department is subject to any condition or requirement established for the waiver by the secretary or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.(c) In addition to any restriction or limitation imposed by this chapter or the department, a restricted commercial driver's license issued under this section is subject to any restriction or limitation imposed by the secretary or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.(d) In this section, "farm-related service industry" has the meaning assigned by the secretary or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under the federal act.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 522.013. NONRESIDENT LICENSE. (a) The department may issue a nonresident commercial driver's license to a resident of a foreign jurisdiction if the secretary has determined that the commercial motor vehicle testing and licensing standards in the foreign jurisdiction do not meet the testing standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383.(b) An applicant must surrender any nonresident commercial driver's license issued by another state.(c) Before issuing a nonresident commercial driver's license, the department must establish the practical capability of disqualifying the person under the conditions applicable to a commercial driver's license issued to a resident of this state.(d) "Nonresident" must appear on the face of a license issued under this section.(e) The department may issue a temporary nonresident commercial driver's license to a person who does not present a social security card as required by Section 522.021(a-1)(1) but who otherwise meets the requirements for a nonresident commercial driver's license, including the requirement that the commercial motor vehicle testing and licensing standards of the country of which the applicant is a resident not meet the testing and licensing standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383. A license issued under this subsection:(1) expires on the earlier of:(A) the 60th day after the date the license is issued;(B) the expiration date of the visa presented under Section 522.021(a-1)(2)(B); or(C) the expiration date of the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record, or a successor document, presented under Section 522.021(a-1)(2)(C); and(2) may not be renewed.(f) The department may not issue more than one temporary nonresident commercial driver's license to a person.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1319, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 522.014. PERMIT. The department may issue a commercial driver learner's permit to an individual who has passed the vision and written tests required for a Texas driver's license appropriate for the class of vehicle to be driven.
Sec. 522.015. LICENSE OR PERMIT ISSUED BY OTHER JURISDICTION. A person may drive a commercial motor vehicle in this state if:(1) the person has a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued by:(A) another state in accordance with the minimum federal standards for the issuance of a commercial motor vehicle driver's license; or(B) a foreign jurisdiction the testing and licensing standards of which the United States Department of Transportation has determined meet the requirements of the federal act;(2) the person's license or permit is appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven;(3) the person is not disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle and is not subject to an out-of-service order; and(4) the person has not had a domicile in this state for more than 30 days.
SUBCHAPTER C. LICENSE OR PERMIT APPLICATION AND ISSUANCESec. 522.021. APPLICATION; OFFENSE. (a) An application for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit must include:(1) the full name and current residence and mailing address of the applicant;(2) a physical description of the applicant, including sex, height, and eye color;(3) the applicant's date of birth;(4) the applicant's social security number, unless the application is for a nonresident commercial driver's license and the applicant is a resident of a foreign jurisdiction;(5) certifications, including those required by 49 C.F.R. Section 383.71(a); and(6) any other information required by the department.(a-1) If the application is for a nonresident commercial driver's license and the applicant is a resident of a foreign jurisdiction that does not meet the testing and licensing standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383, the applicant must present:(1) a social security card issued to the applicant; and(2) each of the following:(A) a passport issued to the applicant by the country of which the applicant is a resident;(B) a Temporary Worker visa; and(C) a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record or a successor document.(b) The application must be sworn to and signed by the applicant. An officer or employee of the department may administer the oath. An officer or employee of this state may not charge for administering the oath.(c) The application must meet the requirements of an application under Section 521.141 and must be accompanied by the fee required under Section 522.029. The department may require documentary evidence to verify the information required by Subsection (a).(c-1) If the department requires proof of an applicant's identity as part of an application under this section, the department must accept as satisfactory proof of identity an offender identification card or similar form of identification issued to an inmate by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice if the applicant also provides supplemental verifiable records or documents that aid in establishing identity.(d) A person who knowingly falsifies information or a certification required by Subsection (a) commits an offense and is subject to a 60-day cancellation of the person's commercial driver's license, commercial driver learner's permit, or application. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1218, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1319, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 14.03, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.022. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS. The department may not issue a commercial driver's license other than a nonresident license to a person unless the person:(1) has a domicile in this state;(2) has passed knowledge and skills tests for driving a commercial motor vehicle that comply with minimal federal standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383, Subparts G and H; and(3) has satisfied the requirements imposed by the federal act, federal regulation, or state law.
Sec. 522.0225. VERIFICATION OF DOMICILE. (a) The department shall adopt rules for determining whether a domicile has been established under Section 522.022, including rules prescribing the types of documentation the department may require from the applicant to determine the validity of the claimed domicile.(b) The department may contract with a third-party personal data verification service to assist the department in verifying a claim of domicile, including whether the physical address provided by the applicant is the applicant's actual residence.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 13.05, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 522.0226. POST OFFICE BOX NOT VALID AS ADDRESS. (a) In this section, "post office box address" means a United States Postal Service post office box address or a private mailbox address.(b) Unless an exception exists under state or federal law, an applicant may receive delivery of a commercial driver's license at a post office box address only if the applicant has provided the department the physical address where the applicant resides.(c) The department may require the applicant to provide documentation that the department determines necessary to verify the validity of the physical address provided under Subsection (b).(d) The department may contract with a third-party personal data verification service to assist the department in verifying whether the physical address provided by the applicant is the applicant's actual residence.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 13.05, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 522.023. TESTS. (a) The tests required by Section 522.022 must be prescribed by the department.(b) The knowledge test must be conducted by the department. The department shall provide each applicant who has a reading impairment an opportunity to take the knowledge test orally or, at the applicant's option, the applicant may have the questions read to the applicant and may answer in writing.(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), the department must conduct the skills test.(d) The department may authorize a person, including an agency of this or another state, an employer, a private driver training facility or other private institution, or a department, agency, or instrumentality of local government, to administer the skills test specified by this section if:(1) the test is the same that would be administered by the department; and(2) the person has entered into an agreement with the department that complies with 49 C.F.R. Section 383.75.(e) The skills test must be taken in a commercial motor vehicle that is representative of the type of vehicle the person drives or expects to drive.(f) The department may waive the skills test for an applicant who meets the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Section 383.77.(g) The department shall test the applicant's ability to understand highway traffic signs and signals that are written in English.(h) An applicant who pays the applicable fee required by Section 522.029 is entitled to three examinations of each element under Section 522.022. If the applicant has not qualified after the third examination, the applicant must submit a new application accompanied by the required fee.(i) The department may not issue a commercial driver's license to a person who has not passed each examination required under this chapter.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 5, eff. January 1, 2008.
Sec. 522.0235. WAIVER OF VISUAL STANDARDS FOR INTRASTATE DRIVER. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the department by rule may provide for a waiver of the visual standards for a commercial driver's license in 49 C.F.R. Part 391, Subpart E, if the person who is applying for a commercial driver's license or who has been issued a commercial driver's license is a person who drives a commercial motor vehicle only in this state.(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to standards for distant binocular acuity.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.100(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 522.024. ADDITIONAL TESTING. To ensure compliance with the federal act and to promote the systematic conversion to commercial driver's licenses, the department may require the commercial driver's license testing of a person to whom the department has previously issued a driver's license that authorizes the driving of a vehicle that may be subject to this chapter. The testing may be required before the expiration of an existing license.
Sec. 522.025. LIMITATIONS ON ISSUANCE OF LICENSE OR PERMIT. (a) The department may not issue a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit to a person who is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle or while the person's driver's license or driving privilege is suspended, revoked, or canceled in any state.(b) The department may not issue a commercial driver's license to a person who has a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or commercial driver learner's permit issued by another state unless the person surrenders the license or permit. The department shall return a surrendered license or permit to the issuing state for cancellation.
Sec. 522.026. LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF DRIVER'S LICENSES; OFFENSE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person drives a commercial motor vehicle and has more than one driver's license.(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that the offense occurred during the 10-day period beginning on the date the person was issued a driver's license.(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Sec. 522.027. MINIMUM AGE. The department may not issue a commercial driver's license or a commercial driver learner's permit to a person who is younger than 18 years of age.
Sec. 522.028. CHECK OF DRIVING RECORD. Before issuing a commercial driver's license, the department shall check the applicant's driving record as required by 49 C.F.R. Section 383.73.
