This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Act.

The purpose of this subtitle is to implement the federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (Title XII of Public Law 99-570) and reduce or prevent heavy and commercial motor vehicle accidents, fatalities, and injuries by: Disqualifying drivers for certain criminal offenses and serious traffic violations; and Strengthening licensing and testing standards. This subtitle is a remedial law and shall be liberally construed to promote the public health, safety, and welfare. To the extent that this subtitle conflicts with other subtitles of this title, this subtitle prevails. Where this subtitle is silent, the provisions of the Maryland Vehicle Law apply.

In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Commerce” means: Trade, traffic, and transportation within the jurisdiction of the United States between a place in a state and a place outside of the state, including a place outside the United States; and Trade, traffic, and transportation in the United States which affects any trade, traffic, and transportation within the jurisdiction of the United States between a place in a state and a place outside of the state, including a place outside the United States. “Commercial motor vehicle (CMV)” means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used to transport passengers or property, if the motor vehicle: Has a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds inclusive of a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds; Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds; Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or Is of any size and is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which requires the motor vehicle to be placarded under hazardous materials regulations (49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F). “Commercial motor vehicle (CMV)” does not include a vehicle that is: Controlled and operated by a farmer; Used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from a farm; Not used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier; and Used within 150 miles of the person’s farm; An emergency vehicle: Equipped with audible and visual signals; and Operated by a member of or a person in the employ of a volunteer or paid fire or rescue organization; A vehicle owned or operated by the United States Department of Defense if it is controlled and operated by: Any active duty military personnel; Any member of the military reserves or National Guard on active duty, including personnel on full–time National Guard duty and personnel on part–time training; or Any National Guard military technician; or A motor vehicle designed and constructed primarily to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use. “Conviction” means a final unvacated adjudication of guilt, or a determination that an individual has violated or failed to comply with the law in a court of original jurisdiction or by an authorized administrative tribunal, 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 cost, a probation before judgment finding, or violation of a condition of release without bail, regardless of whether or not the penalty is rebated, suspended, or probated. “Employer” means any individual, including the United States, a state, or a political subdivision of a state, who owns or leases a commercial motor vehicle or assigns drivers to operate such a vehicle. An individual who employs himself as a commercial motor vehicle driver is considered to be both an employer and a driver for the purposes of this subtitle. “Endorsement” means an authorization to an individual’s commercial driver’s license required to permit the individual to operate certain types of commercial motor vehicles. “Gross combination weight rating (GCWR)” means: The value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination or articulated vehicle; or In the absence of a value specified by the manufacturer, GCWR shall be determined by adding the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the power unit and the total weight of the towed unit and its load. “Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)” means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle. “Hazardous materials” means any material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. § 5103 and is required to be placarded under Subpart F of 49 C.F.R. Part 172 or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 C.F.R. Part 73. “Serious traffic violation” means: Excessive speeding, as defined by the United States Secretary of Transportation by regulation; Reckless driving; A violation of any state or local law relating to operating a motor vehicle, other than a parking violation, arising in connection with an accident or collision resulting in death to any individual; Driving a commercial motor vehicle without obtaining a commercial instructional permit or a commercial driver’s license; Driving a commercial motor vehicle without a commercial instructional permit or a commercial driver’s license in the driver’s possession; Driving a commercial motor vehicle without the proper class of commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license; Driving a commercial motor vehicle without the proper endorsements for the commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license; or Any other violation of a state or local law which the United States Secretary of Transportation determines by regulation to be serious. “Serious traffic violation” does not include vehicle weight and vehicle defect violations. “Tank vehicle” means any commercial motor vehicle that is designed to transport any liquid or gaseous material within a tank that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis. Tank vehicles include cargo tanks and portable tanks. Tank vehicle does not include portable tanks having a rated capacity under 1,000 gallons. “United States” means the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

An individual who drives a commercial motor vehicle may not have more than 1 driver’s license.

