The department may issue certain commercial driver and learner permits with endorsements, and drivers generally may not drive vehicles that need an endorsement unless the proper endorsement is on the license or permit.
Sec. 522.042. ENDORSEMENTS; OFFENSE. (a) The department may issue a commercial driver's license with endorsements: (1) authorizing the driving of a vehicle transporting hazardous materials, subject to the requirements of Title 49 C.F.R. Part 1572; (2) authorizing the towing of a double or triple trailer or a trailer over a specified weight; (3) authorizing the driving of a vehicle carrying passengers; (4) authorizing the driving of a tank vehicle; (5) representing a combination of hazardous materials and tank vehicle endorsements; or (6) authorizing the driving of a school bus, as defined by Section 541.201. (b) The department may issue a commercial learner's permit with endorsements authorizing the driving of a passenger vehicle, a school bus, or a tank vehicle. (c) An endorsement under Subsection (b) for a passenger vehicle or a school bus allows a permit holder to operate a vehicle with only the following passengers: (1) federal or state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, or other permit holders; and (2) the commercial driver's license holder required under Section 522.011(a)(2)(B). (d) An endorsement under Subsection (b) for a tank vehicle allows a permit holder to operate only an empty tank vehicle that has been purged of any hazardous materials. (e) The holder of a commercial driver's license or commercial learner's permit may not drive a vehicle that requires an endorsement unless the proper endorsement appears on the license or permit. (f) A person commits an offense if the person violates Subsection (c), (d), or (e). An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 358 (S.B. 1258), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 752 (H.B. 1888), Sec. 21, eff. January 1, 2016.