Sec. 522.029. FEES. (a) The fee for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued by the department is $60, except as provided by Subsections (f), (h), (j), and (k).(b) The fee for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit shall be reduced by $4 for each remaining year of validity of a driver's license, other than a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued by the department to the applicant.(c) The fee for a duplicate commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit is $10.(d) An applicant who is changing a class of license, endorsement, or restriction or who is adding a class of vehicle other than a motorcycle to the license must pay a fee of $10 for the examination, except for a renewal or original issuance of a commercial driver's license.(e) The fees required by this chapter and collected by an officer or agent of the department shall be remitted without deduction to the department. Text of subsec. (f) as added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1156, Sec. 2 (f) The fee for renewal of a commercial driver's license or a commercial driver learner's permit that includes authorization to operate a motorcycle is $45. Text of subsec. (f) as added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1372, Sec. 5 (f) If a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit includes an authorization to operate a motorcycle or moped, the fee for the driver's license or permit is increased by $8.(g) An applicant who is applying for additional authorization to operate a motorcycle shall pay a fee of $15 for the examination.(h) The fee for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued under Section 522.033 is $20.(i) Except as provided by Section 662.011, each fee collected under this section shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas mobility fund.(j) The fee for issuance or renewal of a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit is $25 for a license with an expiration date established under Section 522.054.(k) The fee for a nonresident commercial driver's license is $120. The fee for a temporary nonresident commercial driver's license is $20.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1156, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1372, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 546, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 11.05, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 37, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1319, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.001(106), eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.002(35), eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.030. CONTENT OF LICENSE. A commercial driver's license must:(1) be marked "Commercial Driver License" or "CDL";(2) be, to the extent practicable, tamper-proof; and(3) include:(A) the name and mailing address of the person to whom it is issued;(B) the person's color photograph;(C) a physical description of the person, including sex, height, and eye color;(D) the person's date of birth;(E) a number or identifier the department considers appropriate;(F) the person's signature;(G) each class of commercial motor vehicle that the person is authorized to drive, with any endorsements or restrictions;(H) the name of this state; and(I) the dates between which the license is valid.
Sec. 522.031. NOTIFICATION OF LICENSE ISSUANCE. (a) After issuing a commercial driver's license, the department shall notify the commercial driver's license information system of that fact and provide the information required to ensure identification of the person.(b) In this section, "commercial driver's license information system" means the information system established under the federal act as a clearinghouse for locating information related to the licensing and identification of commercial motor vehicle drivers.
Sec. 522.032. CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS OF LICENSE OR PERMIT HOLDER; OFFENSE. (a) The holder of a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit who changes the holder's name or mailing address must apply for a duplicate license or permit not later than the 30th day after the date of the change in the manner provided by Section 521.054.(b) The holder of a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit who changes the holder's residence address shall notify the department not later than the 30th day after the date of the change.(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates this section. An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Sec. 522.033. COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE ISSUED TO CERTAIN SEX OFFENDERS. (a) The department may issue an original or renewal commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit to a person whose driver's license or personal identification certificate record indicates that the person is subject to the registration requirements of Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, only if the person is otherwise eligible for the commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit and:(1) applies in person for the issuance of a license or permit under this section; and(2) pays a fee of $20.(b) Notwithstanding Section 522.051, a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued under this section, including a renewal, duplicate, or corrected license, expires on the first birthday of the license holder occurring after the date of application, except that the initial license issued under this section expires on the second birthday of the license holder occurring after the date of application.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 546, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 522.034. APPLICATION FOR AUTHORIZATION TO OPERATE MOTORCYCLE. (a) An applicant for an original commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit that includes an authorization to operate a motorcycle must furnish to the department evidence satisfactory to the department that the applicant has successfully completed a basic motorcycle operator training course approved by the department under Chapter 662.(b) The department may not issue an original commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit that includes an authorization to operate a motorcycle to an applicant who fails to comply with Subsection (a).(c) When the department issues a license or permit to which this section applies, the department shall provide the person to whom the license is issued with written information about the Glenda Dawson Donate Life-Texas Registry program established under Chapter 49, Health and Safety Code.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1391, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER D. CLASSIFICATION, ENDORSEMENT, OR RESTRICTION OF LICENSESec. 522.041. CLASSIFICATIONS. (a) The department may issue a Class A, Class B, or Class C commercial driver's license.(b) Class A covers a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, if the gross vehicle weight rating of the towed vehicle or vehicles exceeds 10,000 pounds.(c) Class B covers:(1) a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more;(2) a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less; and(3) a vehicle designed to transport 24 passengers or more, including the driver.(d) Class C covers a single vehicle or combination of vehicles not described by Subsection (b) or (c) that is:(1) designed to transport 16-23 passengers, including the driver; or(2) used in the transportation of hazardous materials that require the vehicle to be placarded under 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F.(e) The holder of a commercial driver's license may drive any vehicle in the class for which the license is issued and lesser classes of vehicles except a motorcycle or moped. The holder may drive a motorcycle only if authorization to drive a motorcycle is shown on the commercial driver's license and the requirements for issuance of a motorcycle license have been met.
Sec. 522.042. ENDORSEMENTS; OFFENSE. (a) The department may issue a commercial driver's license with endorsements:(1) authorizing the driving of a vehicle transporting hazardous materials, subject to the requirements of Title 49 C.F.R. Part 1572;(2) authorizing the towing of a double or triple trailer or a trailer over a specified weight;(3) authorizing the driving of a vehicle carrying passengers;(4) authorizing the driving of a tank vehicle;(5) representing a combination of hazardous materials and tank vehicle endorsements; or(6) authorizing the driving of a school bus, as defined by Section 541.201.(b) The holder of a commercial driver's license may not drive a vehicle that requires an endorsement unless the proper endorsement appears on the license.(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates Subsection (b). An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 358, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 522.0425. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT; CANCELLATION. (a) The department shall cancel or deny the issuance of a hazardous materials endorsement of a person's commercial driver's license within 15 days of the date the department receives notification from a federal agency authorized to make a final determination of threat assessment under 49 C.F.R. Section 1572.13.(b) On receipt of a notification from a federal agency authorized to make an initial determination of threat assessment under 49 C.F.R. Section 1572.13, the department shall immediately cancel or deny the person the issuance of a hazardous materials endorsement of a commercial driver's license.(c) The cancellation or denial of a hazardous materials endorsement under this section shall be reported to the commercial driver's license information system before the 16th day after the date of cancellation or denial.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
Sec. 522.043. RESTRICTIONS; OFFENSE. (a) On issuing a commercial driver's license, the department for good cause may impose one or more restrictions suitable to the license holder's driving ability and limitations, including restrictions:(1) prohibiting the license holder from driving a vehicle equipped with air brakes; and(2) as provided by 49 C.F.R. Part 391, prohibiting driving a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce by a person who:(A) is under 21 years of age;(B) does not meet applicable physical guidelines; or(C) cannot sufficiently read and speak the English language.(b) For purposes of this section, the department may not administer examinations or tests relating to the applicant's proficiency in the English language, but if an applicant cannot speak English sufficiently to communicate to department personnel the applicant's need for a commercial driver's license, the department may issue to the person a commercial driver's license restricted to operation in intrastate commerce.(c) A person commits an offense if the person drives a commercial motor vehicle in violation of a restriction. An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
SUBCHAPTER E. EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL OF LICENSE OR PERMITSec. 522.051. EXPIRATION OF LICENSE OR PERMIT. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (f) and Sections 522.013(e), 522.033, and 522.054, an original commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit expires five years after the applicant's next birthday.(b) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued to a person holding a Texas Class A, B, C, or M license that would expire one year or more after the date of issuance of the commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit expires five years after the applicant's next birthday.(c) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued to a person holding a Texas Class A, B, C, or M license that would expire less than one year after the date of issuance of the commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit or that has been expired for less than one year expires five years after the expiration date shown on the Class A, B, C, or M license.(d) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued to a person holding a Texas Class A, B, C, or M license that has been expired for at least one year but not more than two years expires five years after the applicant's last birthday.(e) For purposes of this section, a person's "last birthday" is the birthday that occurs on or before the date of issuance, and a person's "next birthday" is the birthday that occurs on or after the date of issuance.(f) Except as provided by Section 522.013, a nonresident commercial driver's license other than a temporary nonresident commercial driver's license under Section 522.013(e) expires on the earlier of:(1) the expiration date of the visa presented under Section 522.021(a-1)(2)(B); or(2) the expiration date of the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record, or a successor document, presented under Section 522.021(a-1)(2)(C).(g) A commercial driver's license issued to a person whose residence or domicile is a correctional facility or a parole facility expires on the first birthday of the license holder occurring after the first anniversary of the date of issuance. The department by rule shall establish the fee for a commercial driver's license issued to a person whose residence or domicile is a correctional facility or a parole facility.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1372, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 546, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 358, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 37, Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1319, Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 23.006, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1288, Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.052. RENEWAL OF LICENSE. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (g), a commercial driver's license issued by the department may be renewed in the year preceding the expiration date.(b) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a renewal of a commercial driver's license that has been expired for less than one year expires five years after the expiration date shown on the commercial driver's license.(c) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a renewal of a commercial driver's license that has been expired for at least one year but not more than two years expires six years after the applicant's last birthday.(d) If a commercial driver's license has been expired for more than two years, the person must make an application and meet the requirements for original issuance of a commercial driver's license.(e) A commercial driver learner's permit may not be renewed.(f) For purposes of this section, a person's "last birthday" is the birthday that occurs on or before the date of issuance.(g) A commercial driver's license issued under Section 522.033 or to which Section 522.054 applies may not be renewed before the 60th day preceding the expiration date.(h) A renewal commercial driver's license issued to a person whose residence or domicile is a correctional facility or a parole facility expires on the first birthday of the license holder occurring after the first anniversary of the date of issuance.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1372, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 546, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 358, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 37, Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1288, Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.053. LICENSE RENEWAL PROCEDURES. (a) A person applying for renewal of a commercial driver's license must complete the application form required by the department, including updated information and required certifications.(b) To retain a hazardous materials endorsement, an applicant must pass the written test for that endorsement.(c) The department may require an examination, including a vision test, for the renewal of a commercial driver's license.(d) Before renewing a commercial driver's license, the department shall check the applicant's driving record as required by 49 C.F.R. Section 383.73.