Any driver of a commercial motor vehicle holding a driver’s license issued by this State, who is convicted of violating any federal law, State law, or local ordinance relating to operating a motor vehicle in any other state, other than parking violations, shall notify the Administration in the manner specified by the Administration within 30 days of the date of conviction. Any driver of a commercial motor vehicle holding a commercial driver’s license issued by this State, who is convicted of violating any federal law, State law, or local ordinance relating to operating a motor vehicle in this or any other state, other than parking violations, shall notify the driver’s employer in writing of the conviction within 30 days of the date of conviction. Any driver of a commercial motor vehicle whose driver’s license is suspended, revoked, or canceled by any state, or who is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for any period, shall notify the driver’s employer of the suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification before the end of the business day following the day that the driver received notice of that fact. Any individual who applies for employment as a driver of a commercial motor vehicle shall provide the employer, at the time of the application, with the following information for the 10 years preceding the date of application: A list of the names and addresses of the applicant’s previous employers for which the applicant was a driver of a commercial motor vehicle; The dates the applicant was employed by each employer; and The reason for leaving that employment. An applicant for employment as a driver of a commercial motor vehicle shall certify that all information furnished on the application is true and complete. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, an employer may require an applicant to provide information in addition to that required by subsection (c) of this section.

Each employer shall require the information specified in § 16–805(c) of this subtitle to be provided by the applicant. An employer may not knowingly allow, require, permit, or authorize a driver to drive a commercial motor vehicle in the United States: During any period in which the driver has a driver’s license suspended, revoked, or canceled by a state or has lost the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle in a state; During any period in which the driver has been disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle; During any period in which the driver has more than 1 driver’s license; During any period in which the driver, the motor vehicle he or she is driving, or the motor carrier operation, is subject to an out–of–service order; or In violation of any of the provisions of §§ 21–701 through 21–704 of this article pertaining to railroad crossings or any other federal, state, or local law or regulation substantially similar to a provision of §§ 21–701 through 21–704 of this article, pertaining to railroad grade crossings. This subsection applies only to an employer that: Is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; Operates a physical place of business in the State; and Employs more than one driver in the State. On a bona fide offer of employment, an employer shall provide a prospective employee driver with its U.S. Department Of Transportation number and the website address for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Safety and Fitness Records (SAFER) System. An employer that is convicted of violating subsection (b)(4) or (5) of this section is subject to the civil penalties specified in regulation by the United States Secretary of Transportation.

Except when driving under a commercial driver’s instructional permit and accompanied by the holder of a driver’s license valid for the class of vehicle being driven, an individual may not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless the individual: Has been issued a commercial driver’s license that: Is valid for the class of vehicle being operated; and Has the proper endorsements for the specific vehicle or vehicle combination being operated or for the passengers or type of cargo being transported; and Is in immediate possession of a driver’s license valid for the class of vehicle being driven. It shall be a valid defense to a charge of violating paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection for the driver to provide a certified record either from the Administration or from the licensing authority of the driver’s home state showing that the driver held a valid commercial driver’s license on the date of the violation. Except as provided in § 16–807.1 of this subtitle, an individual may not be issued a commercial driver’s license until the individual has passed the knowledge and skill tests for driving a commercial motor vehicle which complies with the minimum federal standards established by the federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (Title XII of Public Law 99–570), and has satisfied all other requirements of that act as well as any other requirements of this title. The tests shall be prescribed and conducted at the direction of the Administration. The Administration shall adopt regulations to waive the skill test required under paragraph (1) of this subsection in a manner consistent with 49 C.F.R. § 383.77. A commercial driver’s license may be issued only to: An individual who drives or will drive a commercial motor vehicle and who is a resident of this State; and Those nonresidents who may qualify under § 16–817 of this subtitle. A commercial driver’s license may not be issued to an individual: While the individual is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle; While the individual’s driver’s license is suspended, revoked, or canceled in this State or any other state; or While the individual holds a commercial driver’s license or driver’s license issued by any other jurisdiction, unless the individual surrenders that license for return to the issuing jurisdiction for cancellation. A commercial driver’s instructional permit may be issued for the class of commercial driver’s license applied for only to an individual who has passed the appropriate knowledge and vision screening tests. The holder of a commercial driver’s instructional permit may drive a commercial motor vehicle on a highway only when the individual is accompanied by and under the immediate supervision of the holder of a driver’s license valid for the type of vehicle driven, if the accompanying driver: Is at least 21 years old; and Has been licensed for at least 3 years in this State or in another state to drive vehicles of the class then being driven. Except as provided in § 16–101 of this title, a person convicted of a violation of subsection (a) of this section is subject to: For a first offense, imprisonment not exceeding 2 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both; For a second offense, imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and For a third or subsequent offense, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $2,000 or both.

