The complete Hazmat Guide

Don't get caught by surprise at the DMV

Changes have taken place. The days of studying the book and passing the DMV test are over. A background check is essential and ELDT hazmat endorsement training is required. This guide will help you to understand the process. If you find yourself in a jam, give us a call and we will try to get you on the right track for your hazmat endorsement

Do I need a Hazmat endorsement?

Are you considering a career change or perhaps expanding your current driving qualifications? Ever heard of the term "Hazmat Endorsement" and wondered if it applies to you? In this article, we will delve into hazardous materials transportation and let you know exactly who might need a Hazmat Endorsement. Whether you're a seasoned trucker, a newcomer to the industry, or simply curious, read on to find out more!

What is a Hazmat Endorsement?

A Hazmat Endorsement is an additional certification on a commercial driver's license (CDL) that authorizes the holder to transport hazardous materials. These materials could range from flammable liquids and gases to explosives, corrosives, and radioactive substances. Essentially, it signifies that the driver has undergone specific training and is qualified to handle such cargo safely.

Why is a Hazmat Endorsement Necessary?

Hazmat transportation is heavily regulated due to the potential risks involved. Mishandling or accidents with hazardous materials can have catastrophic consequences, endangering lives and the environment. Therefore, governments impose strict guidelines and requirements for anyone involved in transporting these substances. A Hazmat Endorsement ensures that drivers are adequately trained to mitigate these risks and respond effectively in emergencies.

Who Needs a Hazmat Endorsement?

Anyone involved in the transportation of placarded quantities of hazardous materials needs a Hazmat Endorsement. This includes truck drivers, delivery personnel, and even individuals operating certain types of vehicles for their business. Whether you're employed by a shipping company, a logistics firm, or you're an independent contractor, if your job involves hauling hazardous substances, you'll likely need this endorsement.

How to Obtain a Hazmat Endorsement?

Obtaining a Hazmat Endorsement involves several steps:

Undergo Background Checks: Expect to undergo a background check, including fingerprinting and security threat assessments.
Attend ELDT Training: Complete the mandatory training course established in 2022 which can be done here: HAZMAT TRAINING ONLINE
Study the Hazmat Manual: Familiarize yourself with the regulations and guidelines outlined in the Hazmat Endorsement manual provided by the DMV.
Take some practice tests online to familiarize yourself with the question formats found on the computer tests at the DMV. These tests are standardized nationwide and they all pull from the same pool of questions.
Pass Written Test: Take and pass a written exam covering hazmat regulations, safety procedures, and emergency response protocols.

Hazmat Endorsement Renewal

Hazmat Endorsements are typically valid for a certain period, after which they must be renewed. Renewal requirements may vary depending on your location, but generally involve completing new background check, fingerprinting and threat assessment, so apply at least 90 days before your endorsement expires.

Benefits of Having a Hazmat Endorsement

Expanded Job Opportunities: Many employers in industries dealing with hazardous materials require or prefer candidates with a Hazmat Endorsement.
Higher Earning Potential: Hazmat-certified drivers often command higher salaries due to the specialized nature of their work.
Enhanced Safety Skills: Hazmat training equips drivers with valuable safety knowledge and skills that can benefit them throughout their careers.
Professional Development: Obtaining a Hazmat Endorsement demonstrates a commitment to professional development and can enhance your credibility as a driver.

Hazmat Endorsement Requirements

To qualify for a Hazmat Endorsement, you typically need to:

Hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL)
Pass a background check and security threat assessment
Pass an online or in-person ELDT hazmat class
Meet any additional requirements imposed by your local licensing authority

As you can see, a Hazmat Endorsement is essential for anyone involved in transporting hazardous materials. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, obtaining this endorsement opens up a world of opportunities while ensuring the safety of yourself, others, and the environment.

The USA PATRIOT Act, enacted on October 25, 2001

The USA PATRIOT Act, enacted on October 25, 2001, focuses on enhancing national security measures to combat terrorism. It mandates that commercial drivers transporting hazardous materials undergo fingerprinting and pass a comprehensive Federal criminal background check, known as a federal security threat assessment.

New Hazardous (H) material endorsement steps

Driver must first obtain a commercial permit or a commercial license.
Initiate the federal security threat assessment.
All initial hazardous (H) endorsement holders must complete the required federal theory entry level driver training ELDT
All steps must be completed and the background results received before scheduling a Hazmat computer test at the DMV.
Take the Hazardous material knowledge test in order to put the H endorsement on their North Dakota CDL license.

Background Check Locations

Whether you need a Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) endorsement depends on the type of materials you are transporting and the regulations in your jurisdiction. In many cases, drivers transporting certain quantities or types of hazardous materials are required to obtain a Hazmat endorsement on their commercial driver's license (CDL).

Generally speaking, if your load requires placards and you are operating in commerce, you will need both a commercial drivers license CDL-A, CDL-B, or CDL-C and a HAZMAT endorsement. However, many states have agriculture exemptions.

Hazmat Disqualifications (felons) Permanent

The following criminal convictions are permanent disqualifiers, prompting a “lifetime ban” from holding a HME:

Terrorism
Espionage
Sedition
Treason
Murder
Unlawful use, purchase, receipt, transfer, shipping, transporting, import, export, or storage of an explosive
A crime involving a severe transportation security incident (i.e., security incident involving a significant loss of life, environmental damage, transportation system disruption, or economic disruption in a particular area)
RICO violations (if the crime underlying the RICO conviction is on the list of permanently disqualifying crimes)
Improper transportation of a Hazmat (minor infractions involving transportation of hazardous materials will not disqualify a driver; for instance, no driver will be disqualified for minor roadside infractions or placarding violations)
Conspiracy or attempt to commit any of these crimes

Hazmat Disqualifications (felons) Temporary

An individual is disqualified from holding an HME if he or she was convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity within the past seven years, was released from prison within the past five years, or is wanted or is under indictment, for any of the following crimes:

Assault with intent to murder
Kidnapping or hostage taking
Rape or aggravated sexual abuse
Extortion
Robbery
Arson
Bribery
Smuggling
Immigration violations
Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud (e.g. felony-level embezzlement, tax evasion, perjury, and false statements to the Federal government)
RICO violations (if the crime underlying the RICO conviction is on the list of interim disqualifying crimes)
Distribution of, possession with intent to distribute, or importation of a controlled substance (“simple possession” of a controlled substance without an intent to distribute is not considered disqualifying)
Unlawful use, purchase, receipt, transfer, shipping, transporting, import, export, or storage of a firearm
Conspiracy or attempt to commit any of these crimes

The crimes listed above are disqualifying, regardless of the jurisdiction (civilian or military). Convicted means any plea of guilty or nolo contendere or any finding of guilt.

After 5 or 7 years have passed, these are no longer disqualifying and you can apply for a hazardous materials endorsement again.