AGRICULTURAL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
TRANSPORTATION ENDORSEMENT

   Farmers and Farm Employees can now complete a CHP approved program available through the California Farm Bureau Federation and delivered by California Safety Training Corporation in order to legally transport hazardous materials on public roadways without a commercial driver's license.
   The program, known as the Agricultural Hazardous Materials Transportation Endorsement (AHMTE) Program, is being offered to farmers and farm employees through local Farm Bureau offices. Those who finish this program and pass the test at the end will receive a special training verification document DL 267. DL 267 holders are exempted from the hazardous materials provisions of the California Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program, including but not limited to Drug and Alcohol Testing (DOT).
   The AHMTE program can be completed in three (3) hours and is available in both English and Spanish.
   The California CDL program was implemented in conformance with the Federal Highway Administration's National CDL Standard. The National CDL Standard is designed to prevent truck drivers from holding licenses in more than one state and ensure increased driver proficiency. Hazardous Material Haulers who cross or use public roadways must posses a CDL, a Hazardous Materials Endorsement and, in some cases, a Tanker Endorsement as well. Each Endorsement requires passing an additional written exam.
   CDL applicants must pass a written and driving test, be certified as physically fit and pay a license fee. In contrast, farmers and their employees who are interested in the DL 267 need only complete the AHMTE program. Provide certification of health and pay a $12.00 license update fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
   Use of the DL 267 for Hazardous Material Hauling purposes is governed by several noteworthy restrictions:
   1. The hazardous material transporting activity must be part of an agricultural operation.
   2. The material transporting activity must be part of an agricultural operation.

   3. If the material being moved is hazardous waste, it must have been generated in conjunction with an agricultural operation.
   4. Gross vehicle weight must be 26,000 GVW or below.
   5. Drivers must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
   The driver must be engaged in an agricultural operation and may not be compensated solely for transporting the hazardous materials involved.
   The distance from the original of demarcation (an agricultural chemical supply facility, for example) to the ultimate point of application may not exceed fifty (50) miles.
   The vehicle must either be an implement of husbandry as defined in the California Vehicle Code or one that requires a Class 3 © Driver's License and is owned, leased or operated by a farmer.
   The DL 267 (or CDL with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement) is required when a farm driver is transporting hazardous wastes or hazardous materials. Placarding signs on all four sides of the transport vehicle indicating the presence of hazardous materials is necessary when transporting 1,000 pounds or more of Parathion, Gramoxone or other designated hazardous materials or when hauling any amount of Methyl Bromide, Phostoxin or other highly toxic, explosive or reactive materials. Additionally, gasoline, diesel fuel, anhydrous ammonia and certain other flammable or hazardous liquids must be placarded whenever they are transported in cargo tanks larger than 118.9 gallons.
   The Highway Patrol is enforcing the Agricultural Hazardous Material Hauling provisions of the CDL. Farmers expecting to transport hazardous materials or hazardous waste on or across public roadways are advised to qualify themselves or their employees under this program as soon as possible.
   Those interested in the AHMTE program should call a California Farm Bureau Federation office in their area or California Safety Training Corporation at: (661) 847-8300 or fax us at (661) 847-8313. For more information on Placarding requirements, call a Hazardous Materials Supplier or the Motor Carrier Safety Unit of the nearest Highway Patrol Division Office.