This act streamlines the renewal process for seasonal agricultural restricted commercial driver's licenses and clarifies that implements of husbandry are not considered commercial motor vehicles under CDL regulations.
Jerry Moran
Senator
KS
The Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act aims to streamline the process for agricultural workers to obtain and maintain restricted commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). This legislation mandates that the Secretary of Transportation update federal regulations to allow states to offer online renewal systems for these seasonal licenses. Furthermore, the Act clarifies that implements of husbandry are not classified as commercial motor vehicles under CDL requirements.
New Farm CDL Act Mandates Online Renewal and Clarifies Rules for Big Equipment Within One Year
The Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act is a straight-up administrative cleanup bill designed to make life easier for folks working in farm-related service industries who need a restricted commercial driver’s license (CDL). The bill kicks off two specific changes the Secretary of Transportation must implement within one year of the bill becoming effective, focusing on efficiency and clarity for agricultural workers.
The End of the Line-Up for License Renewal
If you’re an “eligible employee” who needs a seasonal restricted CDL—the kind that lets you drive certain commercial vehicles only during planting and harvest times—this bill is aimed squarely at saving you time. Section 2 mandates that the Secretary of Transportation must update federal regulations to allow states to create an online system for renewing these licenses. Right now, renewing a CDL often means a trip to the DMV, which can be a major headache and time sink, especially during peak agricultural seasons. This change means that if you meet all the requirements for renewal, you should soon be able to handle the paperwork from your kitchen table, cutting down on administrative drag.
Clearing Up Confusion Over Farm Machinery
The second major change deals with those massive pieces of equipment you see out in the fields. The bill specifically addresses “implements of husbandry,” which is the official term for equipment built or adapted exclusively for farm work, whether it drives itself or is towed. Section 2 requires the Secretary to explicitly confirm in the federal rules (specifically section 383.3(f) of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations) that these implements are not considered commercial motor vehicles under these CDL regulations. This is a big deal for clarity. It means that when you’re dealing with CDL requirements, you don’t have to worry about calculating the gross combination weight rating for equipment like large tractors or combines. This provision removes a potential regulatory gray area, ensuring that specialized farm equipment is clearly separated from standard commercial trucking when it comes to licensing rules. It’s about making sure farm workers can focus on the harvest, not on unnecessary paperwork or complex weight calculations.