Sec. 522.054. LICENSE EXPIRATION: PERSON AT LEAST 85 YEARS OF AGE. (a) Each original commercial driver's license and commercial driver learner's permit of a person 85 years of age or older expires on the license holder's second birthday after the date of the license application.(b) A commercial driver's license of a person 85 years of age or older that is renewed expires on the second anniversary of the expiration date before renewal.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 37, Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 522.0541. DENIAL OF RENEWAL OF COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE. (a) In the manner ordered by a court in another state in connection with a matter involving the violation of a state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control and on receipt of the necessary information from the other state, the department may deny renewal of the commercial driver's license issued to a person by the department for the person's:(1) failure to appear in connection with a complaint or citation; or(2) failure to pay or satisfy a judgment ordering the payment of a fine and costs.(b) The information necessary under Subsection (a) may be transmitted through the commercial driver's license information system and must include:(1) the name, date of birth, and the commercial driver's license number of the license held by the person;(2) notice that the person failed to appear as required by law or failed to satisfy a judgment that ordered the payment of a fine and costs in the manner ordered by the court;(3) the nature of the violation; and(4) any other information required by the department.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 7, eff. January 1, 2008.Renumbered from Transportation Code, Section 522.054 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.001(107), eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.055. CLEARANCE NOTICE TO DEPARTMENT. On receipt of notice from the other state that the grounds for denial of the renewal of the commercial driver's license based on the license holder's previous failure to appear or failure to pay a fine and costs previously reported by that state under Section 522.0541 have ceased to exist, the department shall renew the person's commercial driver's license.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 7, eff. January 1, 2008.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.002(36), eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER F. NOTIFICATION OF CONVICTION, ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION, OR PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENTSec. 522.061. NOTIFICATION OF CONVICTION TO DEPARTMENT OR EMPLOYER. (a) A person who holds or is required to hold a commercial driver's license under this chapter and who is convicted in another state of violating a state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control shall notify the department in the manner specified by the department not later than the seventh day after the date of conviction.(b) A person who holds or is required to hold a commercial driver's license under this chapter and who is convicted in this state or another state of violating a state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control, including a law regulating the operation of vehicles on highways, shall notify the person's employer in writing of the conviction not later than the seventh day after the date of conviction.(c) A notification to the department or an employer must be in writing and must contain:(1) the driver's full name;(2) the driver's license number;(3) the date of conviction;(4) the nature of the violation;(5) a notation of whether the violation was committed in a commercial motor vehicle;(6) the location where the offense was committed; and(7) the driver's signature.(d) This section does not apply to a parking violation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 17.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.062. NOTIFICATION OF CONVICTION TO LICENSING AUTHORITY IN OTHER STATE. (a) If a person holds a commercial driver's license issued by another state and is finally convicted of a violation of a state traffic law or local traffic ordinance that was committed in a commercial motor vehicle, the department shall notify the driver's licensing authority in the issuing state of that conviction, in the time and manner required by 49 U.S.C. Section 31311.(b) This section does not apply to a parking violation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 522.063. NOTIFICATION OF DISQUALIFICATION. A person who is denied the privilege of driving a commercial motor vehicle in a state for any period, who is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle, or who is subject to an out-of-service order shall notify the person's employer of that fact before the end of the first business day after the date the person receives notice of that fact.
Sec. 522.064. NOTIFICATION OF PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT AND OFFENSES. (a) A person who applies for employment as a commercial motor vehicle driver shall provide the employer, at the time of the application, with the following information for the 10 years preceding the date of application:(1) a list of the names and addresses of the applicant's previous employers for which the applicant drove a commercial motor vehicle;(2) the dates between which the applicant drove for each employer;(3) the reason for leaving the employment of each employer; and(4) each specific criminal offense or serious traffic violation of which the applicant has been convicted and each suspension, revocation, or cancellation of driving privileges that resulted from the conviction.(b) The applicant must certify that the information furnished is true and complete. An employer may require an applicant to provide additional information. Before an application is submitted, the employer shall inform the applicant that the information provided by the applicant under this section may be used, and the applicant's previous employers may be contacted, to investigate the applicant's work history.(c) An employer shall require each applicant to provide the information specified by Subsections (a) and (b).
SUBCHAPTER G. UNAUTHORIZED DRIVINGSec. 522.071. DRIVING WHILE DISQUALIFIED PROHIBITED. Text of subsection as amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 499, Sec. 1 (a) A person commits an offense if the person drives a commercial motor vehicle on a highway:(1) after the person has been denied the issuance of a license, unless the person has a driver's license appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven that was subsequently issued;(2) during a period that a disqualification of the person's driver's license or privilege is in effect;(3) while the person's driver's license is expired, if the license expired during a period of disqualification;(4) during a period that the person was subject to an order prohibiting the person from obtaining a driver's license; or(5) in violation of an out-of-service order. Text of subsection as amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 8 (a) A person commits an offense if the person drives a commercial motor vehicle on a highway:(1) after the person has been denied the issuance of a license, unless the person has a driver's license appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven that was subsequently issued;(2) during a period that a disqualification of the person's driver's license or privilege is in effect;(3) while the person's driver's license is expired, if the license expired during a period of disqualification;(4) during a period that the person was subject to an order prohibiting the person from obtaining a driver's license; or(5) during a period in which the person, the person's employer, or the vehicle being operated is subject to an out-of-service order.(b) It is not a defense to prosecution that the person had not received notice of a disqualification imposed as a result of a conviction that results in an automatic disqualification of the person's driver's license or privilege.(c) Except as provided by Subsection (b), it is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that the person had not received notice of a denial, disqualification, prohibition order, or out-of-service order concerning the person's driver's license, permit, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle. For purposes of this subsection, notice is presumed if the notice was sent by first class mail to the last known address of the person as shown by the records of the department or licensing authority of another state.(d) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable as provided for an offense under Section 521.457.(e) For the purposes of Subsection (a)(5), "commercial motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 644.001.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1409, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 8, eff. January 1, 2008.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 499, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 522.072. EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES. (a) An employer may not knowingly permit a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle during a period in which:(1) the person has been denied the privilege of driving a commercial motor vehicle;(2) the person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle;(3) the person, the person's employer, or the vehicle being operated is subject to an out-of-service order in a state; or(4) the person has more than one commercial driver's license, except during the 10-day period beginning on the date the person is issued a driver's license.(b) An employer may not knowingly require a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle in violation of a federal, state, or local law that regulates the operation of a motor vehicle at a railroad grade crossing.(b-1) An employer who violates Subsection (a) or (b) commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor.(c) In addition to any penalty imposed under this chapter, an employer who violates this section may be penalized or disqualified under 49 C.F.R. Part 383.(d) For purposes of Subsections (a)(1)(C) and (a)(2), "commercial motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 644.001.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 13, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 9, eff. January 1, 2008.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 782, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER H. DISQUALIFICATION FROM DRIVING COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLESec. 522.081. DISQUALIFICATION. (a) This subsection applies to a violation committed while operating any motor vehicle, including a commercial motor vehicle. A person who holds a commercial driver's license is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for:(1) 60 days if convicted of:(A) two serious traffic violations that occur within a three-year period; or(B) one violation of a law that regulates the operation of a motor vehicle at a railroad grade crossing; or(2) 120 days if convicted of:(A) three serious traffic violations arising from separate incidents occurring within a three-year period; or(B) two violations of a law that regulates the operation of a motor vehicle at a railroad grade crossing that occur within a three-year period.(b) This subsection applies to a violation committed while operating any motor vehicle, including a commercial motor vehicle, except as provided by this subsection. A person who holds a commercial driver's license is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for one year:(1) if convicted of three violations of a law that regulates the operation of a motor vehicle at a railroad grade crossing that occur within a three-year period;(2) on first conviction of:(A) driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, including a violation of Section 49.04 or 49.07, Penal Code;(B) leaving the scene of an accident involving a motor vehicle driven by the person;(C) using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony, other than a felony described by Subsection (d)(2);(D) causing the death of another person through the negligent or criminal operation of a motor vehicle; or(E) driving a commercial motor vehicle while the person's commercial driver's license is revoked, suspended, or canceled, or while the person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle, for an action or conduct that occurred while operating a commercial motor vehicle;(3) for refusing to submit to a test under Chapter 724 to determine the person's alcohol concentration or the presence in the person's body of a controlled substance or drug while operating a motor vehicle in a public place; or(4) if an analysis of the person's blood, breath, or urine under Chapter 522, 524, or 724 determines that the person:(A) had an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more, or that a controlled substance or drug was present in the person's body, while operating a commercial motor vehicle in a public place; or(B) had an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more while operating a motor vehicle, other than a commercial motor vehicle, in a public place.(c) A person who holds a commercial driver's license is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for three years if:(1) the person:(A) is convicted of an offense listed in Subsection (b)(2) and the vehicle being operated by the person was transporting a hazardous material required to be placarded; or(B) refuses to submit to a test under Chapter 724 to determine the person's alcohol concentration or the presence in the person's body of a controlled substance or drug while operating a motor vehicle in a public place and the vehicle being operated by the person was transporting a hazardous material required to be placarded; or(2) an analysis of the person's blood, breath, or urine under Chapter 522, 524, or 724 determines that while transporting a hazardous material required to be placarded the person:(A) while operating a commercial motor vehicle in a public place had an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more, or a controlled substance or drug present in the person's body; or(B) while operating a motor vehicle, other than a commercial motor vehicle, in a public place had an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.