Stay Informed

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Indiana State Department of Agriculture have announced new seasonal options available for the Restricted Class B Commercial Driver’s License that will provide greater flexibility for producers and agricultural retailers. The new policy will take effect on Feb. 1.

The new policy is intended to give farmers more flexibility during planting and harvest, the BMV said.

Prior to this policy change, those in agricultural transport could only haul seasonal loads during predesignated periods of time (for example, April 2 through June 30). During planting season in particular, this put some producers and agricultural retailers at a disadvantage because regardless of climate or their specific operations, they were unable to haul loads before April 2.

Under this new policy, drivers will be able to custom tailor their Restricted Class B CDL license to their own needs and will no longer be restricted to predesignated periods of time.

“Many unknown variables affect planting and harvest seasons, and producers and agribusinesses know best what works for them,” said Ted McKinney, ISDA director. “By providing greater flexibility, this is a major victory for Indiana’s agricultural community. I commend BMV on their work and for being such a great partner on this issue.”

The Restricted Class B CDL still has to be renewed every four years, and the seasonal periods can be changed at time of renewal. Such a license allows operation of Class B and Class C vehicles only. Holders may not carry hazardous material loads that require a placard except for:

• Diesel fuel in quantities of 1,000 gallons or less.
• Liquid fertilizers in vehicles or implements of animal husbandry with total capacities of 3,000 gallons or less.
• Solid fertilizers that are not transported with any organic substance.