The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to extend the time for the renewal and restoration of expired or downgraded commercial driver's licenses. Specifically, it allows individuals whose commercial driver's licenses have been downgraded solely due to an expired or invalid medical certification to restore their licenses without undergoing the full initial issuance procedures, provided they present a valid and current medical certification within five years of the downgrade. This change aims to streamline the process for drivers who may have faced temporary medical issues but are otherwise qualified to operate commercial vehicles.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the expiration rules for commercial driver's licenses, stating that licenses issued to individuals over 21 will expire on their birthday in years divisible by five, while those under 21 will expire 30 days after their 21st birthday. It also maintains that licenses held by active military personnel remain valid for 30 days after they return to West Virginia. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining valid medical certifications for commercial drivers and outlines the necessary steps for obtaining or retaining hazardous materials endorsements, including background checks and compliance with federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17E-1-12
Committee Substitute: 17E-1-12
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 17E-1-12