Editing 391.11

This section covers the general qualifications for drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) under 49 CFR § 391.11.

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|-| (b)(1) Age =
{{Violation
|Section = 391.11(b)(2)
|TargetPage = 391.11 General qualifications of drivers.
|Description = Driver is under 21 years of age.
|OOS = Yes, unless excempted
|ViolationCategory = Driver
|InspectionLevel = Level 3, Level 2, Level 1
|TypicalAction = Out-of-Service / warning
|StateNotes = IL: Intrastate only restriction may apply for drivers 18-20 (check CDL restrictions), but strictly OOS for interstate commerce. If under 21 years of age driver must be able to show proof of a valid medical certificate as it may not be attached to driver's license.
|ReferenceLinks = [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.11 eCFR: 391.11 General Qualifications]
}}

|-| (b)(2) English Proficiency =
{{Violation
|Section = 391.11(b)(2)
|TargetPage = 391.11 General qualifications of drivers.
|Description = Driver cannot read/speak English sufficiently to converse with public, understand signs, or respond to official inquiries.
|OOS = Yes
|ViolationCategory = Driver
|InspectionLevel = Level 3, Level 2, Level 1
|TypicalAction = Out-of-Service / Warning
|StateNotes = IL: Note any specific driver interactions or inability to answer standard CDL operational questions.
|ReferenceLinks = [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.11 eCFR: 391.11 General Qualifications] <br> [https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/enforcement/fmcsa-elp-guidance-roadside-policy-mc-see-2026-0002 FMCSA ELP Guidance (April 16, 2026)]
}}

|-| (b)(4) Medical Cert =
{{Violation
|Section = 391.11(b)(4)
|TargetPage = 391.11 General qualifications of drivers.
|Description = Driver is not physically qualified (Missing or expired medical certificate).
|OOS = Yes
|ViolationCategory = Driver
|InspectionLevel = Level 3, Level 2, Level 1
|TypicalAction = Out-of-Service / Warning
|StateNotes = IL: Verify status through standard LEADS/CDLIS return before initiating OOS protocols. Driver's with a C or D classification driver's license must still have a medical certificate to drive a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 LBS or more.
|ReferenceLinks = [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.41 eCFR: 391.41 Physical Qualifications]
}}

|-| (b)(5) Valid License =
{{Violation
|Section = 391.11(b)(5)
|TargetPage = 391.11 General qualifications of drivers.
|Description = Driver does not possess a valid commercial motor vehicle operator's license.
|OOS = Yes
|ViolationCategory = Driver
|InspectionLevel = Level 3, Level 2, Level 1
|TypicalAction = Out-of-Service / Warning
|StateNotes = IL: Cross-reference with 383.23(a)(2).
|ReferenceLinks = [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.11 eCFR: 391.11 General Qualifications]
}}

|-| (b)(6) Disqualified =
{{Violation
|Section = 391.11(b)(6)
|TargetPage = 391.11 General qualifications of drivers.
|Description = Driver is currently disqualified to drive a CMV under the rules of §391.15.
|OOS = Yes
|ViolationCategory = Driver
|InspectionLevel = Level 3, Level 2, Level 1
|TypicalAction = Out-of-Service / warning, typically accompanies a violation/citation for driving while suspendded/revoked
|StateNotes = IL: Check LEADS/NCIC for active suspensions or revocations of commercial privileges. Disqualification occurs when: loss of driving privileges, convicted for criminal and other offenses, convicted of violation of out-of-service order, convicted of texting while driving or using a hand-held telephone while driving a CMV. Simply not having a medical cert or proper driver's license classification does not qualify as being disqualified to drive a CMV per the strict reading of the regulation.
|ReferenceLinks = [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.15 eCFR: 391.15 Disqualification of Drivers]
}}
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== Regulatory Guidance & Memos ==
<pdf width="1000" height="600">File:FMCSA_ELP_Guidance_Roadside_Policy_-_Revised_(4-16-2026)_Redacted.pdf</pdf>