Regulatory
New TOP Procedure Information
Download the TOP Information Sheet prepared by David Helton, FDHSMV. This handy reference guide gives you scenario-based information on how the new TOP process affects you.
September 1, 2011
Temporary Operational Permits (TOPs) issued in Florida
Download the TOP Information Sheet prepared by David Helton, FDHSMV. This handy reference guide gives you scenario-based information on how the new TOP process affects you.
Advisory Number: MCS11-01, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV
Effective October 1, 2011, Temporary Operational Permits will no longer be available for issuance in Tax Collector offices. The Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services (CVDS) initiated a Quality Review Process related to TOPs in 2008 and since that time has reviewed the issuance of TOPs to evaluate the effectiveness of the process and to determine the level of compliance with the International Registration Plan (IRP), Department procedures and Florida Statutes. As TOPs authorize interstate travel of commercial motor vehicles, it is crucial that they be issued in accordance with established procedures in order to maintain Florida’s compliance with the IRP requirements and to avoid motor carriers being subjected to serious penalties.
DHSMV review has continued to disclose numerous instances where motor carriers have been issued multiple TOPs, which have allowed them to operate in Florida and other jurisdictions without paying the required registration fees. It was also noted, during a recent Peer Review conducted by the International Registration Plan, that Florida lacked the necessary controls to ensure the registration fees for all jurisdictions reflected on the TOPs were being collected consistently and in a timely manner.
After the implementation of this process change, motor carriers who would have previously been issued a TOP at the time the vehicle is being titled may be issued a regular Temporary Tag which will allow them to operate in Florida. If the carrier needs to operate outside of Florida prior to obtaining their IRP credentials, they can obtain a Trip Permit for the jurisdictions they need to travel in through the wire services contracted with the department.
Transactions establishing new IRP accounts should be processed at the CVDS Walk-in office in the Neil Kirkman Building or via the mail through the Bureau. Applications that are accurately and completely filled out and contain all applicable supporting documents are usually processed within 3 to 5 business days. Motor carriers will continue to have the ability to process other IRP transactions, such as renewals, add vehicles, replacement cab cards, etc., along with printing their own cab cards, by utilizing our online system.
If you have any questions concerning this technical advisory, please call the Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services at (850) 617-3711.
CDL Requirements/Testing Procedures
As of September 30, the Florida Cabinet approved the adoption of the Proposed Rule 15A-7, to change a number of the requirements and definitions related to Commercial Drivers License testing. These changes were a result of federal and state legislation over the last few years, and were made to conform to those legislative mandates. The details of the changes can be found by clicking here.
Heavy Duty Vehicle Idling Reduction
As of December 15, 2008, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s recently adopted idle reduction rule went into effect. There are specific exemptions to this rule, and all of the details can be found here.