                          SUBMITTED BY

                        KENNETH P. SOBEL
                      SAFETY ADMINISTRATOR
                       CITY OF LOS ANGELES
                         (213) 485-4691
                       FAX (213) 485-8765
_________________________________________________________________


Date:   February 14, 1989

To:             All General Managers & Bureau Heads

Subject:        NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DRIVERS


Effective January 1, 1989, a new Department of Motor Vehicle pro-
gram has taken effect that requires drivers of commercial vehicles
to be retested and licensed in new classifications upon renewal,
change in class endorsement, or when submitting a new application
for a license.  Employees in your department may be affected by
this program.

The new law defines a commercial driver as one who operates:

        a.      a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a GVWR (Gross
          Vehicle Weight Rating) of 26,001 pounds or more;

     b. a trailer with a GVWR of 6,000 pounds or more;

        c.      a bus designed to carry more than 10 passengers includ-
          ing the driver (except van pools and vans carrying fam-
          ily members);

        d.      any size vehicle transporting hazardous materials that
          require placarding.


In addition to the above requirements, a special endorsement will
be required for drivers of:

        a.      tank vehicles;

        b.      passenger transport vehicles (bus);

        c.      placarded vehicles transporting hazardous materials or
          waste;

        d.      double trailer combinations.


