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Last updated on Friday, January 6, 2017
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced new seasonal options available for the Restricted Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which will provide greater flexibility for producers and agricultural retailers. The new policy will take effect on Feb. 1, 2017.
"During the planting and harvest seasons, those in agriculture have enough to worry about without making it tougher for them to get the proper CDL," said BMV Commissioner Kent Abernathy. "This new policy gives them more flexibility."
Prior to this policy change, those in agricultural transport were only able to haul seasonal loads during predesignated periods of time. During planting season in particular, this put some producers and agricultural retailers at a disadvantage who, regardless of climate or their specific operations, were unable to haul loads before April 2.
Under this new policy, drivers will be able to custom tailor their Restricted Class B CDL license to their own needs and will no longer be restricted to predesignated periods of time.
"Many unknown variables affect planting and harvest seasons, and producers and agribusinesses know best what works for them," said Ted McKinney, ISDA Director. "By providing greater flexibility, this is a major victory for Indiana's agricultural community. I commend BMV on their work and for being such a great partner on this issue."
The Restricted Class B CDL still has to be renewed every four years, and the seasonal periods can be changed at time of renewal. Such a license allows operation of Class B and Class C vehicles only. Holders may not carry hazardous material loads that require a placard except for;
Liquid fertilizers in vehicles or implements of animal husbandry with total capacities of 3,000 gallons or less
Solid fertilizers that are not transported with any organic substance
Visit www.myBMV.com for more information on the new Restricted Class B CDL.
ABOUT ISDA
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established as a separate state agency by the Legislature in 2005. The Director is appointed by the Governor and is a member of the Governor's Cabinet. Administratively, ISDA reports to Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb, who also serves as Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.
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