The Administration shall establish a program to assist veterans and members of the military who are transitioning out of military service to obtain a commercial driver’s license. As part of the program, the Administration shall: Waive the skills test required under § 16–807(b) of this subtitle for program participants who meet eligibility criteria established by the Administration, consistent with federal law; and Coordinate and consult with military bases throughout the State, community colleges that offer commercial driver’s license training courses, the Maryland Motor Truck Association, Inc., and any other party that the Administration determines is appropriate to explore the feasibility of providing a commercial driver’s license training course on military bases in the State. The Administration may adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this section.

A commercial driver’s license training school shall include as part of its curriculum education and training on the recognition, prevention, and effective reporting of human trafficking. The Administration shall: Include as part of its Commercial Driver’s License Manual content on the recognition, prevention, and effective reporting of human trafficking; and Provide to an applicant renewing a commercial driver’s license information from the Manual on the recognition, prevention, and effective reporting of human trafficking.

A person may not drive a commercial motor vehicle on any highway or any property specified in § 21–101.1 of this article: Unless authorized to do so under this title; While the person’s driver’s license or privilege to drive is refused in this State or any other state; While the person’s driver’s license or privilege to drive is canceled in this State; While the person’s driver’s license or privilege to drive is canceled by any other state; While the person’s driver’s license or privilege to drive is suspended in this State; While the person’s driver’s license or privilege to drive is suspended by any other state; While the person’s driver’s license or privilege to drive is revoked in this State; While the person’s driver’s license or privilege to drive is revoked by any other state; or While the person is: Disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle in this State or any other state; or Disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle by the United States Department of Transportation. While a person is subject to a driver or vehicle out–of–service order, as defined in § 16–812(i)(1)(ii) of this subtitle, the person may not drive a commercial motor vehicle on any highway or any property specified in § 21–101.1 of this article: While transporting nonhazardous materials; While transporting hazardous materials required to be placarded; or While operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. If a person has been issued a valid commercial driver’s license, the person may not drive a commercial motor vehicle on any highway or any property specified in § 21–101.1 of this article without the valid commercial driver’s license in the person’s possession. A person convicted of a violation of subsection (a) of this section is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both. A person convicted of a violation of subsection (c) of this section is subject to: For a first offense, imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; For a second offense, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $2,000 or both; and For a third or subsequent offense, imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $3,000 or both.

A person may drive a commercial motor vehicle if: The person holds a valid commercial driver’s license issued by any: State in accordance with the minimum federal standards for the issuance of a commercial driver’s license; or Foreign jurisdiction that the United States Department of Transportation has determined issues commercial drivers’ licenses in accordance with the minimum federal standards; The person’s driver’s license is not refused, suspended, revoked, or canceled; The person is not disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle in any state; The person is not disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle by the United States Department of Transportation; The person is not subject to an out-of-service order as defined in § 16-812(i)(1)(ii) of this subtitle; The person has the commercial driver’s license in the person’s possession; and The person’s commercial driver’s license is valid for the type of vehicle being driven, as determined by regulation established by the United States Department of Transportation.

Each application for a commercial driver’s license or commercial driver’s instructional permit shall be made on the form the Administration requires. In addition to the information specified by § 16-106 of this title, each application shall contain: The applicant’s Social Security number; A consent to release a complete driving record to any employer or prospective employer; Certifications and information required by federal regulation; and Any other pertinent information that the Administration requires. Under penalty of perjury, the applicant shall sign the application and certify that the statements made are true and correct to the best of his knowledge, information, and belief. When a licensee changes the licensee’s name, mailing address, or residence, an application for a corrected license shall be submitted to the Administration within 30 days. Within 30 days after establishing a residence in this State, the holder of a commercial driver’s license shall apply for a commercial driver’s license in this State.

