Restricted Seasonal CDL For Farm-Related Service Industries
What is a restricted seasonal farm CDL? It is a commercial driver’s license (CDL) that is issued for a seasonal period to
operate a class B or class C commercial motor vehicle (CMV) – subject to certain conditions –for a farm-related service industry.
Qualified applicants are not required to pass CDL tests.
What kind of vehicle can be driven with a seasonal farm CDL? With a class B CDL: a single unit with a gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds. With a class C CDL: a single unit with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less.
Class B and class C CMVs can tow a trailer with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. Class C CMVs can tow a trailer of more than
10,000 pounds GVWR only if the GVWR of the truck plus the GVWR of the trailer is 26,000 pounds or less.
When the season is over, the license is only valid for class D (noncommercial) vehicles.
What are the conditions? An applicant must be employed in one of the following designated farm-related service industries:
• Agri-chemical businesses
• Custom harvesters
• Farm retail outlets and suppliers
• Livestock feeders
An applicant must have had a driver’s license for at least one full year and have had a good driving record for at least the last two
years. “Good driving record” means that the applicant:
• Has not had more than one license;
• Has not had any driver’s license, permit, or driving privileges suspended, revoked or cancelled for any reason;
• Has not been convicted of committing (in any type of motor vehicle) any of the following offenses:
o being under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance;
o refusing to take an alcohol test as required under implied consent laws;
o leaving the scene of an accident;
o any felony involving a motor vehicle;
o any serious traffic violations (15 mph or more over the posted speed limit, reckless driving, improper or erratic
lane changing, following too closely, driving without the proper license or endorsements); or
o any traffic violation arising in connection with a traffic accident.
• Has not had an accident in which s/he was at fault.
What are the restrictions? The seasonal farm CDL is valid for no more than 180 consecutive days in a 12-month period. The
applicant designates the start of the seasonal period.
A seasonal farm CDL holder cannot operate CMVs beyond 150 miles from the place of business or the farm being served.
Transportation of hazardous materials is strictly limited to:
diesel fuel in quantities of 1,000 gallons or less;
liquid fertilizers in vehicles with total capacities of 3,000 gallons or less; and
solid fertilizers that are not mixed with any organic substance.
No other placarded hazardous materials can be transported by holders of seasonal farm CDLs.
For more information, please refer to Minnesota Statutes, section 171.02, subdivision 4; and Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49,
section 383.3 (f)
Questions? Email drivers.licenses@state.mn.us or call 651/297-5029.
