What does 49 CFR 383.1 (Purpose and scope) require?

Short answer

The purpose of 49 CFR 383.1 is to reduce or prevent truck and bus accidents by requiring drivers to have a single commercial motor vehicle driver's license and disqualifying drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles in an unsafe manner. This part establishes various requirements, including testing and licensing requirements for commercial motor vehicle operators, and sets forth commercial motor vehicle groups and endorsements.

The rule says

"The purpose of this part is to help reduce or prevent truck and bus accidents, fatalities, and injuries by requiring drivers to have a single commercial motor vehicle driver's license and by disqualifying drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles in an unsafe manner." (49 CFR 383.1(a))

"This part: (1) Prohibits a commercial motor vehicle driver from having more than one commercial motor vehicle driver's license; (2) Requires a driver to notify the driver's current employer and the driver's State of domicile of certain convictions; (3) Requires that a driver provide previous employment information when applying for employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle" (49 CFR 383.1(b))

In plain English

This regulation aims to improve road safety by ensuring that commercial drivers are properly licensed and qualified to operate their vehicles. It also establishes a system for disqualifying drivers who have committed certain offenses or have a history of unsafe driving. The rule requires drivers to notify their employers and state of domicile of certain convictions, and to provide previous employment information when applying for a new job. This helps to prevent drivers with a history of unsafe driving from being hired by other companies.

What to do

• Ensure that all commercial drivers have a single, valid commercial motor vehicle driver's license.
• Verify that drivers notify their current employer and state of domicile of certain convictions.
• Require drivers to provide previous employment information when applying for employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle.
• Establish a system for disqualifying drivers who have committed certain offenses or have a history of unsafe driving.