TSA to Move Hazmat-Driver Fingerprint Deadline

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he Transportation Security Administration announced it was delaying until May 31 its requirement for states to conduct fingerprint-based background checks for drivers renewing or transferring their hazardous-materials endorsements.

The move was anticipated by industry leaders, who told Transport Topics earlier this month they thought a delay from the previous Jan. 31 deadline was imminent for the large numbers of current hazmat-certified drivers.

Also as expected, TSA said it would keep to the Jan. 31 deadline for starting fingerprint checks of new applicants for authority to haul those materials.

“Under this exemption,” the agency said in a special regulatory notice, “processing of security threat assessments for transfers and renewal of hazardous materials endorsements may begin March 31, 2005, and become effective May 31, 2005. TSA is not exempting new [applicants] from the effective date of Jan. 31.”

For the full story, see the Nov. 22 edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.