Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act

This bill tells the U.S. Department of Transportation to make it easier for seasonal farm workers and farm service businesses to get and renew special, limited commercial driver’s licenses. It asks the agency to let states set up online sign-up and renewal so people can quickly renew these seasonal licenses if they meet all the other rules. It also makes clear that farm-only machines and equipment—like tractors and other “implements of husbandry”—are not treated as commercial trucks and don’t count toward truck weight limits used for licensing rules. The bill defines “implements of husbandry” as vehicles or equipment built or adapted only for farm work.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Seasonal farm workers and farm-related service businesses; state motor vehicle agencies; U.S. DOT.
• What changes: States can offer online registration and renewal for seasonal restricted CDLs; farm-only equipment won’t be treated as commercial motor vehicles for license weight calculations .
• When: The new federal rules must be issued within one year after the law takes effect.