Four service centers are now open in Ohio to help Commercial Driver's License holders who need to undergo a security threat assessment in order to get a Hazardous Materials endorsement. 

New rules taking effect today require persons making new applications for a Hazardous Material endorsement to their CDL to undergo the Security Threat Assessment, which includes a background check and fingerprinting.  Current holders of CDL hazmat endorsements will also be required to undergo the screening, but the process will begin March 31.

The service centers can be found at the following locations:

Applicants for new Hazmat endorsements can submit their application and provide fingerprints at these locations.  The Transportation Security Administration has established a $94 cost for the assessment.  Another mobile unit is tentatively planned for eastern Ohio.

For more information, license holders and applicants are encouraged to contact TSA at patriotact@dhs.gov.  The regulations are available for review on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website at www.fmcsa.dot.gov or by visiting the TSA website.

Contact:  Julie Ehrhart, (614) 752-8845

NEW CDL, HAZMAT RULES TO TAKE EFFECT THIS MONTH

Ohio BMV Implementing Federal Commercial Driver License Screening Standards

COLUMBUS Ohio (January 14, 2005) – Commercial Drivers License holders seeking a Hazardous Materials endorsement will have to undergo a Security Threat Assessment, under new Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles rules that begin to take effect this month. 

“The new rules will help ensure that people licensed to carry hazardous materials will not pose a security threat to the public,” said Franklin Caltrider, Registrar of Motor Vehicles.  “They are an important part of the state and nation’s ongoing efforts to protect our critical infrastructure from terrorist threats.”

As of January 31, persons making new applications for a Hazardous Material endorsement to their CDL will undergo the Security Threat Assessment, which includes a background check and fingerprinting.  Current holders of CDL hazmat endorsements will also be required to undergo the security screening, but the screening process will not begin for them until March 31.

Under the new rules, individuals who have been convicted of certain felonies, who are fugitives, who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, who have been adjudicated as mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed to a mental institution, or who are determined to be a threat of terrorism or a threat to national transportation security will not be allowed to hold a Hazardous Material endorsement.

To facilitate the threat assessment process, the federal Transportation Security Administration will be establishing service centers throughout Ohio.  The first center will be opening by the end of the month in Central Ohio, with sites in other areas to be operational by March 31.

For more information, license holders and applicants are encouraged to contact TSA at patriotact@dhs.gov.  The regulations are available for review on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website at www.fmcsa.dot.gov. or by visiting the TSA website at http://www.tsa.gov/index.shtm.