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 assess the eligibility of commercial driver license (CDL) and commercial learner permit (CLP) holders or applicants. The chief administrator must request this information for all individuals applying for 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 their CDL or CLP. Additionally, upon notification from the clearinghouse regarding a prohibition, 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 the FMCSA confirms that the driver has completed the return-to-duty process or if a violation was erroneously entered into the clearinghouse. Furthermore, it mandates that the chief administrator must request information from the clearinghouse for applicants renewing a hazardous material endorsement, and if an applicant is found to be prohibited, the renewal must be denied, and the CDL or CLP downgraded if necessary. 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.