HB479 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Dexter Grimsley
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Transportation, Class A restricted CDL, issued to applicants aged 18 years but under 21 years, restriction limits, operation of commerical vehicles within state lines
Summary: HB 479 lets 18- to 20-year-olds hold a Class A CDL limited to intrastate travel, with specific endorsement and load restrictions.
What This Bill Does
It would authorize issuing Class A CDLs to individuals who have turned 18 but not 21 for intrastate driving only. License holders could obtain a Tank Vehicle endorsement but would not be eligible for HazMat or passenger endorsements. They must follow all applicable federal and state safety rules and may not operate oversized or specially configured loads that require ALDOT permits. If federal law later allows under-21s to drive interstate with a Class A CDL, Alabama would create rules to permit interstate travel, and the act would become effective on February 7, 2020.

Who It Affects
Young adults aged 18–20 who meet CDL requirements would be eligible for intrastate Class A CDLs to drive commercial vehicles inside Alabama.
Alabama-based trucking companies and other employers would have access to these younger drivers for intrastate freight operations.

Key Provisions
Section 2 authorizes issuance of Class A CDLs to applicants who are at least 18 but under 21 for intrastate travel only, with compliance to state and federal CDL rules.
Tank Vehicle endorsement is allowed; HazMat and passenger endorsements are not allowed for these drivers.
Drivers may not operate oversize or specially configured loads that require ALDOT permits.
Applicants must follow FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 380, Subparts E, F, and G, and Parts 382–397).
If federal law changes to permit interstate operation for under-21s, Alabama will promulgate rules to allow interstate travel.
Effective date: February 7, 2020; the act is severable and exempt from Amendment 621 due to an estimated annual fiscal impact under $50,000.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Commercial Driver License (CDL)