CDL Restrictions

K - Intrastate Restriction:  Applies to CDL drivers who are authorized to operate only within the state of Colorado. 

The “K” restriction is required:

  • For all CDL drivers between the ages of 18 and 21

  • If a CDL driver cannot meet the requirements for the DOT medical (part 391, FMSCR) and has a waiver issued by the Colorado State Patrol

  • If a FMCSA exemption only allows for intrastate commerce

  • If the CDL driver self certifies to Non Excepted Intrastate Driving (option C) or Excepted Intrastate Driving (option D)

If a driver surrenders an out-of-state license that has the “K” restriction on it and one of the four requirements above is not present, the “K” restriction does not transfer over to the Colorado CDL.

L - Air Brakes Restriction:  if a driver is tested in a commercial vehicle that does not have air brakes, a restriction will be placed on the driver's CDL showing that they are not qualified to operate vehicles with air brakes. To remove this restriction from a CDL license, the driver must pass the air brakes written exam, purchase a CDL permit with the restriction removed, pass a full driving skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes and purchase a new CDL.  All normal fees apply.

E - No Manual Transmission CMV: This restriction is placed on an individual's CDL if the vehicle that the CDL skills test was taken in has an automatic transmission. To remove the manual transmission restriction, the driver needs to get a Commercial Learner's Permit and take the drive skills test in a manual transmission vehicle of the same class as their existing CDL.

M - No Class A Passenger Vehicle: This restriction is placed on an individual's Commercial Learning Permit (CLP) or CDL.  The restriction allows them to only drive a Class B or Class C passenger vehicle (bus).

N - No Class A or B Passenger Vehicle: This restriction is placed on an individual's CLP or CDL.  The restriction allows them to only drive a Class C passenger vehicle (bus)

O - No Tractor Trailer CMV: This restriction is placed on an individual's Class A CDL if the vehicle that the CDL skills test was taken in was not a traditional tractor tractor (a.k.a. semi) and did not have a fifth-wheel coupling system. To remove this restriction, the driver needs to get a Commercial Learner's Permit and take the drive skills test in a vehicle of the appropriate class and type.

P - No Passengers in a CMV Bus: This restriction is placed on an individual's CLP if they have a passenger endorsement.  It restricts the individual from operating a bus with passengers other than the CDL trainer/tester and other CLP students.

V - Interstate Medical Variance: This restriction is placed on an individual's CLP or CDL if they have an approved Skills Performance Evaluation (SPE) waiver from FMCSA.

X - No Cargo in CMV Tank Vehicle: This restriction is placed on an individual's CLP if they have the N (Tanker) endorsement.  It restricts the individual from operating a tank vehicle that has any gas or liquid in it.

Z - No Full Air Brake Equipped CMV: This restriction is placed on an individual's CDL if the vehicle that the CDL Skills test was taken in did not have a full air braking system.

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