Commercial Driver's License Resources

The CDL Resource Center is designed specifically for prosecutors handling cases involving commercial drivers and motor carriers. Here you’ll find practical tools, legal guidance, and up-to-date resources to support the fair and effective enforcement of CDL-related laws. By strengthening prosecution in this area, we help ensure accountability, protect victims, and promote safer roadways for every community.

Among the resources available below are NTLC’s CDL Monographs - comprehensive guides addressing critical issues such as masking, disqualifications, and federal motor carrier safety regulations. These monographs provide in-depth analysis, case law, and practical strategies for prosecutors navigating the unique complexities of CDL cases.

You’ll also find past issues of NTLC's Between the Lines Newsletter focused on CDL-related topics. These articles highlight case law updates, legislative changes, and best practices, keeping prosecutors informed of emerging trends and challenges in commercial driver enforcement.

 CDL Monographs

Commercial Driver's Licenses: A Prosecutor's Guide to the Basics of Commercial Motor Vehicle Licensing and Violations, Second Edition

The CDL Monograph: A Prosecutor’s Guide to the Basics of Commercial Motor Vehicle Licensing and Violations provides a comprehensive overview of federal and state regulations governing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). It covers licensing requirements, medical and drug testing standards, vehicle classifications, and enforcement procedures, emphasizing the importance of accurate conviction reporting and the prohibition of “masking” violations. The guide also outlines prosecutorial strategies for handling CMV-related crashes, including evidence collection, driver and carrier responsibilities, and legal considerations for disqualification and criminal charges.

CDL/CMV Disqualification Benchcard

The NJC CDL Disqualification Benchcard summarizes federal regulations under 49 CFR §383.51 regarding disqualifications for commercial drivers based on specific offenses. It outlines mandatory disqualification periods for violations such as DUI, drug offenses, reckless driving, and railroad crossing infractions, emphasizing that both CMV and non-CMV convictions can impact a CDL holder’s eligibility to operate a commercial vehicleCDL Quick Reference Guide

CDL Quick Reference Guide

The CDL Quick Reference Guide provides an overview of federal and state regulations governing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). It covers key topics such as licensing requirements, anti-masking rules, medical qualifications, drug and alcohol testing, impaired and distracted driving enforcement, hazardous materials transport, crash investigations, and criminal activity involving CMVs. The guide also includes links to training resources, legal references, and enforcement tools to assist law enforcement, prosecutors, and other stakeholders in ensuring roadway safety and regulatory compliance.

Distracted Driving CDL Enforcement for Prosecutors and Law Enforcement

The Distracted Driving CDL Enforcement for Prosecutors and Law Enforcement guide provides a comprehensive overview of how distracted driving impacts commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators and outlines strategies for enforcement and prosecution. It emphasizes the heightened risks posed by distracted CDL holders due to the size and weight of CMVs, and details investigative techniques, legal standards, and evidentiary considerations for both non-fatal and fatal crashes. The guide also highlights the importance of expert testimony, proper documentation, and victim communication to ensure accountability and justice in distracted driving cases involving commercial drivers.

Large Truck Crash Reconstruction for Prosecutors

The Large Truck Crash Reconstruction for Prosecutors guide provides a comprehensive overview of the unique dynamics and investigative considerations involved in commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes. It explains how CMV collisions differ from car crashes due to factors like vehicle weight, braking systems, driver visibility, and electronic data recording. The guide equips prosecutors with technical knowledge and reconstruction methodologies to assess driver culpability, interpret crash evidence, and understand federal regulations affecting commercial drivers.

Masking Quick Reference Guide

The Masking Quick Reference Guide explains the federal prohibition against "masking" convictions for commercial driver's license (CDL) holders, which includes deferring, diverting, or amending traffic violations to avoid proper reporting. It outlines specific examples of prosecutorial and judicial actions that constitute masking, emphasizing that all CDL-related convictions must be accurately reported to maintain safety and compliance with federal regulations. The guide serves as a resource for prosecutors and courts to ensure transparency and accountability in CDL violation handling.