The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish a new section, 17A-2-10b, which directs the Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles to enter into reciprocal agreements with designated foreign countries, specifically the Republic of Ireland and Japan, for the recognition of valid foreign drivers' licenses. Under these agreements, citizens of these countries who possess valid drivers' licenses and are lawfully present in the U.S. can operate vehicles in West Virginia without needing to obtain a West Virginia drivers' license. The bill also mandates compliance with the state's financial responsibility laws and clarifies that foreign citizens with recognized drivers' licenses are not authorized to register to vote in West Virginia.

Additionally, the bill amends section 3-2-11 regarding voter registration in conjunction with driver licensing. It specifies that the Division of Motor Vehicles must obtain various information from applicants, including their citizenship status and political party affiliation, and must forward this information to the Secretary of State unless the applicant declines to register to vote. The bill also allows the Commissioner to set fees for the recognition of foreign drivers' licenses and requires the establishment of rules for implementing these provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17B-2-7
Committee Substitute: 17B-2-7
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 17B-2-7
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 3-2-11, 17A-2-10b