An applicant is entitled to receive the commercial driver’s license applied for if the applicant: Passes the examination required by this subtitle; Is eligible to drive pursuant to the Commercial Driver’s License Information System and the National Driver Register; Surrenders any previously issued commercial driver’s instructional permit or license; and Pays the fees prescribed by this subtitle. Each commercial driver’s license issued by the Administration shall be identified clearly as to its specific class. A Class M license may be issued in combination with any other class of license. The Administration shall assign an identifying number to each license it issues. Each commercial driver’s license issued by the Administration shall: Be marked “commercial driver’s license” or “CDL”; and Include the following information: The licensee’s: Full name and current mailing address; Physical description including sex, height, and weight; Color photograph or photo-image; The date of issuance; The date of expiration; and Any other information required by the Code of Federal Regulations or the Administration. Before issuing a commercial driver’s license, the Administration shall obtain driving record information from the National Driver Register and any state in which the individual has been licensed. Within 10 days after issuing a commercial driver’s license, the Administration shall notify the Commercial Driver’s License Information System of that fact, providing all information required to ensure the identification of the licensee.

The Administration shall disqualify any individual from driving a commercial motor vehicle for a period of 1 year if: The individual is convicted of committing any of the following offenses while driving a commercial motor vehicle: A violation of § 21–902 of this article; A violation of a federal law or any other state’s law which is substantially similar in nature to the provisions in § 21–902 of this article; Leaving the scene of an accident which requires disqualification as provided by the United States Secretary of Transportation; A crime, other than a crime described in subsection (e) of this section, that is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year; A violation of § 25–112 of this article; or A violation of § 2–209, § 2–503, § 2–504, § 2–505, or § 2–506 of the Criminal Law Article; The individual holds a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license and is convicted of committing any of the following offenses while driving a noncommercial motor vehicle: A violation of § 21–902(a), (c), or (d) of this article; A violation of a federal law or any other state’s law which is substantially similar in nature to the provisions in § 21–902(a), (c), or (d) of this article; Leaving the scene of an accident which requires disqualification as provided by the United States Secretary of Transportation; or A crime, other than a crime described in subsection (e) of this section, that is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year; The individual, while driving a commercial motor vehicle or while holding a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license, refuses to undergo testing as provided in § 16–205.1 of this title or as is required by any other state’s law or by federal law in the enforcement of 49 C.F.R. § 383.51 Table 1, or 49 C.F.R. § 392.5(a)(2); The individual drives or attempts to drive a commercial motor vehicle while the alcohol concentration of the person’s blood or breath is 0.04 or greater; The individual, while holding a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license, drives or attempts to drive any motor vehicle while the alcohol concentration of the person’s blood or breath is 0.08 or greater; or The individual drives a commercial motor vehicle when, as a result of prior violations committed while driving a commercial motor vehicle, the driver’s commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license is revoked, suspended, or canceled or the driver is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle. If any of the offenses in subsection (a) of this section occurred while transporting a hazardous material required to be placarded, the Administration shall disqualify the individual for a period of 3 years. The Administration shall disqualify any person from driving a commercial motor vehicle for life for 2 or more violations of any of the offenses specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this section, or any combination of those offenses, arising from 2 or more separate incidents. The Administration shall adopt regulations establishing guidelines, including conditions, under which a disqualification for life may be reduced to a period of time which may be permitted by federal regulations. The Administration shall disqualify any person from driving a commercial motor vehicle for life who is convicted of using a motor vehicle in the commission of any felony involving the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled dangerous substance, or possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled dangerous substance. The Administration shall disqualify any person from driving a commercial motor vehicle for a period of 60 days if convicted under the laws of this State or any other state of 2 serious traffic violations arising from separate incidents occurring within a 3–year period committed: While operating a commercial motor vehicle; or While holding a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license and operating a noncommercial vehicle, and the conviction would result in suspension, revocation, or cancellation of the driver’s license. The Administration shall disqualify any person from driving a commercial motor vehicle for a period of 120 days if convicted under the laws of this State or any other state of 3 serious traffic violations arising from separate incidents occurring within a 3–year period committed: While operating a commercial motor vehicle; or While holding a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license and operating a noncommercial motor vehicle, and the conviction would result in suspension, revocation, or cancellation of the driver’s license. The Administration may disqualify a person from driving a commercial motor vehicle for a controlled dangerous substance offense in the manner provided under Article 41, Title 1, Subtitle 5 of the Code. In this subsection the following terms have the meanings indicated: “Commercial motor vehicle” means: A “commercial motor vehicle” as defined in § 16–803 of this subtitle; and Except as provided in § 16–803(c)(2) of this subtitle, any self–propelled or towed vehicle used on a public highway to transport passengers or property, if the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds. “Out–of–service order” means a declaration by an authorized enforcement officer of a federal, State, Canadian, Mexican or local jurisdiction that a driver, a commercial motor vehicle, or