The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has announced some major changes that kick in next year, and at least a couple of them affect the farm community.

Eliminate Farm Truck 11,000 Plate

Beginning Jan. 1, the farm truck plate for 11,000-pounds vehicles will no longer be issued by the BMV.

“Customers will be required to go to a branch and select a greater weight farm plate or change the plate to a non-farm, standard truck plate,” the BMV said in a news release.

The current farm truck 11,000 plates will remain valid until their expiration date. Registrations carry an expiration date that is based on the customer’s last name, and therefore, there could be plates that are valid until December 2017.

Improved Restricted Class B CDL

New season options for the restricted class b commercial driver’s license take effect on Feb. 1.

Under current policy, when those in agricultural transport are renewing their restricted Class B CDL to haul seasonal loads, they must choose one of the below options for the license.

• April 2 through June 30 and September 2 through November 30.
• April 2 through July 30 and October 1 through November 29.
• April 2 through September 28.

Under the policy that takes effect Feb. 1, drivers will be able to custom-tailor their Restricted Class B CDL license to their own needs. They will see a new area on the license application.

The restricted class CDL has to be renewed every four years, and the seasonal periods can be changed at time of renewal. Such a license allows operation of Class B and Class C vehicles only.

Holders may not carry hazardous material loads that require a placard except for:

• Diesel fuel in quantities of 1,000 gallons or less.

• Liquid fertilizers in vehicles or implements of husbandry with total capacities of 3,000 gallons or less.
• Solid fertilizers that are not transported with any organic substance.