(d) A person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for life:(1) if the person is convicted two or more times of an offense specified by Subsection (b)(2), or a combination of those offenses, arising from two or more separate incidents;(2) if the person uses a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony involving:(A) the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance; or(B) possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance;(3) for any combination of two or more of the following, arising from two or more separate incidents:(A) a conviction of the person for an offense described by Subsection (b)(2);(B) a refusal by the person described by Subsection (b)(3); and(C) an analysis of the person's blood, breath, or urine described by Subsection (b)(4); or(4) if the person uses a motor vehicle in the commission of an offense under 8 U.S.C. Section 1324 that involves the transportation, concealment, or harboring of an alien.(e) A person may not be issued a commercial driver's license and is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle if, in connection with the person's operation of a commercial motor vehicle, the person commits an offense or engages in conduct that would disqualify the holder of a commercial driver's license from operating a commercial motor vehicle, or is determined to have had an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more or to have had a controlled substance or drug present in the person's body. The period of prohibition under this subsection is equal to the appropriate period of disqualification required by Subsections (a)-(d).(f) In this section, "felony" means an offense under state or federal law that is punishable by death or imprisonment for a term of more than one year.(g) A person who holds a commercial driver's license is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle if the person's driving is determined to constitute an imminent hazard under 49 C.F.R. Section 383.52. The disqualification is for the disqualification period imposed under that section and shall be noted on the person's driving record.(h) A disqualification imposed under Subsection (g) must run concurrently with any imminent hazard disqualification that is then currently in effect.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 991, Sec. 7, eff. June 1, 2005; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 8.02, eff. June 1, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 357, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 10, eff. January 1, 2008.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 18.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.082. REINSTATEMENT FOLLOWING DISQUALIFICATION FOR LIFE. (a) The department may adopt rules establishing guidelines, including conditions, under which a person disqualified for life under Section 522.081(d)(1) may apply to the department for reinstatement of the person's commercial driver's license, if authorized under federal law.(b) A person is not eligible for reinstatement unless the person has been disqualified for at least 10 years and meets the department's conditions for reinstatement.(c) If a reinstated driver is subsequently convicted of another disqualifying offense as specified by Section 522.081(b), the person is permanently disqualified and is not eligible for reinstatement.
Sec. 522.084. NOTIFICATION TO OTHER JURISDICTION. After disqualifying a person who has a domicile in another state or in a foreign jurisdiction, the department shall give notice of that fact to the licensing authority of the state that issued the person's commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit.
Sec. 522.085. PROBATION OF DISQUALIFICATION PROHIBITED. Notwithstanding Section 521.303, if a person is disqualified under this chapter, the disqualification may not be probated.
Sec. 522.086. ISSUANCE OF ESSENTIAL NEED OR OCCUPATIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PROHIBITED. A person who is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle may not be granted an essential need or occupational driver's license that would authorize operation of a commercial motor vehicle.
Sec. 522.087. PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO DISQUALIFICATION. (a) A person is automatically disqualified under Section 522.081(a)(1)(B), Section 522.081(b)(2), or Section 522.081(d)(2). An appeal may not be taken from the disqualification.(b) Disqualifying a person under Section 522.081(a), other than under Subdivision (1)(B) of that subsection, Section 522.081(b)(1), or Section 522.081(d)(1) or (3) is subject to the notice and hearing procedures of Sections 521.295-521.303. An appeal of the disqualification is subject to Section 521.308.(c) A disqualification imposed under Section 522.081(a) must run consecutively to any other disqualification that is then currently in effect.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1117, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 991, Sec. 8, eff. June 1, 2005; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 8.03, eff. June 1, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 11, eff. January 1, 2008.
Sec. 522.088. APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAW. Section 521.344 of this code and Section 13, Article 42.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, do not apply to a person disqualified under this chapter.
Sec. 522.089. EFFECT OF SUSPENSION, REVOCATION, CANCELLATION, OR DENIAL OF LICENSE UNDER OTHER LAW. (a) A suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of a driver's license or privilege under Chapter 521 or another law of this state disqualifies the person under this chapter.(b) If this chapter disqualifies a person for a longer period than the other law, the person is disqualified for the longer period.
Sec. 522.090. ADDITIONAL PENALTY. In addition to any penalty imposed under this chapter, a person convicted of an offense under Section 522.071(a)(5) may be penalized or disqualified under 49 C.F.R. Part 383.
Sec. 522.091. RECOGNITION OF ACTION TAKEN BY OTHER STATE. (a) The department shall give an out-of-state conviction, disqualification, or denial full faith and credit and treat it for sanctioning purposes under this chapter as if it occurred in this state.(b) The department may include the conviction, disqualification, or denial on the person's drivin
TRANSPORTATION CODETITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFICSUBTITLE B. DRIVER'S LICENSES AND PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION CARDSCHAPTER 522. COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSESSUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONSSec. 522.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the Texas Commercial Driver's License Act.
Sec. 522.003. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Alcohol" means:(A) beer, ale, port, stout, sake, or any other similar fermented beverages or products containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, brewed or produced wholly or in part from malt or a malt substitute;(B) wine containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume; or(C) distilled spirits, including ethyl alcohol, ethanol, and spirits of wine in any form, and all dilutions and mixtures of distilled spirits from whatever source or by whatever process produced.(2) "Alcohol concentration" means the number of grams of alcohol for each:(A) 100 milliliters of blood;(B) 210 liters of breath; or(C) 67 milliliters of urine.(3) "Commercial driver's license" means a license issued to an individual that authorizes the individual to drive a class of commercial motor vehicle.(4) "Commercial driver learner's permit" means a commercial driver's license that restricts the holder to driving a commercial motor vehicle as provided by Section 522.011(a)(2)(B).(5) "Commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used to transport passengers or property that:(A) has a gross combination weight or a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, including a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight or a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds;(B) has a gross vehicle weight or a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds;(C) is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or(D) is transporting hazardous materials and is required to be placarded under 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F.(6) "Controlled substance" means a substance classified as a controlled substance under:(A) Section 102(6), Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. Section 802(6)), including Schedules I-V of 21 C.F.R. Part 1308; or(B) Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code.(7) "Conviction" means:(A) an adjudication of guilt, an unvacated forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure the person's appearance in court, a plea of guilty or nolo contendere accepted by the court, the payment of a fine or court costs, or the violation of a condition of release without bail, in a court, regardless of whether the penalty is suspended, probated, or rebated; or(B) a determination by a court, an authorized administrative tribunal or officer, or the department as authorized by this chapter that:(i) the person has refused to give a specimen to determine the person's alcohol concentration or the presence in the person's body of a controlled substance or drug while driving a commercial motor vehicle; or(ii) the person has driven a commercial motor vehicle while the person's alcohol concentration was 0.04 or more.(8) "Department" means the Department of Public Safety.(9) "Disqualify" means to withdraw the privilege to drive a commercial motor vehicle, including to suspend, cancel, or revoke that privilege under a state or federal law.(10) "Domicile" means the place where a person has the person's true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence and to which the person intends to return whenever absent.(11) "Drive" means to operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle.(12) "Driver's license" has the meaning assigned by Section 521.001.(13) "Drug" has the meaning assigned by Section 481.002, Health and Safety Code.(14) "Employer" means a person who owns or leases a commercial motor vehicle or assigns a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle.(15) "Federal act" means the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (49 U.S.C. App. Section 2701 et seq.).(16) "Foreign jurisdiction" means a jurisdiction other than a state.(17) "Gross combination weight rating" means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination or articulated vehicle or, if the manufacturer has not specified a value, the sum of the gross vehicle weight rating of the power unit and the total weight of the towed unit or units and any load on a towed unit.(18) "Gross vehicle weight rating" means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.(19) "Hazardous materials" has the meaning assigned by 49 C.F.R. Section 383.5.(20) Repealed by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 43, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.(21) "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer propelled or drawn by mechanical power and used on a highway. The term does not include a vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer operated exclusively on a rail.(22) "Nonresident commercial driver's license" means a commercial driver's license issued by a state to an individual who resides in a foreign jurisdiction.(23) "Out-of-service order" means:(A) a temporary prohibition against driving a commercial motor vehicle issued under Section 522.101, the law of another state, or 49 C.F.R. Section 383.5; or(B) a declaration by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or an authorized enforcement officer of a state or local jurisdiction that a driver, commercial motor vehicle, or motor carrier operation is out of service under 49 C.F.R. Section 383.5.(24) "Secretary" means the United States secretary of transportation.(24-a) "Seed cotton module" means compacted seed cotton in any form.(25) "Serious traffic violation" means:(A) a conviction arising from the driving of a motor vehicle, other than a parking, vehicle weight, or vehicle defect violation, for:(i) excessive speeding, involving a single charge of driving 15 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit;(ii) reckless driving, as defined by state or local law;(iii) a violation of a state or local law related to motor vehicle traffic control, including a law regulating the operation of vehicles on highways, arising in connection with a fatal accident;(iv) improper or erratic traffic lane change;(v) following the vehicle ahead too closely; or(vi) a violation of Sections 522.011 or 522.042; or(B) a violation of Section 522.015.(26) "State" means a state of the United States or the District of Columbia.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 991, Sec. 6, eff. June 1, 2005; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 8.01, eff. June 1, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 247, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 3, eff. January 1, 2008.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 782, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.004. APPLICABILITY. (a) This chapter does not apply to:(1) a vehicle that is controlled and operated by a farmer and:(A) used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from a farm;(B) used within 150 miles of the person's farm; and(C) not used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier;(2) a fire-fighting or emergency vehicle necessary to the preservation of life or property or the execution of emergency governmental functions, whether operated by an employee of a political subdivision or by a volunteer fire fighter;(3) a military vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle, when operated for military purposes by military personnel, including:(A) active duty military personnel, including personnel serving in the United States Coast Guard; and(B) members of the reserves and national guard on active duty, including personnel on full-time national guard duty, personnel engaged in part-time training, and national guard military technicians;(4) a recreational vehicle that is driven for personal use;(5) a vehicle that is owned, leased, or controlled by an air carrier, as defined by Section 21.155, and that is driven or operated exclusively by an employee of the air carrier only on the premises of an airport, as defined by Section 22.001, on service roads to which the public does not have access; or(6) a vehicle used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules or cotton burrs.(b) In this section, "recreational vehicle" means a motor vehicle primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational camping or travel use. The term includes a travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, and motor home.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1061, Sec. 13, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 357, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 4, eff. January 1, 2008.
