Commercial Driver's License Information System

Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) is a nationwide computer system in the United States that enables state driver licensing agencies (SDLAs) to ensure that each commercial driver has only one driver’s license and one complete driver record. The system was established by the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 and is overseen by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Overview

The CDLIS assists with the issuance of commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) by the states, serving as a central repository of commercial driver information. The system is designed to improve highway safety by ensuring that drivers cannot obtain multiple CDLs in different states. It also helps to ensure that disqualifications and traffic violations incurred by a driver are recorded against the driver's single record, regardless of where the offense occurred.

Functionality

The CDLIS supports the issuance of commercial driver's licenses by maintaining a database of information about all commercial drivers. When a state is considering issuing a CDL, it first checks with the CDLIS to ensure that the applicant does not already hold a CDL, or is not subject to any disqualifications, in another state.

The system also records all traffic violations and disqualifications incurred by commercial drivers, regardless of the state in which the offense occurred. This ensures that all relevant information is available to any state considering issuing a CDL to a driver.

Data Sharing

The CDLIS shares data with a variety of entities, including state driver licensing agencies, law enforcement agencies, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This data sharing helps to ensure that all relevant parties have access to up-to-date information about commercial drivers.

Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its intended purpose, the CDLIS has been subject to criticism. Some critics argue that the system is not comprehensive enough, as it does not include information about all traffic violations. Others argue that the system is not effective at preventing drivers from obtaining multiple CDLs, as some drivers have been able to do so despite the existence of the CDLIS.

See Also

• Commercial driver's license
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
• Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act