The AAMVA
Conviction/Withdrawal
Code Dictionary (ACD)

The ACD Codes — A Key Component to Understanding Driving Records

When viewing state MVRs one can readily see that each state has unique conviction reporting language and codes inherent to their motor vehicle statutes and specific violation language. State must communicate with one another and with the National Driver Register (NDR) regarding commercial drivers, problem drivers, and out-of state actions, although to varying extent. The question is—how do states know what the conviction codes from other states mean and how do they translate this information into their own language and code set?

The answer is the states utilize the AAMVA Code Dictionary (ACD) as a translation table.

The AAMVA Code Dictionary (ACD) is a translation table used to exchange conviction and withdrawal information between the states’ driver licensing authorities. The AAMVA Code Dictionary (ACD) is copyrighted by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).

A primary function of the ACD is to enable the state to use the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) to exchange convictions and withdrawals. Other applications, such as the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS), use these codes as well.  Also, many states use the ACD to indicate out-of-state convictions on driving records. 

In 2005, AAMVA published the ACD Release 2.1.0 (known as the “revised code set”) in which AAMVA culled ACD codes that did not map to traffic safety violations or federal mandates.  45% of the 393 individual ACD Codes were modified or deleted. This revised code set also included the changes required to implement the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA) of 1999 and the Driver License Agreement (DLA).  

The most recent version is Release 5.0.0 with an effective date of Septermber 1, 2013. (see below)

ACD Codes Affect Today’s Driving Records

Thus in practice, the ACD Code System is used to exchange conviction and withdrawal information between the states' driver licensing authorities. But many states have adopted some or all of the codes into their own code system. Thus many states show ACD Codes on their driving records. So, knowing what a specific ACD Code means can be a helpful indication of what a state's lingo for an MVR conviction or action means. Plus the knowledge of what a specific ACD Code means can be a very helpful indication when deciphering the meaning of a conviction or withdrawal action.

The Major Changes in ACD Release 5.0.0

In February 2013, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), the copyrighted owner of the AAMVA Code Dictionary (ACD), released the newest version: ACD Release 5.0.0. This version has extensive changes which will take effect on September 1, 2003.

(Reprinted with Permission of AAMVA - Copyright 2013)

Additions

•  D30 (Misrepresentation of identity or other facts on application, including required self-certifications, for CLP or CDL) to satisfy the provisions of 49 CFR §383.73(j); included in ‘Falsify Offenses’ in Appendix C
• D31 (Fraud related to the issuance of a CLP or CDL) to satisfy the provisions of 49 CFR §383.73(k)(1); included in ‘Falsify Offenses’ in Appendix C
•  W27 (Failure to make an appointment within 30 days of receiving notification that re-testing is necessary [when fraud is suspected]) to satisfy the provisions of  49 CFR §383.73(k)(2)
• W28 (Failure to retest or failure of scheduled test(s) [when fraud is suspected]) to satisfy the provisions of 49 CFR §383.73(k)(2)
• W82 (Failure to surrender license or permit when directed by jurisdiction)
• Notes on usage of these ACD codes included in section 3.2.5

 Revisions

·         With the publication of the final permit rule (Commercial Driver’s License Testing and Commercial Learner’s Permit Standards) on May 9, 2011, 49 CFR §384.209(a) now reads:

“Required notification with respect to CLP or CDL holders. Whenever a person who holds a CLP or CDL from another State is convicted of a violation of any State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than parking, vehicle weight or vehicle defect violations), in any type of vehicle, the licensing entity of the State in which the conviction occurs must notify the licensing entity in the State where the driver is licensed of this conviction within the time period established in paragraph (c) of this section.”

·         The phrase ‘vehicle weight or vehicle defect’ was added.  Because of this change, the following ACD codes are being retired (references throughout the document removed):

o        E31 (Defective brakes)

o        E33 (Defective hazmat safety devices)

o        E34 (Defective lights)

o        E36 (Defective school bus equipment)

o        E37 (Defective tires)

o        F66 (Unsafe condition of vehicle)

Jurisdictions may continue to use these codes but they must not be transmitted in any CDLIS or PDPS messages (exception:  retired ACD codes can be sent for negations of convictions or withdrawals).

·         Included CLP holders where penalties for CDL holders are stated throughout the document

o        Exceptions: the final permit rule modified the header material to the tables in 49 CFR §383.51 to include the CLP, the entry in the first column did not.  The following ACD codes are not applicable to drivers with a CLP and no CDL:

§         B20- B26 (‘Driving a CMV when, as a result of prior violations committed operating a CMV, the driver’s CDL is revoked, suspended, or canceled, or the driver is disqualified from operating a CMV.’)

§         B56 (‘Driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL’)

§         B57 (‘Driving a CMV without a CDL in the driver’s possession’)

§         B91 (‘Driving a CMV without the proper class of CDL and/or endorsements for the specific vehicle group being operated or for the passengers or type of cargo being transported.’)

NOTE:  FMCSA requires a change to the federal regulations rather than just an interpretation to make these offenses applicable to CLP holders who do not have a CDL; once this is done, CLP holders will be subject to same sanctions related to these ACD codes as CDL holders.

·         Revised the definition of the B51 to ‘Expired or no non-commercial driver license or permit’

·         Modified the definition of the D02 to ‘Misrepresentation of identity or other facts on application, including required self-certifications, for non-commercial permit or license’; this is to differentiate it from the new D30  (Misrepresentation of identity or other facts on application, including required self-certifications, for CLP or CDL) which has a federally-mandated minimum withdrawal period of 60 days

·         Guidance on setting the CDL Holder Indicator modified to include CLP holders in section 2.4

·         M86 (Using a Hand-held Mobile Telephone While Driving) – description changed to ‘Violating Prohibitions on Using a Hand-held Mobile Telephone While Driving’

·         With the publication of the final cellular phone rule (Drivers of CMVs: Restricting the Use of Cellular Phones) on December 2, 2011, the M86 (Violating Prohibitions on Using a Hand-held Mobile Telephone While Driving) is now a serious traffic violation in Table 2 to 49 CFR §383.51(c)

·         Added ‘B57’ (Driving a CMV without a CDL in the driver’s possession) to Table 3 (Rules for Setting the Hazmat Indicator for Conviction ACD Codes Requiring the CMV Indicator = ‘1)

·         Updated citations to federal regulations because of changes to paragraph numbering in the final permit rule (Commercial Driver’s License Testing and Commercial Learner’s Permit Standards issued May 9, 2011)

·         Updated definitions of the following ACD codes to indicate that they must have occurred while operating a motor vehicle

o        A35 (Possession of open alcohol container)

o       U02 (Resisting arrest)