Sec. 522.005. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY. The department may adopt rules necessary to carry out this chapter and the federal act.
Sec. 522.006. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY. The department may enter into a contract to carry out this chapter, including a contract with an agency of another state or with another organization.
Sec. 522.007. EXEMPTION FOR NEIGHBORING STATES. (a) The public safety director shall enter negotiations with an appropriate person or entity of a state bordering this state for the purpose of applying the exemption contained in Section 522.004(a)(1) to residents of that state.(b) The public safety director may enter an agreement to apply the exemption contained in Section 522.004(a)(1) to residents of a bordering state only if that state extends a similar exemption to residents of this state.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1061, Sec. 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
SUBCHAPTER B. LICENSE OR PERMIT REQUIREDSec. 522.011. LICENSE OR PERMIT REQUIRED; OFFENSE. (a) A person may not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless:(1) the person:(A) has in the person's immediate possession a commercial driver's license issued by the department appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven; and(B) is not disqualified or subject to an out-of-service order;(2) the person:(A) has in the person's immediate possession a commercial driver learner's permit issued by the department; and(B) is accompanied by the holder of a commercial driver's license issued by the department appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven, and the license holder:(i) occupies a seat beside the permit holder for the purpose of giving instruction in driving the vehicle; and(ii) is not disqualified or subject to an out-of-service order; or(3) the person is authorized to drive the vehicle under Section 522.015.(b) A person commits an offense if the person violates Subsection (a).(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.(d) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(1)(A) if the person charged produces in court a commercial driver's license that:(1) was issued to the person;(2) is appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven; and(3) was valid when the offense was committed.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 522.012. RESTRICTED LICENSE. (a) If the department is authorized under the federal act to grant the waiver, the department by rule may waive the knowledge and skills tests required by Section 522.022 and issue a restricted commercial driver's license to an employee of a farm-related service industry.(b) In granting a waiver under this section, the department is subject to any condition or requirement established for the waiver by the secretary or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.(c) In addition to any restriction or limitation imposed by this chapter or the department, a restricted commercial driver's license issued under this section is subject to any restriction or limitation imposed by the secretary or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.(d) In this section, "farm-related service industry" has the meaning assigned by the secretary or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under the federal act.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 522.013. NONRESIDENT LICENSE. (a) The department may issue a nonresident commercial driver's license to a resident of a foreign jurisdiction if the secretary has determined that the commercial motor vehicle testing and licensing standards in the foreign jurisdiction do not meet the testing standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383.(b) An applicant must surrender any nonresident commercial driver's license issued by another state.(c) Before issuing a nonresident commercial driver's license, the department must establish the practical capability of disqualifying the person under the conditions applicable to a commercial driver's license issued to a resident of this state.(d) "Nonresident" must appear on the face of a license issued under this section.(e) The department may issue a temporary nonresident commercial driver's license to a person who does not present a social security card as required by Section 522.021(a-1)(1) but who otherwise meets the requirements for a nonresident commercial driver's license, including the requirement that the commercial motor vehicle testing and licensing standards of the country of which the applicant is a resident not meet the testing and licensing standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383. A license issued under this subsection:(1) expires on the earlier of:(A) the 60th day after the date the license is issued;(B) the expiration date of the visa presented under Section 522.021(a-1)(2)(B); or(C) the expiration date of the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record, or a successor document, presented under Section 522.021(a-1)(2)(C); and(2) may not be renewed.(f) The department may not issue more than one temporary nonresident commercial driver's license to a person.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1319, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 522.014. PERMIT. The department may issue a commercial driver learner's permit to an individual who has passed the vision and written tests required for a Texas driver's license appropriate for the class of vehicle to be driven.
Sec. 522.015. LICENSE OR PERMIT ISSUED BY OTHER JURISDICTION. A person may drive a commercial motor vehicle in this state if:(1) the person has a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued by:(A) another state in accordance with the minimum federal standards for the issuance of a commercial motor vehicle driver's license; or(B) a foreign jurisdiction the testing and licensing standards of which the United States Department of Transportation has determined meet the requirements of the federal act;(2) the person's license or permit is appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven;(3) the person is not disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle and is not subject to an out-of-service order; and(4) the person has not had a domicile in this state for more than 30 days.
SUBCHAPTER C. LICENSE OR PERMIT APPLICATION AND ISSUANCESec. 522.021. APPLICATION; OFFENSE. (a) An application for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit must include:(1) the full name and current residence and mailing address of the applicant;(2) a physical description of the applicant, including sex, height, and eye color;(3) the applicant's date of birth;(4) the applicant's social security number, unless the application is for a nonresident commercial driver's license and the applicant is a resident of a foreign jurisdiction;(5) certifications, including those required by 49 C.F.R. Section 383.71(a); and(6) any other information required by the department.(a-1) If the application is for a nonresident commercial driver's license and the applicant is a resident of a foreign jurisdiction that does not meet the testing and licensing standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383, the applicant must present:(1) a social security card issued to the applicant; and(2) each of the following:(A) a passport issued to the applicant by the country of which the applicant is a resident;(B) a Temporary Worker visa; and(C) a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record or a successor document.(b) The application must be sworn to and signed by the applicant. An officer or employee of the department may administer the oath. An officer or employee of this state may not charge for administering the oath.(c) The application must meet the requirements of an application under Section 521.141 and must be accompanied by the fee required under Section 522.029. The department may require documentary evidence to verify the information required by Subsection (a).(c-1) If the department requires proof of an applicant's identity as part of an application under this section, the department must accept as satisfactory proof of identity an offender identification card or similar form of identification issued to an inmate by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice if the applicant also provides supplemental verifiable records or documents that aid in establishing identity.(d) A person who knowingly falsifies information or a certification required by Subsection (a) commits an offense and is subject to a 60-day cancellation of the person's commercial driver's license, commercial driver learner's permit, or application. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1218, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1319, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 14.03, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.022. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS. The department may not issue a commercial driver's license other than a nonresident license to a person unless the person:(1) has a domicile in this state;(2) has passed knowledge and skills tests for driving a commercial motor vehicle that comply with minimal federal standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383, Subparts G and H; and(3) has satisfied the requirements imposed by the federal act, federal regulation, or state law.