a motor carrier operation, is put out of service pursuant to Title 49, §§ 386.72, 392.5, 392.9A, 395.13, and 396.9 of the Code of Federal Regulations, compatible laws, or the North American Uniform Out–of–Service Criteria. A driver who is convicted of violating an out–of–service order while driving a commercial motor vehicle is: Disqualified for the period of time specified in regulation by the United States Secretary of Transportation; and Subject to the civil penalties specified in regulation by the United States Secretary of Transportation. A driver who is convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of §§ 21–701 through 21–704 of this article pertaining to railroad grade crossings or any other federal, state, or local law or regulation pertaining to railroad grade crossings that is substantially similar to §§ 21–701 through 21–704 of this article, while operating a commercial motor vehicle, is disqualified for the period of time specified in regulation by the United States Secretary of Transportation. The Administration shall cancel a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license if the applicant provides information that is incomplete or incorrect. If the Administration determines, in its check of an applicant’s license status and record prior to issuing a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license, or at any time after the commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license has been issued, that the applicant has falsified any information or certification submitted in connection with an application for a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license, the Administration shall suspend, cancel, or revoke the commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license or pending application, or disqualify the person from operating a commercial motor vehicle, for a period of not less than 60 days. The Administration shall cancel the commercial driver’s license of any individual who fails to submit to the Administration a current certificate of physical examination, as required under 49 C.F.R. § 391.43 and § 391.45. After suspending, revoking, or canceling a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license, or after disqualifying a person who holds a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license from operating a commercial motor vehicle, the Administration shall update its records to reflect that action within 10 days. After suspending, revoking, or canceling a nonresident commercial driver’s privilege, or after disqualifying a nonresident driver from operating a commercial motor vehicle, the Administration shall notify the licensing authority of the state which issued the commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license within 10 days. An individual who is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle under this section shall surrender the individual’s driver’s license to the Administration. The Administration may issue a noncommercial driver’s license of an appropriate class to an individual who is disqualified or whose commercial driver’s license is canceled under this section if: The individual surrenders the commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license; and The individual’s driving privilege is not otherwise refused, suspended, revoked, or canceled in this State or any other state. The Administration may immediately reinstate an individual’s noncommercial driving privilege and, subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, issue a noncommercial driver’s license of an appropriate class to an individual whose commercial driver’s license is canceled under subsection (k)(3) of this section if: The cancellation results solely from the failure to submit a certificate of physical examination; The individual’s driving privilege is not expired; and The individual’s driving privilege is not otherwise refused, suspended, revoked, or canceled in this State or any other state. The Administration may not issue a noncommercial driver’s license under this paragraph unless the individual surrenders the commercial driver’s license. On termination of a disqualification period of less than 1 year, an individual may apply for restoration of the individual’s commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license. The Administration shall reissue a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license under this paragraph when the applicant pays any required fees. On termination of a disqualification period of at least 1 year, an individual may apply for a new commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license. The Administration shall issue a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license to the applicant when the applicant: Passes the skills and knowledge tests required by this subtitle; Is eligible to drive pursuant to the Commercial Driver’s License Information System, and National Driver’s Register; Surrenders any previously issued driver’s instructional permit or license; and Pays the fees required by § 16–818(a)(1) of this subtitle. If an individual is disqualified based on multiple offenses committed at the same time, or arising out of circumstances simultaneous in time and place, or arising out of the same incident, the Administration: Shall disqualify the individual from driving a commercial motor vehicle for the offense which results in the lengthiest period of disqualification; and May not impose any additional periods of disqualification for the remainder of the offenses. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an offense described in this section or § 16–205.1 of this title committed by an individual in a noncommercial motor vehicle may not be considered an offense for the purposes of disqualification if the offense occurred before: September 30, 2005; or The initial issuance to the individual of a commercial instructional permit by any state.

An individual may not drive, operate, or be in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle while the individual has any alcohol concentration in the individual’s blood or breath. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection and for the purpose of disqualifying an individual’s commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license for a violation of § 16–812(a) of this subtitle, an individual may not drive, operate, or be in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle while the individual has an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater in the individual’s blood or breath. A person who drives, operates, or is in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle while having alcohol in the person’s system or who, subject to § 16–205.1 of this title, refuses to take a chemical test to determine the alcohol concentration, shall be placed out of service for the 24–hour period immediately following the time the police officer or employer detects alcohol in the driver’s blood or breath.

