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| DMV implements CDL hazmat endorsement rules | ||
| 06/01/2005 | ||
Oregon’s Driver and Motor Vehicles Services Division (DMV) is now requiring that truck drivers be fingerprinted and undergo a security clearance background check before renewing or transferring a Commercial Driver License with a hazardous materials endorsement. Since January, DMV has been requiring fingerprints and background checks before drivers receive an original CDL with the Hazmat endorsement. On May 31, the agency began to apply the requirements to renewals and transfers. Drivers who move to Oregon and seek to exchange an out-of-state license that contains a Hazmat endorsement will be required to obtain a security clearance prior to issuance of the endorsement for Oregon. Drivers who had a valid security clearance in their former home state may bring their approval letter from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to the Oregon DMV when they apply for the Oregon CDL. DMV will then issue an Oregon CDL without the hazmat endorsement, but with a 60-day temporary permit that allows the driver to haul hazardous materials while waiting for the security clearance for Oregon. Security clearance background checks involve examining criminal, immigration, and FBI records to confirm each driver does not pose a security threat. The check will confirm that a driver has not been convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of certain felonies, such as murder, arson, and robbery, in the past seven years, has not been incarcerated for such crimes in the past five years, is not wanted or under indictment for such crimes, or has not been found to be mentally defective (as defined by TSA). Applicants for a CDL with Hazmat endorsement can apply online 24 hours a day -- www.hazprints.com -- or they can call the Hazmat TSA Screening Center at 877-429-7746 between 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Eastern time. To get started, they´ll need to provide their driver license number, Social Security number and/or citizenship naturalization data, and employer´s name and phone number. Applicants will also need to go to a fingerprinting site to provide their prints for the security clearance check. Fingerprints are collecting at the following three Oregon locations:
Although an Oregon CDL may be valid for up to eight years, drivers with Hazmat endorsements are required to resubmit fingerprints for additional background checks every four years. Oregon´s DMV notifies drivers 54 months before the CDL expiration date, and again six months before expiration, that the background check must be completed within six months. For more information, visit the DMV Web site and view a 20-minute slideshow presentation. More about background checks The Oregon DMV cannot issue a Hazmat endorsement to drivers who don´t yet have a current CDL with the endorsement until the applicant passes a security clearance background check. Drivers who apply for the first time may be required to wait 60 to 90 days for completion of the background check. Background checks involve examining criminal, immigration, and FBI records to confirm each driver does not pose a security threat. The check will confirm that a driver has not been convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of certain felonies, such as murder, arson, and robbery, in the past seven years, has not been incarcerated for such crimes in the past five years, is not wanted or under indictment for such crimes, or has not been found to be mentally defective (as defined by TSA). In addition, a Hazmat endorsement can only be issued to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Although federal rules require drivers to submit proof of status when applying for the endorsement, the background check will also verify lawful presence in the U.S. If a background check is not completed before a driver´s CDL expires, the driver still has the option of renewing the license without the Hazmat endorsement so he or she can continue to transport non-hazardous cargo. After receipt of a favorable clearance from the TSA, the driver may then reacquire the endorsement by paying the test fee and passing the Hazmat knowledge test. Drivers failing a background check will not be able to obtain, retain, transfer, or renew a CDL Hazmat endorsement. However, TSA may grant a waiver, when requested and when circumstances associated with the crime lead it to believe the driver does not pose a security threat that warrants denial of the endorsement. CDL holders with Hazmat endorsements who could not pass the background check are required, by rule, to surrender their endorsement. In Oregon, drivers may surrender the endorsement at any DMV field office. Although an Oregon CDL may be valid for up to eight years, drivers with Hazmat endorsements will be required to resubmit fingerprints for additional background checks every four years. Oregon´s DMV will provide advance notice to drivers that the background check must be completed within six months. If the security clearance is not received within six months of the notice, all CDL driving privileges will be canceled. The driver can avoid cancellation of all CDL privileges if he or she appears at a DMV field office and voluntarily surrenders the Hazmat endorsement before the cancellation date. Questions? Contact the Hazmat TSA Screening Center at 877-429-7746, the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673, or Oregon DMV Customer Service at 503-945-5400. Also, visit the DMV Web site for more about hazardous materials endorsements. |
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