Sec. 522.0225. VERIFICATION OF DOMICILE. (a) The department shall adopt rules for determining whether a domicile has been established under Section 522.022, including rules prescribing the types of documentation the department may require from the applicant to determine the validity of the claimed domicile.(b) The department may contract with a third-party personal data verification service to assist the department in verifying a claim of domicile, including whether the physical address provided by the applicant is the applicant's actual residence.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 13.05, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 522.0226. POST OFFICE BOX NOT VALID AS ADDRESS. (a) In this section, "post office box address" means a United States Postal Service post office box address or a private mailbox address.(b) Unless an exception exists under state or federal law, an applicant may receive delivery of a commercial driver's license at a post office box address only if the applicant has provided the department the physical address where the applicant resides.(c) The department may require the applicant to provide documentation that the department determines necessary to verify the validity of the physical address provided under Subsection (b).(d) The department may contract with a third-party personal data verification service to assist the department in verifying whether the physical address provided by the applicant is the applicant's actual residence.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 13.05, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 522.023. TESTS. (a) The tests required by Section 522.022 must be prescribed by the department.(b) The knowledge test must be conducted by the department. The department shall provide each applicant who has a reading impairment an opportunity to take the knowledge test orally or, at the applicant's option, the applicant may have the questions read to the applicant and may answer in writing.(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), the department must conduct the skills test.(d) The department may authorize a person, including an agency of this or another state, an employer, a private driver training facility or other private institution, or a department, agency, or instrumentality of local government, to administer the skills test specified by this section if:(1) the test is the same that would be administered by the department; and(2) the person has entered into an agreement with the department that complies with 49 C.F.R. Section 383.75.(e) The skills test must be taken in a commercial motor vehicle that is representative of the type of vehicle the person drives or expects to drive.(f) The department may waive the skills test for an applicant who meets the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Section 383.77.(g) The department shall test the applicant's ability to understand highway traffic signs and signals that are written in English.(h) An applicant who pays the applicable fee required by Section 522.029 is entitled to three examinations of each element under Section 522.022. If the applicant has not qualified after the third examination, the applicant must submit a new application accompanied by the required fee.(i) The department may not issue a commercial driver's license to a person who has not passed each examination required under this chapter.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 5, eff. January 1, 2008.
Sec. 522.0235. WAIVER OF VISUAL STANDARDS FOR INTRASTATE DRIVER. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the department by rule may provide for a waiver of the visual standards for a commercial driver's license in 49 C.F.R. Part 391, Subpart E, if the person who is applying for a commercial driver's license or who has been issued a commercial driver's license is a person who drives a commercial motor vehicle only in this state.(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to standards for distant binocular acuity.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.100(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 522.024. ADDITIONAL TESTING. To ensure compliance with the federal act and to promote the systematic conversion to commercial driver's licenses, the department may require the commercial driver's license testing of a person to whom the department has previously issued a driver's license that authorizes the driving of a vehicle that may be subject to this chapter. The testing may be required before the expiration of an existing license.
Sec. 522.025. LIMITATIONS ON ISSUANCE OF LICENSE OR PERMIT. (a) The department may not issue a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit to a person who is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle or while the person's driver's license or driving privilege is suspended, revoked, or canceled in any state.(b) The department may not issue a commercial driver's license to a person who has a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or commercial driver learner's permit issued by another state unless the person surrenders the license or permit. The department shall return a surrendered license or permit to the issuing state for cancellation.
Sec. 522.026. LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF DRIVER'S LICENSES; OFFENSE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person drives a commercial motor vehicle and has more than one driver's license.(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that the offense occurred during the 10-day period beginning on the date the person was issued a driver's license.(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Sec. 522.027. MINIMUM AGE. The department may not issue a commercial driver's license or a commercial driver learner's permit to a person who is younger than 18 years of age.
Sec. 522.028. CHECK OF DRIVING RECORD. Before issuing a commercial driver's license, the department shall check the applicant's driving record as required by 49 C.F.R. Section 383.73.
Sec. 522.029. FEES. (a) The fee for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued by the department is $60, except as provided by Subsections (f), (h), (j), and (k).(b) The fee for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit shall be reduced by $4 for each remaining year of validity of a driver's license, other than a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued by the department to the applicant.(c) The fee for a duplicate commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit is $10.(d) An applicant who is changing a class of license, endorsement, or restriction or who is adding a class of vehicle other than a motorcycle to the license must pay a fee of $10 for the examination, except for a renewal or original issuance of a commercial driver's license.(e) The fees required by this chapter and collected by an officer or agent of the department shall be remitted without deduction to the department. Text of subsec. (f) as added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1156, Sec. 2 (f) The fee for renewal of a commercial driver's license or a commercial driver learner's permit that includes authorization to operate a motorcycle is $45. Text of subsec. (f) as added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1372, Sec. 5 (f) If a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit includes an authorization to operate a motorcycle or moped, the fee for the driver's license or permit is increased by $8.(g) An applicant who is applying for additional authorization to operate a motorcycle shall pay a fee of $15 for the examination.(h) The fee for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued under Section 522.033 is $20.(i) Except as provided by Section 662.011, each fee collected under this section shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas mobility fund.(j) The fee for issuance or renewal of a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit is $25 for a license with an expiration date established under Section 522.054.(k) The fee for a nonresident commercial driver's license is $120. The fee for a temporary nonresident commercial driver's license is $20.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1156, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1372, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 546, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 11.05, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 37, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1319, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.001(106), eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.002(35), eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.030. CONTENT OF LICENSE. A commercial driver's license must:(1) be marked "Commercial Driver License" or "CDL";(2) be, to the extent practicable, tamper-proof; and(3) include:(A) the name and mailing address of the person to whom it is issued;(B) the person's color photograph;(C) a physical description of the person, including sex, height, and eye color;(D) the person's date of birth;(E) a number or identifier the department considers appropriate;(F) the person's signature;(G) each class of commercial motor vehicle that the person is authorized to drive, with any endorsements or restrictions;(H) the name of this state; and(I) the dates between which the license is valid.
Sec. 522.031. NOTIFICATION OF LICENSE ISSUANCE. (a) After issuing a commercial driver's license, the department shall notify the commercial driver's license information system of that fact and provide the information required to ensure identification of the person.(b) In this section, "commercial driver's license information system" means the information system established under the federal act as a clearinghouse for locating information related to the licensing and identification of commercial motor vehicle drivers.
Sec. 522.032. CHANGE OF NAME OR ADDRESS OF LICENSE OR PERMIT HOLDER; OFFENSE. (a) The holder of a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit who changes the holder's name or mailing address must apply for a duplicate license or permit not later than the 30th day after the date of the change in the manner provided by Section 521.054.(b) The holder of a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit who changes the holder's residence address shall notify the department not later than the 30th day after the date of the change.(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates this section. An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Sec. 522.033. COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE ISSUED TO CERTAIN SEX OFFENDERS. (a) The department may issue an original or renewal commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit to a person whose driver's license or personal identification certificate record indicates that the person is subject to the registration requirements of Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, only if the person is otherwise eligible for the commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit and:(1) applies in person for the issuance of a license or permit under this section; and(2) pays a fee of $20.(b) Notwithstanding Section 522.051, a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued under this section, including a renewal, duplicate, or corrected license, expires on the first birthday of the license holder occurring after the date of application, except that the initial license issued under this section expires on the second birthday of the license holder occurring after the date of application.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 546, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 522.034. APPLICATION FOR AUTHORIZATION TO OPERATE MOTORCYCLE. (a) An applicant for an original commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit that includes an authorization to operate a motorcycle must furnish to the department evidence satisfactory to the department that the applicant has successfully completed a basic motorcycle operator training course approved by the department under Chapter 662.(b) The department may not issue an original commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit that includes an authorization to operate a motorcycle to an applicant who fails to comply with Subsection (a).(c) When the department issues a license or permit to which this section applies, the department shall provide the person to whom the license is issued with written information about the Glenda Dawson Donate Life-Texas Registry program established under Chapter 49, Health and Safety Code.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1391, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER D. CLASSIFICATION, ENDORSEMENT, OR RESTRICTION OF LICENSESec. 522.041. CLASSIFICATIONS. (a) The department may issue a Class A, Class B, or Class C commercial driver's license.(b) Class A covers a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, if the gross vehicle weight rating of the towed vehicle or vehicles exceeds 10,000 pounds.(c) Class B covers:(1) a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more;(2) a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less; and(3) a vehicle designed to transport 24 passengers or more, including the driver.(d) Class C covers a single vehicle or combination of vehicles not described by Subsection (b) or (c) that is:(1) designed to transport 16-23 passengers, including the driver; or(2) used in the transportation of hazardous materials that require the vehicle to be placarded under 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F.(e) The holder of a commercial driver's license may drive any vehicle in the class for which the license is issued and lesser classes of vehicles except a motorcycle or moped. The holder may drive a motorcycle only if authorization to drive a motorcycle is shown on the commercial driver's license and the requirements for issuance of a motorcycle license have been met.
Sec. 522.042. ENDORSEMENTS; OFFENSE. (a) The department may issue a commercial driver's license with endorsements:(1) authorizing the driving of a vehicle transporting hazardous materials, subject to the requirements of Title 49 C.F.R. Part 1572;(2) authorizing the towing of a double or triple trailer or a trailer over a specified weight;(3) authorizing the driving of a vehicle carrying passengers;(4) authorizing the driving of a tank vehicle;(5) representing a combination of hazardous materials and tank vehicle endorsements; or(6) authorizing the driving of a school bus, as defined by Section 541.201.(b) The holder of a commercial driver's license may not drive a vehicle that requires an endorsement unless the proper endorsement appears on the license.(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates Subsection (b). An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 358, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 522.0425. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT; CANCELLATION. (a) The department shall cancel or deny the issuance of a hazardous materials endorsement of a person's commercial driver's license within 15 days of the date the department receives notification from a federal agency authorized to make a final determination of threat assessment under 49 C.F.R. Section 1572.13.(b) On receipt of a notification from a federal agency authorized to make an initial determination of threat assessment under 49 C.F.R. Section 1572.13, the department shall immediately cancel or deny the person the issuance of a hazardous materials endorsement of a commercial driver's license.(c) The cancellation or denial of a hazardous materials endorsement under this section shall be reported to the commercial driver's license information system before the 16th day after the date of cancellation or denial.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 6, eff. January 1, 2008.
