This bill amends the Arkansas Motor Carrier Act of 1955 to establish a requirement for operators of commercial motor vehicles to possess sufficient proficiency in the English language. The new section, designated as 23-13-266, outlines that a person commits an offense if they operate a commercial motor vehicle and are unable to read or speak English well enough to engage with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to official inquiries, and complete necessary reports and records.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that operating a commercial motor vehicle without the required English language proficiency will be considered a violation, subject to fines as specified under section 23-13-257. This legislative change aims to enhance safety and communication on the roads by ensuring that commercial drivers can effectively understand and respond to their environment.