This bill mandates that all tests for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in New Hampshire be administered exclusively in English, prohibiting the use of interpreters during both the knowledge and skills tests. The legislation codifies a federal requirement that aligns with this policy and extends it to the knowledge test as well. Additionally, it requires individuals who obtained their CDL within the past five years using a language other than English or with interpreter assistance to retake these tests in English without interpreter support. The Department of Safety is tasked with adopting rules to implement these requirements and must notify affected licensees, providing them an opportunity for a hearing.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for individuals who have taken the tests in a non-English language, allowing them a 90-day period to retake the necessary examinations in English. If they pass, their licenses will be renewed without application fees, while failure to comply within the specified timeframe will result in license revocation. The bill also introduces a new paragraph in RSA 263:98 to formalize the testing requirements and clarifies that federally mandated exemptions for interpreter use remain in effect. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days post-passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 263:87
As Amended by the House: 263:87, 263:98
HB1252 text: 263:87