What This FMCSA Violation Means
Federal regulations require commercial drivers to hold the correct endorsements on their Commercial Driver’s License before operating certain types of commercial motor vehicles. When a driver operates a CMV without the required endorsement, or with an improper endorsement, the driver violates federal CDL rules.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces these requirements under 49 CFR § 383.93. This regulation explains when endorsements are required, which endorsements exist, and what testing drivers must complete before a state issues those endorsements.
General Endorsement Rule Under § 383.93(a)
Federal law requires drivers to pass specialized tests in addition to standard CDL knowledge and skills tests. Drivers who operate or expect to operate certain types of commercial motor vehicles must obtain the correct endorsement before driving.
States may issue CDL endorsements only after a driver successfully completes the required tests. A driver who has not passed these tests does not qualify for the endorsement and must not operate the related vehicle type.
Endorsements Allowed on a Commercial Learner’s Permit
Federal rules limit which endorsements may appear on a Commercial Learner’s Permit. Only three endorsements are allowed on a CLP. These include the passenger endorsement, the school bus endorsement, and the tank vehicle endorsement.
Drivers may not hold hazardous materials or double or triple trailer endorsements on a CLP. Operating a vehicle that requires an endorsement not allowed on a CLP results in a violation.
State Coding Requirements for Endorsements
States must use standardized endorsement codes when issuing endorsements on a CLP or CDL. These codes appear in 49 CFR § 383.153 and ensure consistent enforcement across all jurisdictions.
Improper coding or missing endorsement codes can cause compliance issues during inspections and audits, even when a driver believes they are qualified.
Vehicles That Require CDL Endorsements
Federal regulations require endorsements for drivers operating specific vehicle types. A driver must obtain a state-issued endorsement before operating any of the following:
- Commercial motor vehicles pulling double or triple trailers.
- Passenger vehicles designed to transport passengers.
- Tank vehicles used to transport liquids or gases.
- Vehicles transporting hazardous materials as defined by federal law.
- School buses transporting students.
Operating any of these vehicles without the proper endorsement creates a direct violation of § 383.93.
Double or Triple Trailer Endorsement
Drivers must obtain a double or triple trailer endorsement before operating combination vehicles with more than one trailer. Federal rules require the driver to pass a specialized knowledge test for this endorsement.
A driver who pulls multiple trailers without passing the test and receiving the endorsement operates the vehicle unlawfully.
Passenger Endorsement
Drivers must obtain a passenger endorsement before operating a CMV designed to carry passengers. This endorsement requires both a knowledge test and a skills test.
The skills test confirms that the driver can safely load, unload, and transport passengers. Operating a passenger vehicle without this endorsement violates federal safety standards.
Tank Vehicle Endorsement
Drivers who operate tank vehicles must obtain a tank vehicle endorsement. Federal rules require drivers to pass a knowledge test that addresses liquid surge, vehicle handling, and safety risks unique to tank vehicles.
Operating a tank vehicle without this endorsement increases rollover risk and violates federal regulations.
Hazardous Materials Endorsement
Drivers must obtain a hazardous materials endorsement before transporting hazardous materials as defined in federal law. This endorsement requires passing a knowledge test that covers hazard recognition, placarding, and emergency response.
States may issue this endorsement only after the driver completes all required testing and screening. Operating a hazmat vehicle without this endorsement is a serious violation.
School Bus Endorsement
Drivers must obtain a school bus endorsement before operating a school bus. Federal rules require drivers to pass both a knowledge test and a skills test for this endorsement.
The skills test evaluates loading procedures, student safety, and vehicle control. Operating a school bus without this endorsement violates federal safety rules.
Endorsement Testing Requirements Under § 383.93(c)
Each endorsement type requires specific testing. Federal regulations define which endorsements require only knowledge testing and which require both knowledge and skills testing.
- Double or triple trailer endorsements require a knowledge test.
- Passenger endorsements require knowledge and skills tests.
- Tank vehicle endorsements require a knowledge test.
- Hazardous materials endorsements require a knowledge test.
- School bus endorsements require knowledge and skills tests.
Drivers must complete all required tests before states may issue endorsements.
Why Missing or Improper Endorsements Matter
Endorsements exist because certain vehicles and cargo types involve higher risk. Drivers without proper endorsements may lack training on passenger safety, hazardous materials handling, or vehicle dynamics.
FMCSA treats missing or improper endorsements as serious compliance issues. Inspectors may place drivers out of service, and motor carriers may face penalties for allowing unqualified operation.
How FMCSA Identifies This Violation
FMCSA officers review CDL information during roadside inspections and compliance reviews. Officers verify endorsement codes, vehicle type, and cargo type.
If the CDL does not show the required endorsement, FMCSA documents a violation under 49 CFR § 383.93.
49 CFR § 383.93 clearly requires drivers to obtain the correct endorsements before operating specific types of commercial motor vehicles. Missing or improper endorsements mean the driver has not met federal testing and qualification standards.
Understanding endorsement requirements helps drivers remain compliant and helps motor carriers prevent serious FMCSA violations.