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 commercial driver license (CDL) and commercial learners permit (CLP) holders or applicants. The chief administrator must request this information for all initial, renewal, transfer, or upgrade applications for CDLs and CLPs. 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 notified of a prohibition, the administrator must downgrade the license or permit within 60 days.

The bill also includes provisions for reinstating CDL or CLP privileges if the FMCSA confirms that a driver has completed the return-to-duty process or if a violation was erroneously recorded in the clearinghouse. Furthermore, the chief administrator is required to obtain information from the clearinghouse for applicants renewing hazardous material endorsements, and must deny renewal and downgrade the CDL or CLP if the applicant is found to be prohibited. This legislation aims to align New Jersey's regulations with federal law updates, thereby enhancing the integrity of the licensing process and ensuring that drivers are not unfairly penalized for mistakes in the clearinghouse.