Florida CDL Handbook 2015-2016 - Florida …

1 2005 CDL Testing Model 2005 CDL Testing Model (July (July 2007) 2009) CDL Driver CDL Driver s Manual s Manual COPYRIGHT AAMVA COPYRIGHT AAMVA All Rights Reserved All Rights Reserved Florida CDL Handbook 2015-2016 Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles A complete version of this Handbook is available via the internet at Access Governor s Homepage at Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles HSMV 71906 (Revised 06/08/16) 2015-2016 Commercial Driver s License Handbook Florida DHSMV Information Page ii Disclaimer The Florida Commercial Driver License Handbook contains many condensed and paraphrased points of Florida laws and provides safety advice not specifically addressed in the laws.

2 The Handbook is not a legal authority and is not intended for use in court. This Handbook will not reflect any changes made by the Florida Legislature after the last revision date (located on the cover of this Handbook ). Warning Florida law prohibits using a false name, making a false statement, concealing a material fact or otherwise using fraud in an application for a driver license or identification card . The penalty can be up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and suspension of any existing driving privilege for at least one year.

3 In addition to Florida law, federal regulations specify that any person who is convicted in connection with testing and issuance of a commercial driver license or commercial learner s permit will be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for a period of one year. It is also illegal to permit or authorize an unlicensed person to drive a motor vehicle. Doing so can result in a 60 day jail sentence and a $500 fine. If the vehicle is involved in a crash resulting in bodily injury or death of any person, the person who permitted the unlicensed person to drive shall have his/her license suspended for one year.

4 Public Records Florida law requires the DHSMV to collect certain personal information during the licensing process. This information, which identifies licensed individuals, is used for records management, driver improvement, financial responsibility, and law enforcement purposes. If you do not provide the required information, you will not receive a driver license or identification card . Florida s Public Records Law makes all records made or received by DHSMV in the course of its official business available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by law.

5 Your personal information, including name, address, and driver license number is exempt from public disclosure, but may be given to law enforcement agencies and other entities permitted by law to get the information. Your medical information, social security number, and emergency contact information are available only as specifically authorized by law. We strive to ensure the accuracy of the information we obtain during the licensing process. If you discover any incorrect information, please call us at (850) 617-2000 or mail your request with your complete name, date of birth, driver license number, information about the error, and any documentation to support your request to: Chief of the Bureau of Records, 2900 Apalachee Parkway MS 89, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0575.

6 Some information, such as reports of convictions we received from a court, can only be corrected if we received notification from the court that the report was in error. 2015-2016 Commercial Driver s License Handbook Florida DHSMV Information Page iii IMPORTANT LAW CHANGES , Florida Statutes: Adds civil traffic cases to the types of court cases for which service of process maybe made on a witness by US mail. , Florida Statutes: Customer e-mail addresses collected by the DHSMV while conducting driverlicense and motor vehicle record transactions are exempt from the state s public records laws.

7 , Florida Statutes: Requires drivers to stay in right lane unless passing. , , Florida Statutes: The breath levels for the Ignition Interlock Device was loweredfrom to , , Florida Statutes: Includes the prohibition of handheld communications device usagein the operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) and prescribes specific fines for such violations. Firstoffense is $ for driver and $2750 for company. An emergency exemption is also provided in event ofa declared emergency. , Florida Statutes: Allows attaching a forklift to the rear of the bed of a straight truck as long as theoverall combined length does not exceed 50 feet.

8 , Florida Statutes: Allows drivers to present proof of insurance in an electronic format. , Florida Statutes, 49 CFR : Prohibits commercial learner s permit (CLP) holders along withcommercial driver license holders (CDL) from electing a withhold adjudication from the Clerk of the Court,formally known as the Clerk s Option. , Florida Statutes: Increases the fine from $100 to $500 for a violation of unlawfully displayingvehicles for sale, hire, or rental. , , , Florida Statutes: Provides for DHSMV to accept military identification cards tomeet certain requirements for issuance of a driver license or identification card .

9 , Florida Statutes: Requires DHSMV, and their authorized agents, to provide each applicant for adriver license the option to register emergency contact information and the option to be contacted withinformation about state and federal benefits available as a result of military service. , Florida Statutes: Establishes when a private entity may swipe a driver license or identificationcard and how the information may be used. Also establishes a civil penalty. , Florida Statutes: Requires a one-year commercial motor vehicle disqualification for providingfalse information or for test fraud in connection with either a commercial driver license or commercial learnerpermit application.

10 This one-year disqualification period is required by federal rule 49 CFR (k)(1). , Florida Statutes, 49 CFR : Subjects CLP holders to the same traffic violation criteria that nowdisqualify CDL holders from operating CMVs, as required by the federal code. , Florida Statutes, 49 CFR : Clarifies that the administrative disqualification is considered a conviction for purposes of determining the length of the disqualification period under the federal Commercial Driver s License Handbook Florida DHSMV Information Page iv Message from the Director The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles touches the lives of nearly every Floridian and visitor to our great state.