1. (1) “Commercial Driver License” (CDL) means a Class A, B, or C driver license issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

2. (2) “Commercial Motor Vehicle” (CMV) means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle is a -

   1. (a) Combination Vehicle (Group A) - having a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more), whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds), whichever is greater; or
   2. (b) Heavy Straight Vehicle (Group B) - having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 11,794 or more kilograms (26,001 pounds or more), whichever is greater; or

   3. (c) Small Vehicle (Group C) that does not meet Group A or B requirements but that either -

      1. 1. Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or
      2. 2. Is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials as defined in this section.
3. (3) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the Department of Safety & Homeland Security.
4. (4) “Days” means calendar days, unless otherwise specified in rule or in state law.
5. (5) “Director” means the head of the Commercial Driver License Division of the Department of Safety & Homeland Security.
6. (6) “Department” means the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security. CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
7. (7) “FMCSA” means the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
8. (8) “Intrastate” means trade, traffic, or transportation within Tennessee that is not interstate commerce.
9. (9) “Medical examiner” means an individual certified by the FMCSA and listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
10. (10) “Skills Performance Evaluation” (SPE Evaluation) is a skills test that evaluates the ability of a driver with missing or impaired limbs to operate a CMV.
11. (11) “Skills Performance Evaluation Intrastate Certificate” (SPEI Certificate) means the certificate issued by the Department that allows drivers with missing or impaired limbs to drive a commercial motor vehicle intrastate.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-2009, 55-50-202, and 55-50-410. Administrative History: New rules filed October 24, 2022; effective January 22, 2023.