A person may not knowingly or fraudulently obtain a commercial driver’s license by misrepresentation. A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.

Within 10 days of the conviction, the Administration shall notify the driver licensing authority in the licensing state of the conviction of: Any nonresident holder of a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license for the violation of any State law or local ordinance relating to operating a motor vehicle, other than parking violations; Any nonresident holder of a noncommercial driver’s license for the violation of any State law or local ordinance relating to operating a motor vehicle, other than parking violations, committed in a commercial motor vehicle; or Any nonresident who does not hold any type of license to drive, or whose license to drive is suspended, revoked, or canceled, for the violation of any State law or local ordinance relating to operating a commercial motor vehicle, other than parking violations.

A Class A commercial driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive the following motor vehicles and combinations of motor vehicles: Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds if the GVWR of the vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds; and Any vehicle or combination of vehicles that a Class B commercial driver’s license authorizes its holder to drive. An individual who is issued a Class A commercial driver’s license under this subsection may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on any highway in this State unless a Class A commercial driver’s license or an appropriately endorsed Class A commercial driver’s license authorizes the individual to drive a vehicle of the class that the individual is driving or attempting to drive. A Class B commercial driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive the following motor vehicles and combinations of motor vehicles: Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds; Any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR; and Any vehicle that a Class C commercial driver’s license authorizes its holder to drive. An individual who is issued a Class B commercial driver’s license under this subsection may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on any highway in this State unless a Class B commercial driver’s license or an appropriately endorsed Class B commercial driver’s license authorizes the individual to drive a vehicle of the class that the individual is driving or attempting to drive. A Class C commercial driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive the following motor vehicles and combinations of motor vehicles: Any single vehicle less than 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR); Any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR; and Any vehicle which a noncommercial Class C driver’s license authorizes its holder to drive, except for motorcycles. An individual who is issued a Class C commercial driver’s license under this subsection may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on any highway in this State unless a Class C commercial driver’s license or an appropriately endorsed Class C commercial driver’s license authorizes the individual to drive a vehicle of the class that the individual is driving or attempting to drive. A commercial driver’s instructional permit authorizes the holder to operate commercial motor vehicles of Class A, B, and C subject to the conditions of Subtitle 1 of this title. An instructional permit is not a license within the meaning of the single license restriction placed upon drivers of commercial motor vehicles. In addition to the requirements contained in subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section, an operator must obtain State–issued endorsements of an operator’s commercial driver’s license to operate commercial motor vehicles which are: Double/triple trailers; Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver (passenger vehicles); School buses; or Tank vehicles. A school bus endorsement authorized under this subsection is also an endorsement for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver (passenger vehicles). In addition to the requirements contained in subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section, an operator must obtain a State–issued endorsement of an operator’s commercial driver’s license to operate a commercial motor vehicle that is required to be placarded for hazardous materials. Before an operator can obtain a State–issued endorsement under this subsection, the operator shall apply to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository for a national and State criminal history records check. The Administration may not issue a hazardous materials endorsement of a commercial driver’s license without the approval of the Transportation Security Administration of the federal Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Director of the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository, in consultation with the Administration, may adopt regulations to carry out this section. In this subsection, “Central Repository” means the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. An operator requesting a State–issued endorsement under subsection (f) of this section shall apply to the Central Repository for a national and a State criminal history records check. As part of the application for a criminal history records check, the operator shall submit to the Central Repository: Two complete sets of the operator’s legible fingerprints taken in a format approved by the Director of the Central Repository and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; The fee authorized under § 10–221(b)(7) of the Criminal Procedure Article for access to Maryland criminal history records; and The mandatory processing fee required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check. The Central Repository shall provide a receipt to the operator for the fees paid under paragraph (3)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection. The operator’s employer may pay the fees or reimburse the operator for the fees required under paragraph (3)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection. In accordance with §§ 10–201 through 10–234 of the Criminal Procedure Article, the Central Repository shall forward to the operator and the Transportation Security Administration of the federal Department of Homeland Security, a printed statement of the operator’s criminal history record information. If criminal history record information is reported to the Central Repository after the date of the criminal history records check, the Central Repository shall provide to the Transportation Security Administration of the federal Department of Homeland Security and the operator a revised printed statement of the operator’s criminal history record information. In accordance with regulations adopted by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Administration shall verify periodically a list of operators of commercial motor vehicles that are required to be placarded for hazardous materials. Information obtained from the Central Repository under this section shall be: Confidential and may not be disseminated; and Used only for the purpose authorized by this section. The subject of a criminal history records check under this subsection may contest the contents of the printed statement issued by the Central Repository as provided in § 10–223 of the Criminal Procedure Article. Except as provided in § 16–101 of this title, a person convicted of a violation of subsection (e) of this section is subject to: For a first offense, imprisonment not exceeding 2 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both; For a second offense, imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and For a third or subsequent offense, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $2,000 or both.

