This bill requires the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to utilize information from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) drug and alcohol clearinghouse to verify the eligibility of individuals applying for or holding a commercial driver license (CDL) or commercial learners permit (CLP). The chief administrator must request information from the clearinghouse for all applicants seeking an initial, renewal, transfer, or upgrade of a CDL or CLP. If an applicant is found to be prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle, the chief administrator is mandated to deny the issuance, renewal, transfer, or upgrade of the CDL or CLP. Additionally, if a current CDL or CLP holder is reported as prohibited, the chief administrator must downgrade the license or permit and record this action in the Commercial Driver License Information System within 60 days.

The bill also includes provisions for reinstating a driver's CDL or CLP privileges if they successfully complete the return-to-duty process or if an erroneous violation is identified in the clearinghouse. Upon receiving notification of such an error, the chief administrator is required to reinstate the driver's privileges and remove any downgrade from their record. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the chief administrator obtain information from the clearinghouse for applicants renewing hazardous material endorsements, ensuring that any prohibited applicants are denied renewal and that downgrades are applied as necessary. This legislation aims to align New Jersey's regulations with federal law updates, thereby enhancing the integrity of the commercial licensing process.