BOP Program Statement 1614.01 § 15

a. Licensing. For purposes of licensing, there are three categories of drivers: staff drivers,

staff incidental drivers, and inmate drivers (with or without CDL).

 Staff Drivers – Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Staff drivers who operate a

commercial motor vehicle on or off institution grounds must:

 Have a valid Commercial Driver’s License and meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety

Administration Commercial Driver’s License Standards.

 Carry Bureau identification when operating a vehicle on official business.

 Staff Incidental Drivers. Staff drivers who operate a vehicle on or off institution

grounds which does not require a CDL must:

 Have a valid state license for the type of vehicle being operated.

 Carry Bureau identification when operating a vehicle on official business.

 Inmate Drivers – Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Inmate drivers who operate a

commercial motor vehicle on or off institution grounds must have a valid Commercial

Driver’s License and meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Commercial

Driver’s License Standards. Inmate drivers – CDL are also subject to the applicable

permit requirements below. There are no exceptions to the requirement that inmate

drivers have a valid CDL license.

 Inmate Drivers. Inmate drivers who operate motor vehicles on or off institution grounds

must have a valid state-issued driver’s license for the class of vehicle being operated.

Inmate drivers who operate non-road equipment must be properly trained to operate that

equipment. Inmates whose driving privileges were suspended prior to their incarceration,

or as a result of the crimes for which they are currently incarcerated, may not operate a

motor vehicle. Inmate drivers who operate vehicles or equipment on or off institution

grounds must be issued an inmate driver/operator permit from the local institution

Facilities Department. The permit, issued by the garage foreman, must identify the

specific vehicle(s) or equipment (including off road equipment) the inmate is authorized

to operate.

 Permits for inmate drivers who operate vehicles or equipment off institution grounds

must contain the following statement in the “Restrictions” section: “The bearer is a

Federal Prisoner of the [Institution]. In case of emergency call [Institution Phone].”

 Inmates participating in educational or reentry programs which involve driving

vehicles must comply with state driving regulations.

1614.01 6/22/2026 PROPERTY OF US GOVERNMENT 17

b. Seat belt use. Personnel on official business must fasten seat belts when a vehicle is in

motion. Seat belts must be worn by occupants of vehicles used on official business, except

passengers on buses.

c. Distracted driving. Drivers must follow all state distracted driver laws. Regardless of state

law, personnel must not engage in text messaging when driving a vehicle on official Government

business.