NHTSA issues new driver license requirements

Aug. 4, 2005
Before issuing or renewing a motor vehicle operator's license, states must verify an individual's eligibility to receive a license through informational checks of both the National Driver Register (NDR) and the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS), according to information published in the Federal Register July 29.

Before issuing or renewing a motor vehicle operator's license, states must verify an individual's eligibility to receive a license through informational checks of both the National Driver Register (NDR) and the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS), according to information published in the Federal Register July 29.

The final rule from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) amends NDR regulations to reflect a statutory change.

The final rule clarifies that pointer records reported to the NDR must only regard individuals who have been convicted or whose license has been denied, canceled, revoked, or suspended for one of the offenses identified in the Appendix.

In addition, the final rule adds a definition for the term "employers or prospective employers of motor vehicle operators" to include only those persons who hire individuals to operate motor vehicles on a regular basis during the normal course of their employment.

An employer that hired an individual to make regular business deliveries would be covered under this definition, whereas an employer that allowed an employee to use a company-owned vehicle or to rent a vehicle (and receive reimbursement) to attend a business conference or take an occasional business trip would not be covered.

The rule (23 CFR Part 1327) becomes effective September 27, 2005.

To see the information in the Federal Register, click here.

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