Maryland CDL Endorsement And Restriction

CDL Endorsements

Driver's license endorsements are typically used to grant you additional driving privileges without requiring you to apply for a different type of driver's license. Most Maryland driver's license endorsements apply to commercial driver's licenses and will thus be useless to those with a regular class C license. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as motorcycle endorsement. Any regular driver's license can be upgraded to include a motorcycle endorsement. The Maryland CDL Endorsement codes and descriptions are listed below.
  • T - Maryland Double/Triple Trailers Endorsement
  • P - Maryland Passenger Endorsement
  • N - Maryland Tank Vehicle Endorsement
  • H - Maryland Hazardous Materials Endorsement
  • X - Combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements
  • S - Maryland School Bus Endorsement
The codes T, P, S, N, H, and X are Federal endorsements. Any additional endorsements have been issued at the state level. States may have a more restrictive category for a license class or additional codes for CDL endorsements or restrictions that are not mentioned in federal regulations, as long as these items are fully explained on the license document.

CLP Endorsements

On the Maryland CLP, only three endorsements are permitted:
  • P (Maryland Passenger Vehicle Endorsement)
    • According to 49CFR383.25(a), a Maryland CLP holder with a "P" endorsement is not permitted to operate a CMV carrying passengers other than Federal/state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, and other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the Maryland CLP holder (1).
  • S (Maryland School Bus Endorsement)
    • According to 49CFR383.25(a), a Maryland CLP holder with an "S" endorsement is not permitted to operate a school bus with passengers other than Federal/state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, and other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the Maryland CLP holder.
  • N (Maryland Tank Vehicle Endorsement)
    • A Maryland CLP holder with an "N" endorsement is only permitted to operate an empty tank vehicle and is not permitted to operate any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials that have not been purged of any residue.

CDL Restrictions

In some cases, a health condition or a limitation in your driving ability may warrant the Motor Vehicle Administration restricting your Maryland driver's license. Although Maryland driver's license restrictions restrict your driving privileges, they are truly in place for your safety. Provisional license restrictions are part of the Maryland GDL program and apply to all provisional driver's license holders. If you require assistance with a specific Maryland driver's license restriction code, don't hesitate to contact the MVA directly. The following are some Maryland CDL restriction codes and descriptions.
  • L - If the driver fails the Air Brakes Knowledge Test, fails to identify the air brake system components correctly, fails to properly conduct an air brake systems check, or fails to take the Skills test in a vehicle equipped with a full air brake system, an "L" no full air brake restriction is imposed on their license.
  • Z - If the driver takes the test in a vehicle equipped with an air-over hydraulic brake system, a "Z" with no full air brake restriction will be placed on their license. In either case, the driver is not authorized to operate a CMV equipped with full air brakes.
  • E - If the driver takes the Skills Test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, they will receive an "E" with no manual transmission restriction on their license.
  • O - If a driver takes the Skills Test in a Class A vehicle with a pintle hook or other non-fifth wheel connection, an "O" restriction will be placed on their license, preventing them from driving any Class A vehicle with a fifth-wheel connection.
  • M - If a driver has a Class A CDL but obtains a passenger or school bus endorsement in a Class B vehicle, the state must impose an "M" restriction indicating that the driver can only operate Class B and C passenger vehicles or school buses.
  • N - If a driver has a Class B CDL but obtains a passenger or school bus endorsement in a Class C vehicle, the state must impose an "N" restriction indicating that the driver can only operate Class C passenger vehicles or school buses.
  • V - If the FMCSA notifies the state that a medical variance has been issued to the driver, the state must indicate the existence of such a medical variance on the CDLIS driving record and the CDL document by using the restriction code "V" to indicate that information about the medical variance is on the CDLIS record.
When you submit your initial application for a Maryland learner's permit or driver's license, a restriction may be placed on it. To remove a restriction from your driver's license, you must demonstrate that the condition that warranted the restriction in the first place no longer exists.