Acronyms
Sections
(Freq) 1G Trucking permits and Trucker questions (09)
Truck Permits:
If someone has a question about overweight, oversized, harvest, agricultural or escort/pilot car permits (sometimes called amber light permit)then we will handle that in DOTD Truck Permits. Always provide the caller with the number before you transfer.
Number: 800-654-1433
Local number is: 225-343-2345
Fax 225-377-7154
There is a new Service online for permits called LaGeaux where they can sign up to order permits online.
As of July 1, 2022, Weights and Standards will fall under the direction of DOTD. Weight Enforcement's primary function is ensuring that commercial vehicle traffic is in compliance with the laws regulating weight, size, and registration. 225-377-7100 or email [email protected]
Louisiana Commercial Driver's License (CDL) & Trucking FAQ
Use this quick-reference guide to help drivers and fleet partners navigate state and federal agency jurisdictions in Louisiana.
Q: Who handles CDL testing, license renewals, and medical cards in Louisiana?
Responsible Agency: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV)
What they do: Handles testing, license card issuance, adding endorsements, and processing DOT medical examiner self-certifications.
Direct CDL Portal: https://www.expresslane.org/drivers/commercial-drivers-license
Phone Number: (225) 925-6146
Q: Who runs the stationary weigh scales and checks truck weight limits?
Responsible Agency: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD)
What they do: Operates physical truck scales on state highways to monitor vehicle weights and enforce limits.
Direct Weight Enforcement Portal: https://dotd.la.gov/about/office-of-operations/dotd-police/weight-enforcement/
Phone Number: (225) 343-2345
Q: Who issues Oversize and Overweight (OS/OW) truck permits?
Responsible Agency: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD)
What they do: Issues special road-use permits for wide, tall, or heavy commercial loads.
Direct Permits Portal: https://dotd.la.gov/about/office-of-operations/oversized-and-overweight-truck-permits/
Toll-Free Phone Number: 1-800-654-1433 (Local Baton Rouge: 225-377-7100)
Q: Who is in charge of roadside truck inspections, equipment safety, and HazMat enforcement?
Responsible Agency: Louisiana State Police (LSP) – Transportation Safety Services (TSS)
What they do: Inspects trucks on the road for safety, enforces hazardous materials transport laws, conducts safety audits, and issues Out-of-Service orders.
Direct TSS Safety Portal: https://www.lsp.org/technical-services/transportation-safety-services
Phone Number: (225) 925-6113
Q: Who handles IFTA fuel tax licensing and commercial truck decals?
Responsible Agency: Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR)
What they do: Issues International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) licenses, distributes truck decals, and collects quarterly fuel tax returns.
Direct Tax Portal: https://www.revenue.louisiana.gov
Phone Number: (225) 219-7462
Q: What is a TWIC card, and do drivers in Louisiana need one?
Responsible Agency: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) / Homeland Security
What it is: The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is a federal security clearance card.
Why it's needed: Drivers must have a TWIC card to get unescorted access to Louisiana's maritime ports, shipping docks, shipyards, and major chemical plants or oil refineries.
Direct TWIC Portal: https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic
Phone Number: (855) 347-8371
Q: What security check is required to haul hazardous materials (HazMat)?
Responsible Agency: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) / Louisiana OMV
What it is: Drivers must pass a federal HazMat Threat Assessment (background and fingerprint check).
Why it's needed: You must pass this screening before the Louisiana OMV will issue or renew a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement on your CDL.
Direct HazMat Threat Assessment Portal: https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/hazmat-endorsement
Phone Number: (855) 347-8371
Q: Who issues USDOT numbers and manages logbook (Hours of Service) rules?
Responsible Agency: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
What they do: Regulates interstate motor carriers, manages the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, and oversees Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirements.
Direct Federal Portal: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov
Phone Number: (800) 832-5660
Q: What happens if a CDL driver's DOT Medical Card expires?
Crucial Policy Reminder: If a driver's Medical Examiner's Certificate expires, the Louisiana OMV will automatically downgrade their commercial driver's license status to a regular, non-commercial driver's license. The driver cannot legally operate commercial motor vehicles until a new medical card is submitted and updated in the OMV system.
?? Quick-Reference Contacts Directory
Licenses & Exams Louisiana OMV (225) 925-6146 https://www.expresslane.org/drivers/commercial-drivers-license
Scales & Weights Louisiana DOTD (225) 343-2345 https://dotd.la.gov/about/office-of-operations/dotd-police/weight-enforcement/
Truck Permits Louisiana DOTD 1-800-654-1433 https://dotd.la.gov/about/office-of-operations/oversized-and-overweight-truck-permits/
Roadside & HazMat LSP (TSS) (225) 925-6113 https://www.lsp.org/technical-services/transportation-safety-services
IFTA Taxes Louisiana LDR (225) 219-7462 https://www.revenue.louisiana.gov
Port Access (TWIC) TSA / DHS (855) 347-8371 https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic
HazMat Screening TSA / DHS (855) 347-8371 https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/hazmat-endorsement
USDOT & Clearinghouse FMCSA (800) 832-5660 https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov
|