Sec. 522.043. RESTRICTIONS; OFFENSE. (a) On issuing a commercial driver's license, the department for good cause may impose one or more restrictions suitable to the license holder's driving ability and limitations, including restrictions:(1) prohibiting the license holder from driving a vehicle equipped with air brakes; and(2) as provided by 49 C.F.R. Part 391, prohibiting driving a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce by a person who:(A) is under 21 years of age;(B) does not meet applicable physical guidelines; or(C) cannot sufficiently read and speak the English language.(b) For purposes of this section, the department may not administer examinations or tests relating to the applicant's proficiency in the English language, but if an applicant cannot speak English sufficiently to communicate to department personnel the applicant's need for a commercial driver's license, the department may issue to the person a commercial driver's license restricted to operation in intrastate commerce.(c) A person commits an offense if the person drives a commercial motor vehicle in violation of a restriction. An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
SUBCHAPTER E. EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL OF LICENSE OR PERMITSec. 522.051. EXPIRATION OF LICENSE OR PERMIT. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (f) and Sections 522.013(e), 522.033, and 522.054, an original commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit expires five years after the applicant's next birthday.(b) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued to a person holding a Texas Class A, B, C, or M license that would expire one year or more after the date of issuance of the commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit expires five years after the applicant's next birthday.(c) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued to a person holding a Texas Class A, B, C, or M license that would expire less than one year after the date of issuance of the commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit or that has been expired for less than one year expires five years after the expiration date shown on the Class A, B, C, or M license.(d) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit issued to a person holding a Texas Class A, B, C, or M license that has been expired for at least one year but not more than two years expires five years after the applicant's last birthday.(e) For purposes of this section, a person's "last birthday" is the birthday that occurs on or before the date of issuance, and a person's "next birthday" is the birthday that occurs on or after the date of issuance.(f) Except as provided by Section 522.013, a nonresident commercial driver's license other than a temporary nonresident commercial driver's license under Section 522.013(e) expires on the earlier of:(1) the expiration date of the visa presented under Section 522.021(a-1)(2)(B); or(2) the expiration date of the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record, or a successor document, presented under Section 522.021(a-1)(2)(C).(g) A commercial driver's license issued to a person whose residence or domicile is a correctional facility or a parole facility expires on the first birthday of the license holder occurring after the first anniversary of the date of issuance. The department by rule shall establish the fee for a commercial driver's license issued to a person whose residence or domicile is a correctional facility or a parole facility.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1372, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 546, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 358, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 37, Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1319, Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 23.006, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1288, Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.052. RENEWAL OF LICENSE. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (g), a commercial driver's license issued by the department may be renewed in the year preceding the expiration date.(b) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a renewal of a commercial driver's license that has been expired for less than one year expires five years after the expiration date shown on the commercial driver's license.(c) Except as provided by Section 522.054, a renewal of a commercial driver's license that has been expired for at least one year but not more than two years expires six years after the applicant's last birthday.(d) If a commercial driver's license has been expired for more than two years, the person must make an application and meet the requirements for original issuance of a commercial driver's license.(e) A commercial driver learner's permit may not be renewed.(f) For purposes of this section, a person's "last birthday" is the birthday that occurs on or before the date of issuance.(g) A commercial driver's license issued under Section 522.033 or to which Section 522.054 applies may not be renewed before the 60th day preceding the expiration date.(h) A renewal commercial driver's license issued to a person whose residence or domicile is a correctional facility or a parole facility expires on the first birthday of the license holder occurring after the first anniversary of the date of issuance.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1372, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 546, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 358, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 37, Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1288, Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.053. LICENSE RENEWAL PROCEDURES. (a) A person applying for renewal of a commercial driver's license must complete the application form required by the department, including updated information and required certifications.(b) To retain a hazardous materials endorsement, an applicant must pass the written test for that endorsement.(c) The department may require an examination, including a vision test, for the renewal of a commercial driver's license.(d) Before renewing a commercial driver's license, the department shall check the applicant's driving record as required by 49 C.F.R. Section 383.73.
Sec. 522.054. LICENSE EXPIRATION: PERSON AT LEAST 85 YEARS OF AGE. (a) Each original commercial driver's license and commercial driver learner's permit of a person 85 years of age or older expires on the license holder's second birthday after the date of the license application.(b) A commercial driver's license of a person 85 years of age or older that is renewed expires on the second anniversary of the expiration date before renewal.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 37, Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 522.0541. DENIAL OF RENEWAL OF COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE. (a) In the manner ordered by a court in another state in connection with a matter involving the violation of a state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control and on receipt of the necessary information from the other state, the department may deny renewal of the commercial driver's license issued to a person by the department for the person's:(1) failure to appear in connection with a complaint or citation; or(2) failure to pay or satisfy a judgment ordering the payment of a fine and costs.(b) The information necessary under Subsection (a) may be transmitted through the commercial driver's license information system and must include:(1) the name, date of birth, and the commercial driver's license number of the license held by the person;(2) notice that the person failed to appear as required by law or failed to satisfy a judgment that ordered the payment of a fine and costs in the manner ordered by the court;(3) the nature of the violation; and(4) any other information required by the department.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 7, eff. January 1, 2008.Renumbered from Transportation Code, Section 522.054 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.001(107), eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.055. CLEARANCE NOTICE TO DEPARTMENT. On receipt of notice from the other state that the grounds for denial of the renewal of the commercial driver's license based on the license holder's previous failure to appear or failure to pay a fine and costs previously reported by that state under Section 522.0541 have ceased to exist, the department shall renew the person's commercial driver's license.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 7, eff. January 1, 2008.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.002(36), eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER F. NOTIFICATION OF CONVICTION, ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION, OR PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENTSec. 522.061. NOTIFICATION OF CONVICTION TO DEPARTMENT OR EMPLOYER. (a) A person who holds or is required to hold a commercial driver's license under this chapter and who is convicted in another state of violating a state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control shall notify the department in the manner specified by the department not later than the seventh day after the date of conviction.(b) A person who holds or is required to hold a commercial driver's license under this chapter and who is convicted in this state or another state of violating a state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control, including a law regulating the operation of vehicles on highways, shall notify the person's employer in writing of the conviction not later than the seventh day after the date of conviction.(c) A notification to the department or an employer must be in writing and must contain:(1) the driver's full name;(2) the driver's license number;(3) the date of conviction;(4) the nature of the violation;(5) a notation of whether the violation was committed in a commercial motor vehicle;(6) the location where the offense was committed; and(7) the driver's signature.(d) This section does not apply to a parking violation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 17.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.062. NOTIFICATION OF CONVICTION TO LICENSING AUTHORITY IN OTHER STATE. (a) If a person holds a commercial driver's license issued by another state and is finally convicted of a violation of a state traffic law or local traffic ordinance that was committed in a commercial motor vehicle, the department shall notify the driver's licensing authority in the issuing state of that conviction, in the time and manner required by 49 U.S.C. Section 31311.(b) This section does not apply to a parking violation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 522.063. NOTIFICATION OF DISQUALIFICATION. A person who is denied the privilege of driving a commercial motor vehicle in a state for any period, who is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle, or who is subject to an out-of-service order shall notify the person's employer of that fact before the end of the first business day after the date the person receives notice of that fact.
Sec. 522.064. NOTIFICATION OF PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT AND OFFENSES. (a) A person who applies for employment as a commercial motor vehicle driver shall provide the employer, at the time of the application, with the following information for the 10 years preceding the date of application:(1) a list of the names and addresses of the applicant's previous employers for which the applicant drove a commercial motor vehicle;(2) the dates between which the applicant drove for each employer;(3) the reason for leaving the employment of each employer; and(4) each specific criminal offense or serious traffic violation of which the applicant has been convicted and each suspension, revocation, or cancellation of driving privileges that resulted from the conviction.(b) The applicant must certify that the information furnished is true and complete. An employer may require an applicant to provide additional information. Before an application is submitted, the employer shall inform the applicant that the information provided by the applicant under this section may be used, and the applicant's previous employers may be contacted, to investigate the applicant's work history.(c) An employer shall require each applicant to provide the information specified by Subsections (a) and (b).
