Indiana Commercial Driver's License Rules

Indiana requires all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators to be licensed. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) come in different classes, and the driver often must hold certain endorsements specific to the type of cargo and CMV operated. Each CDL has particular requirements, and violations can lead to penalties and disqualification. This article outlines the processes for obtaining a CDL and endorsements and the violations that can lead to license disqualification.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Requirements in Indiana

A CDL is required to operate any vehicle weighing 26,001 or more pounds or designed to carry hazardous materials or 16 or more passengers. Each class of CDL and each endorsement authorizes the operation of different weights and types of CMVs.

Indiana's CDL License Classes

There are three classes of CDLs based on the weight of the truck and/or trailer(s).

• Class A. Any combination of vehicles weighing 26,001 or more pounds and towing a vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
• Class B. Any single vehicle weighing 26,001 or more pounds. Any trailer must be less than 10,000 pounds.
• Class C. Any CMV that weighs 26,000 pounds or less with a trailer that's less than 10,000 pounds (includes vehicles designed to carry hazardous materials or 16 or more passengers).

The driver's license must be sufficient to operate all applicable weights. For example, a class A CDL permits the operation of all weights of CMVs. (140 Ind. Admin. Code 7-3-8.5 (2024).)

Indiana's CDL Endorsements for Transporting Passengers and Special Cargo

Endorsements are designated on the CDL and authorize the holder to operate special CMVs (like school buses) or carry special cargo (like hazardous materials). Each endorsement requires additional testing specific to the endorsement.

Vehicles That Are Exempt from CDL Requirement

Certain vehicles, like CMVs operated by the military and registered farm vehicles, are exempt from CDL requirements.

How To Get a CDL in Indiana

Getting a commercial learner's permit. The first step in obtaining a CDL is to test for a commercial learner's permit (CLP). The CLP applicant must be at least 18, hold a valid driver's license, and pass the general knowledge test. While operating a CMV, the CLP-holder must be supervised by a licensed commercial driver.

Taking the CDL driving test. After 14 days with a CLP, the holder can take the driving test to obtain a CDL. The CDL will be restricted to in-state use until the driver is at least 21 years old.

CDL medical cards. All applicants and drivers must possess a medical and physical qualification certificate. This document is required to ensure the driver is physically fit enough to operate a CMV and must be updated periodically.

Self-reporting requirements. Applicants will be disqualified and possibly prosecuted for lying on a CDL application. Additionally, CDL holders must report their driving history. This requirement includes reporting all future violations to the state and the driver's employer. Failure to comply with this rule can result in a fine of up to $5,732.

(140 Ind. Admin. Code 7-3-3.4 (2024); 140 Ind. Admin. Code 7-3-3.5 (2024).)

Indiana's Rules for CDL Revocation and Disqualification

Special rules apply to CMV operators. Violation of these rules can lead to license disqualification and fines. (49 C.F.R. § 383.51 (2024); Ind. Code Ann. § 8-2.1-24-18 (2024).)

Serious Traffic Offenses

A licensee will be disqualified for repeated convictions of "serious traffic offenses." Serious traffic offenses include:

• speeding 15 miles per hour or more over the limit
• reckless driving
• erratic lane changes
• following too closely
• traffic control violations involving a fatality
• texting while driving in a CMV, and
• operating a CMV without a license.

Having two offenses in three years will result in a 60-day revocation, and having three or more violations in three years carries a 120-day revocation.

Major Offenses

Certain major offenses will result in a one-year CDL disqualification. Major offenses include:

• OWI (operating under the influence)
• operating a CMV with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least .04%
• refusing to take a chemical test
• leaving the scene of an accident
• using a vehicle to commit a felony
• driving while disqualified, and
• negligently causing a CMV-related fatality.

A violation occurring in a hazmat vehicle will result in a three-year disqualification. Any subsequent violations or using a vehicle to distribute controlled substances will result in a lifetime disqualification.

CDL Out-of-Service Orders

Law enforcement can issue an out-of-service order (OSO) to a driver or CMV for certain safety violations, including driving with any amount of alcohol in your system. A CDL holder who operates during an OSO can be convicted of a class C misdemeanor and will be fined at least $3,174 for a first offense and at least $6,348 for any subsequent violation. An employer who knowingly permits an OSO violation will also be fined $5,732 to $31,737.

The driver's license will also be disqualified for a period of time dependent on the number of prior OSO violations within the last 10 years.

• First offense. 180 days to one year (up to two years if driving a CMV designed for hazmat or 16 or more passengers).
• Second offense. Two to five years (minimum three years if driving a CMV designed for hazmat or 16 or more passengers).
• Third offense. Three to five years disqualification.

Railroad Crossing Rules for Commercial Vehicles

CMV operators are required to stop or slow down when approaching railroad tracks and obey all traffic control devices. And the operator must ensure that the CMV has enough clearance to successfully cross without stopping.

A railroad crossing violation will result in a minimum 60-day disqualification for a first offense, a minimum 120-day disqualification for a second offense, and a minimum one-year disqualification for any subsequent offense in three years. The employer can also be fined up to $16,453.