This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to facilitate the reinstatement of commercial driving privileges for individuals whose licenses have been downgraded, suspended, or rendered inactive due to a lapse in medical certification. It introduces a ten-year grace period during which eligible individuals can have their commercial driving privileges reinstated without the need to retake written or skills examinations, provided they submit proof of a valid medical examiner's certificate and hold a valid non-commercial driver's license at the time of application. A new definition for "medical certification lapse" is also established, clarifying that it pertains to the expiration or invalidation of a commercial driver's license solely due to the failure to maintain a current medical examiner's certificate.

The bill aims to address workforce shortages in the commercial transportation industry by allowing experienced drivers sidelined due to administrative issues to return to work efficiently. It emphasizes the importance of public safety by ensuring compliance with current medical fitness standards and federal disqualification requirements. The Division of Motor Vehicles is responsible for implementing the bill's provisions and proposing legislative rules for its administration. In cases where the bill conflicts with federal law or regulation, the Division is required to enforce the remaining provisions to the fullest extent permitted.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17E-1-3, 17E-1-14b