An individual may not drive a school vehicle on any highway in this State unless the individual: Passes an appropriate medical examination; and For driving a school bus, has been issued a commercial driver’s license endorsed school bus. Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, a driver of a school vehicle may not allow an individual who is not a student or school employee to board or ride on the school vehicle. An individual may board and ride on a school vehicle as a school vehicle attendant if the individual: Is an employee of the local school system or transportation company that operates the school vehicle; Is otherwise authorized by the local school system to act as a school vehicle attendant for a child on the school vehicle; or Is a nurse, an aide, or any other individual assigned or authorized to work with a student in accordance with the student’s individualized education program, 504 Plan under the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or other student–specific written plan; and Is in possession of photo identification that identifies the local school system or transportation company that employs the individual as a school vehicle attendant; or Is in possession of photo identification or another document issued by the local school system that authorizes the individual to act as a school vehicle attendant for a child on the school vehicle. An individual may board and ride on a school vehicle with the written permission of the local school system. With the advice of the State Department of Education, the Administration may adopt regulations concerning the qualifications of school vehicle drivers.

Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the Administration may not issue a commercial driver’s license or a commercial driver’s instructional permit to any individual: Who is not a resident of Maryland; and Who is not at least 21 years of age. The Administration may issue a Class A, B, or C commercial driver’s license or a commercial driver’s instructional permit to an individual under the age of 21, if the individual is at least 18 years of age. The license: May not include a hazardous materials endorsement; May not be valid for commercial interstate operation except as permitted by 49 C.F.R. Parts 390 to 399; and Shall be valid for commercial intrastate and all noncommercial operation. Consistent with the Code of Federal Regulations, the Administration may issue a commercial driver’s license to an applicant domiciled in a foreign country.

An applicant for a commercial driver's license shall pay the Administration the following fees established by the Administration: Upon application for a new commercial driver's license or a commercial driver's license of a class other than that which the applicant holds: The base license fee if a commercial driver's instructional permit is required or an amount established by the Administration if an instructional permit is not required; A commercial driver's license fee; and The applicable fees listed in subsection (b) of this section; For the renewal of any class of commercial driver's license: A renewal fee; A commercial driver's license fee; and The applicable fees listed in subsection (b) of this section; For the conversion of a Maryland Class A, B, C, or D driver's license to a commercial driver's license: A renewal fee; A commercial driver's license fee; and The applicable fees listed in subsection (b) of this section; and For issuance of a duplicate or corrected commercial driver's license, a duplicate or corrected driver's license fee. In addition to the fees required by subsection (a) of this section, the applicant shall pay the Administration a fee established by the Administration for a required skills test or for a skills retest. Fees collected under this section: Shall be deposited in the Transportation Trust Fund; and Are not subject to the provisions of Title 8, Subtitle 4 of this article on the disposition of highway user revenues.

The Administration shall retain a record of: Each commercial driver’s license application that it receives; and Each commercial driver’s license that it issues. The Administration shall retain as part of the driving record: Each conviction for any offense related to the use or operation of a motor vehicle which is prohibited by State law, municipal ordinance, or administrative rule or regulation, or reported by another state’s driver licensing authority; and Each administrative action taken by the Administration or reported by another state’s driver licensing authority. The Administration shall retain the driving records of individuals who have been issued commercial driver’s licenses for at least the period of time required by the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) established by the Secretary, United States Department of Transportation.

The Administration may adopt and enforce regulations not inconsistent with the Maryland Vehicle Law, the federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act, and the Code of Federal Regulations in order to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.