SUBCHAPTER G. UNAUTHORIZED DRIVINGSec. 522.071. DRIVING WHILE DISQUALIFIED PROHIBITED. Text of subsection as amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 499, Sec. 1 (a) A person commits an offense if the person drives a commercial motor vehicle on a highway:(1) after the person has been denied the issuance of a license, unless the person has a driver's license appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven that was subsequently issued;(2) during a period that a disqualification of the person's driver's license or privilege is in effect;(3) while the person's driver's license is expired, if the license expired during a period of disqualification;(4) during a period that the person was subject to an order prohibiting the person from obtaining a driver's license; or(5) in violation of an out-of-service order. Text of subsection as amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 8 (a) A person commits an offense if the person drives a commercial motor vehicle on a highway:(1) after the person has been denied the issuance of a license, unless the person has a driver's license appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven that was subsequently issued;(2) during a period that a disqualification of the person's driver's license or privilege is in effect;(3) while the person's driver's license is expired, if the license expired during a period of disqualification;(4) during a period that the person was subject to an order prohibiting the person from obtaining a driver's license; or(5) during a period in which the person, the person's employer, or the vehicle being operated is subject to an out-of-service order.(b) It is not a defense to prosecution that the person had not received notice of a disqualification imposed as a result of a conviction that results in an automatic disqualification of the person's driver's license or privilege.(c) Except as provided by Subsection (b), it is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that the person had not received notice of a denial, disqualification, prohibition order, or out-of-service order concerning the person's driver's license, permit, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle. For purposes of this subsection, notice is presumed if the notice was sent by first class mail to the last known address of the person as shown by the records of the department or licensing authority of another state.(d) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable as provided for an offense under Section 521.457.(e) For the purposes of Subsection (a)(5), "commercial motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 644.001.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1409, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 8, eff. January 1, 2008.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 499, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 522.072. EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES. (a) An employer may not knowingly permit a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle during a period in which:(1) the person has been denied the privilege of driving a commercial motor vehicle;(2) the person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle;(3) the person, the person's employer, or the vehicle being operated is subject to an out-of-service order in a state; or(4) the person has more than one commercial driver's license, except during the 10-day period beginning on the date the person is issued a driver's license.(b) An employer may not knowingly require a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle in violation of a federal, state, or local law that regulates the operation of a motor vehicle at a railroad grade crossing.(b-1) An employer who violates Subsection (a) or (b) commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor.(c) In addition to any penalty imposed under this chapter, an employer who violates this section may be penalized or disqualified under 49 C.F.R. Part 383.(d) For purposes of Subsections (a)(1)(C) and (a)(2), "commercial motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 644.001.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 13, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 9, eff. January 1, 2008.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 782, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER H. DISQUALIFICATION FROM DRIVING COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLESec. 522.081. DISQUALIFICATION. (a) This subsection applies to a violation committed while operating any motor vehicle, including a commercial motor vehicle. A person who holds a commercial driver's license is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for:(1) 60 days if convicted of:(A) two serious traffic violations that occur within a three-year period; or(B) one violation of a law that regulates the operation of a motor vehicle at a railroad grade crossing; or(2) 120 days if convicted of:(A) three serious traffic violations arising from separate incidents occurring within a three-year period; or(B) two violations of a law that regulates the operation of a motor vehicle at a railroad grade crossing that occur within a three-year period.(b) This subsection applies to a violation committed while operating any motor vehicle, including a commercial motor vehicle, except as provided by this subsection. A person who holds a commercial driver's license is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for one year:(1) if convicted of three violations of a law that regulates the operation of a motor vehicle at a railroad grade crossing that occur within a three-year period;(2) on first conviction of:(A) driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, including a violation of Section 49.04 or 49.07, Penal Code;(B) leaving the scene of an accident involving a motor vehicle driven by the person;(C) using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony, other than a felony described by Subsection (d)(2);(D) causing the death of another person through the negligent or criminal operation of a motor vehicle; or(E) driving a commercial motor vehicle while the person's commercial driver's license is revoked, suspended, or canceled, or while the person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle, for an action or conduct that occurred while operating a commercial motor vehicle;(3) for refusing to submit to a test under Chapter 724 to determine the person's alcohol concentration or the presence in the person's body of a controlled substance or drug while operating a motor vehicle in a public place; or(4) if an analysis of the person's blood, breath, or urine under Chapter 522, 524, or 724 determines that the person:(A) had an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more, or that a controlled substance or drug was present in the person's body, while operating a commercial motor vehicle in a public place; or(B) had an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more while operating a motor vehicle, other than a commercial motor vehicle, in a public place.(c) A person who holds a commercial driver's license is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for three years if:(1) the person:(A) is convicted of an offense listed in Subsection (b)(2) and the vehicle being operated by the person was transporting a hazardous material required to be placarded; or(B) refuses to submit to a test under Chapter 724 to determine the person's alcohol concentration or the presence in the person's body of a controlled substance or drug while operating a motor vehicle in a public place and the vehicle being operated by the person was transporting a hazardous material required to be placarded; or(2) an analysis of the person's blood, breath, or urine under Chapter 522, 524, or 724 determines that while transporting a hazardous material required to be placarded the person:(A) while operating a commercial motor vehicle in a public place had an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more, or a controlled substance or drug present in the person's body; or(B) while operating a motor vehicle, other than a commercial motor vehicle, in a public place had an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.(d) A person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for life:(1) if the person is convicted two or more times of an offense specified by Subsection (b)(2), or a combination of those offenses, arising from two or more separate incidents;(2) if the person uses a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony involving:(A) the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance; or(B) possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance;(3) for any combination of two or more of the following, arising from two or more separate incidents:(A) a conviction of the person for an offense described by Subsection (b)(2);(B) a refusal by the person described by Subsection (b)(3); and(C) an analysis of the person's blood, breath, or urine described by Subsection (b)(4); or(4) if the person uses a motor vehicle in the commission of an offense under 8 U.S.C. Section 1324 that involves the transportation, concealment, or harboring of an alien.(e) A person may not be issued a commercial driver's license and is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle if, in connection with the person's operation of a commercial motor vehicle, the person commits an offense or engages in conduct that would disqualify the holder of a commercial driver's license from operating a commercial motor vehicle, or is determined to have had an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more or to have had a controlled substance or drug present in the person's body. The period of prohibition under this subsection is equal to the appropriate period of disqualification required by Subsections (a)-(d).(f) In this section, "felony" means an offense under state or federal law that is punishable by death or imprisonment for a term of more than one year.(g) A person who holds a commercial driver's license is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle if the person's driving is determined to constitute an imminent hazard under 49 C.F.R. Section 383.52. The disqualification is for the disqualification period imposed under that section and shall be noted on the person's driving record.(h) A disqualification imposed under Subsection (g) must run concurrently with any imminent hazard disqualification that is then currently in effect.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 991, Sec. 7, eff. June 1, 2005; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 8.02, eff. June 1, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 357, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 10, eff. January 1, 2008.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146, Sec. 18.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 522.082. REINSTATEMENT FOLLOWING DISQUALIFICATION FOR LIFE. (a) The department may adopt rules establishing guidelines, including conditions, under which a person disqualified for life under Section 522.081(d)(1) may apply to the department for reinstatement of the person's commercial driver's license, if authorized under federal law.(b) A person is not eligible for reinstatement unless the person has been disqualified for at least 10 years and meets the department's conditions for reinstatement.(c) If a reinstated driver is subsequently convicted of another disqualifying offense as specified by Section 522.081(b), the person is permanently disqualified and is not eligible for reinstatement.
Sec. 522.084. NOTIFICATION TO OTHER JURISDICTION. After disqualifying a person who has a domicile in another state or in a foreign jurisdiction, the department shall give notice of that fact to the licensing authority of the state that issued the person's commercial driver's license or commercial driver learner's permit.
Sec. 522.085. PROBATION OF DISQUALIFICATION PROHIBITED. Notwithstanding Section 521.303, if a person is disqualified under this chapter, the disqualification may not be probated.
Sec. 522.086. ISSUANCE OF ESSENTIAL NEED OR OCCUPATIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PROHIBITED. A person who is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle may not be granted an essential need or occupational driver's license that would authorize operation of a commercial motor vehicle.
Sec. 522.087. PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO DISQUALIFICATION. (a) A person is automatically disqualified under Section 522.081(a)(1)(B), Section 522.081(b)(2), or Section 522.081(d)(2). An appeal may not be taken from the disqualification.(b) Disqualifying a person under Section 522.081(a), other than under Subdivision (1)(B) of that subsection, Section 522.081(b)(1), or Section 522.081(d)(1) or (3) is subject to the notice and hearing procedures of Sections 521.295-521.303. An appeal of the disqualification is subject to Section 521.308.(c) A disqualification imposed under Section 522.081(a) must run consecutively to any other disqualification that is then currently in effect.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1117, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 991, Sec. 8, eff. June 1, 2005; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 8.03, eff. June 1, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 424, Sec. 11, eff. January 1, 2008.
Sec. 522.088. APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAW. Section 521.344 of this code and Section 13, Article 42.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, do not apply to a person disqualified under this chapter.
Sec. 522.089. EFFECT OF SUSPENSION, REVOCATION, CANCELLATION, OR DENIAL OF LICENSE UNDER OTHER LAW. (a) A suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of a driver's license or privilege under Chapter 521 or another law of this state disqualifies the person under this chapter.(b) If this chapter disqualifies a person for a longer period than the other law, the person is disqualified for the longer period.
Sec. 522.090. ADDITIONAL PENALTY. In addition to any penalty imposed under this chapter, a person convicted of an offense under Section 522.071(a)(5) may be penalized or disqualified under 49 C.F.R. Part 383.
Sec. 522.091. RECOGNITION OF ACTION TAKEN BY OTHER STATE. (a) The department shall give an out-of-state conviction, disqualification, or denial full faith and credit and treat it for sanctioning purposes under this chapter as if it occurred in this state.(b) The department may include the conviction, disqualification, or denial on the person's drivin
