Senate Bill 492 amends Tennessee law regarding commercial driver licenses by introducing new requirements related to English language proficiency. Specifically, it adds a provision stating that a driver must be able to read and speak English sufficiently to communicate with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to inquiries, and complete necessary reports. If a driver is found unable to meet these standards, their commercial driver license will be suspended until they can demonstrate proficiency through a test administered by the Department of Safety. The bill also stipulates that employers will be liable for any fines or fees resulting from the suspension or reinstatement of a driver's license.

Additionally, the bill establishes that if an enforcement officer determines a driver cannot read or speak English adequately during a safety inspection, they must issue an out-of-service order, preventing the vehicle from being operated until a qualified substitute driver is present. A violation of this requirement is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, with penalties directed at the employer rather than the driver. The bill outlines specific exemptions for drivers who can read and write in English but may not speak it sufficiently, provided they have documentation of a hearing standard exemption. The act will take effect upon becoming law for rule promulgation and testing development, while other provisions will be effective starting January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-50-403, 55-50-405, 65-15-111