IFCA members who operate commercial motor vehicles should stay informed on Illinois CDL requirements and training standards. The Illinois Secretary of State provides the following helpful resources: Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): Federal law requires new CDL applicants—and those upgrading or adding certain endorsements—to complete approved Entry-Level Driver Training before testing. Learn more about ELDT requirements Illinois CDL Requirements & Licensing Process: This resource outlines eligibility, testing requirements, endorsements, and steps to obtain or renew a CDL in Illinois, including age requirements and permit procedures. View Illinois CDL information These resources are especially important for ag retailers and applicators operating vehicles that require a CDL, helping ensure compliance with both state and federal regulations.

Amendments to Section 3-809 of the Illinois Vehicle Code remove prior references to fertilizer nurse tanks and related equipment from the statute’s registration provisions. Under previous law, nurse tanks (up to 3,000 gallons) were eligible for registration under a reduced fee structure. The updated language eliminates this requirement, and nurse tanks are no longer specifically identified within Section 3-809. Accordingly, nurse tanks utilized in agricultural operations are now generally considered exempt implements of husbandry, provided they are operated in compliance with applicable provisions of Illinois law governing such equipment. In addition, the amendments eliminate the $250 annual registration requirement previously applied to certain self-propelled agricultural fertilizer implements. While these implements remain subject to operational limitations (including weight, width, speed, and distance restrictions), they are no longer subject to a specific registration fee under this Section.

This form is used to claim a sales tax exemption on qualifying equipment purchases in Illinois. This may include items such as ammonia tanks, nurse tanks, and certain application equipment or trailers, provided they meet the requirements for exempt use.   Complete this form and provide it to the seller at the time of purchase to document the exemption. The seller is required to keep the certificate on file as proof that no sales tax was charged.   This certificate may be used for: Single purchases, or Blanket certificates covering multiple purchases from the same vendor Proper completion is important to ensure compliance with Illinois Department of Revenue requirements.

The updated Restricted Class B CDL application now allows applicants to select up to 210 days of eligibility within a 12-month period, providing greater flexibility for seasonal and farm-related operations. This change aligns with renewal guidelines and ensures coverage during peak operational needs. 

Click below for the rules governing the Hours of Service exemption for the transportation of agricultural inputs.

IFCA has received clear guidance from both the Illinois Secretary of State CDL division and the Illinois State Police enforcement division that a Class A CDL is NOT required to transport ammonia nurse tanks.  Ammonia nurse tanks are implements of husbandry and as such, the weight of the nurse tank is not factored into the CDL weight classification.  Ag retail employees need a Class B CDL with hazmat endorsement no matter what the weight or combination of the nurse tanks (1,000 or 1,450 gallon nurse tanks pulled in singles, in tandem or mounted side-by-side on a single running gear).  Or, a restricted Class B Farm Service CDL is available to ag retail employees on a seasonal basis.  

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders must self-certify their type of driving (interstate or intrastate, excepted or non-excepted) with the Illinois Secretary of State. Drivers operating as non-excepted interstate (NI) are required to maintain a valid DOT medical certificate and ensure it is on file with the Secretary of State. The four driver categories are: Non-excepted interstate (NI) Excepted interstate (EI) Non-excepted intrastate (NA) Excepted intrastate (EA) Drivers should ensure they have selected the correct category for their operation. Operating outside of your declared category may result in being considered out of compliance during enforcement. Click here for more information.

Click below for a fact sheet on the 80,000 lb highway weight limit law in Illinois.

Click on "R Stamp Welders"(above) to view repair organizations holding an R stamp for repair of anhydrous ammonia pressure vessels.