(1) The commercial driver's license must be marked "commercial driver's license" or "CDL," and must be, to the maximum extent practicable, tamperproof. It must include, but not be limited to, the following information:

     (a) The name and residence address of the person;

     (b) The person's color photograph;

     (c) A physical description of the person including sex, height, weight, and eye color;

     (d) Date of birth;

     (e) The person's Social Security number or any number or identifier deemed appropriate by the department;

     (f) The person's signature;

     (g) The class or type of commercial motor vehicle or vehicles that the person is authorized to drive, together with any endorsements or restrictions;

     (h) The name of the state; and

     (i) The dates between which the license is valid.

     (2) Commercial driver's licenses may be issued with the classifications, endorsements, and restrictions set forth in this subsection. The holder of a valid commercial driver's license may drive all vehicles in the class for which that license is issued and all lesser classes of vehicles except motorcycles and vehicles that require an endorsement, unless the proper endorsement appears on the license.

     (a) Licenses may be classified as follows:

     (i) Class A is a combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, if the GVWR of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

     (ii) Class B is a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds.

     (iii) Class C is a single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds consisting of:

     (A) Vehicles designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver; or

     (B) Vehicles used in the transportation of hazardous materials.

     (b) The following endorsements and restrictions may be placed on a license:

     (i) "H" authorizes the driver to drive a vehicle transporting hazardous materials.

     (ii) "K" restricts the driver to vehicles not equipped with air brakes.

     (iii) "T" authorizes driving double and triple trailers.

     (iv) "P1" authorizes driving all vehicles, other than school buses, carrying passengers.

     (v) "P2" authorizes driving vehicles with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds, other than school buses, carrying sixteen or more passengers, including the driver.

     (vi) "N" authorizes driving tank vehicles.

     (vii) "X" represents a combination of hazardous materials and tank vehicle endorsements.

     (viii) "S" authorizes driving school buses.

     The license may be issued with additional endorsements and restrictions as established by rule of the director.

     (3) All school bus drivers must have either a "P1" or "P2" endorsement depending on the GVWR of the school bus being driven.

     (4) Before issuing a commercial driver's license, the department shall obtain driving record information:

     (a) Through the commercial driver's license information system;

     (b) Through the national driver register;

     (c) From the current state of record; and

     (d) From all states where the applicant was previously licensed over the last ten years to drive any type of motor vehicle.

     A check under (d) of this subsection need be done only once, either at the time of application for a new commercial driver's license, or upon application for a renewal of a commercial driver's license for the first time after July 1, 2005, provided a notation is made on the driver's record confirming that the driving record check has been made and noting the date it was completed.

     (5) Within ten days after issuing a commercial driver's license, the department must notify the commercial driver's license information system of that fact, and provide all information required to ensure identification of the person.

     (6) A commercial driver's license shall expire in the same manner as provided in RCW 46.20.181.

     (7) When applying for renewal of a commercial driver's license, the applicant shall:

     (a) Complete the application form required by RCW 46.25.070(1), providing updated information and required certifications;

     (b) Submit the application to the department in person; and

     (c) If the applicant wishes to retain a hazardous materials endorsement, take and pass the written test for a hazardous materials endorsement.

[2004 c 249 § 8; 2004 c 187 § 5; 1996 c 30 § 2; 1989 c 178 § 10.]

NOTES:

     Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2004 c 187 § 5 and by 2004 c 249 § 8, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).

     Effective date -- 2004 c 187 §§ 1, 5, 7, 8, and 10: See note following RCW 46.20.308.

     Effective date -- 1996 c 30: See note following RCW 46.25.010.