On October 26, 1986, the United States Congress passed the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This law requires each State to meet the same minimum standards for commercial driver licensing. The standards require commercial motor vehicle drivers to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Kentucky adopts the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations regarding CDL laws. These minimum standards will guarantee the fitness of commercial motor vehicle operators by requiring demonstrated ability to drive heavy vehicles before a license is issued. CDL laws and standards cover drivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Mexico, and Canada. Motor Carriers may be held responsible if their drivers operate a commercial motor vehicle without a valid CDL.