Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act

1/14/2025, 6:51 PM

Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act

This bill provides statutory authority for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to (1) designate an authorized operator for the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS), and (2) allow the operator to collect and use fees for the CDLIS. 

Under current law, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) must maintain an information system (i.e., the CDLIS) that serves as the clearinghouse and depository of information about the licensing, identification, and disqualification of operators of commercial vehicles. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) created the CDLIS and operates the system under an agreement with the FMCSA. Prior to October 1, 2023, AAMVA charged a user fee to states for the CDLIS. However, FMCSA directed AAMVA to suspend charging user fees to states for operation and maintenance of the system.

This bill modifies the fee system requirements to specify that DOT may authorize a qualified operator to (1) operate, maintain, develop, modernize, and enhance the CDLIS; (2) collect fees for the system on behalf of DOT; and (3) use the collected fees. In addition, fees collected must be credited to an appropriation account or an account designated by the authorized operator.

The bill also specifies that fees must be used to operate, maintain, develop, modernize, or enhance the CDLIS, including for related personnel and administration costs.

Further, under the bill, DOT may not be charged a fee for access to, use of, or data in the CDLIS. DOT must also have access to quarterly fee statements. 

Bill 118 s 3475, also known as the Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act, aims to enhance the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) in order to improve the safety and security of commercial truck drivers on the road.

The bill proposes several key provisions, including the requirement for states to update the CDLIS within one business day of receiving new information about a commercial driver, such as a traffic violation or license suspension. This real-time updating of the system will help ensure that accurate and up-to-date information is available to law enforcement agencies and employers who rely on the CDLIS to verify a driver’s qualifications.

Additionally, the bill calls for the implementation of a process to notify states when a commercial driver’s license is suspended or revoked in another state. This will help prevent drivers from continuing to operate commercial vehicles illegally after losing their license in one state. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to improve the sharing of information between states and federal agencies, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), to better track and monitor commercial drivers with a history of safety violations or other issues. Overall, the Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act aims to enhance the safety and security of commercial truck drivers and the general public by improving the accuracy and timeliness of information in the CDLIS.
Congress
118
Number
S - 3475
Introduced on
2023-12-12
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

9/25/2024
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Passed in Senate
To President
Signed by President

Purpose and Summary

Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act

This bill provides statutory authority for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to (1) designate an authorized operator for the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS), and (2) allow the operator to collect and use fees for the CDLIS. 

Under current law, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) must maintain an information system (i.e., the CDLIS) that serves as the clearinghouse and depository of information about the licensing, identification, and disqualification of operators of commercial vehicles. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) created the CDLIS and operates the system under an agreement with the FMCSA. Prior to October 1, 2023, AAMVA charged a user fee to states for the CDLIS. However, FMCSA directed AAMVA to suspend charging user fees to states for operation and maintenance of the system.

This bill modifies the fee system requirements to specify that DOT may authorize a qualified operator to (1) operate, maintain, develop, modernize, and enhance the CDLIS; (2) collect fees for the system on behalf of DOT; and (3) use the collected fees. In addition, fees collected must be credited to an appropriation account or an account designated by the authorized operator.

The bill also specifies that fees must be used to operate, maintain, develop, modernize, or enhance the CDLIS, including for related personnel and administration costs.

Further, under the bill, DOT may not be charged a fee for access to, use of, or data in the CDLIS. DOT must also have access to quarterly fee statements. 

Bill 118 s 3475, also known as the Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act, aims to enhance the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) in order to improve the safety and security of commercial truck drivers on the road.

The bill proposes several key provisions, including the requirement for states to update the CDLIS within one business day of receiving new information about a commercial driver, such as a traffic violation or license suspension. This real-time updating of the system will help ensure that accurate and up-to-date information is available to law enforcement agencies and employers who rely on the CDLIS to verify a driver’s qualifications.

Additionally, the bill calls for the implementation of a process to notify states when a commercial driver’s license is suspended or revoked in another state. This will help prevent drivers from continuing to operate commercial vehicles illegally after losing their license in one state. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to improve the sharing of information between states and federal agencies, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), to better track and monitor commercial drivers with a history of safety violations or other issues. Overall, the Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act aims to enhance the safety and security of commercial truck drivers and the general public by improving the accuracy and timeliness of information in the CDLIS.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to allow the Secretary of Transportation to designate an authorized operator of the commercial driver's license information system, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Transportation and Public Works
Potential Impact
Computers and information technology•
Licensing and registrations•
Motor carriers•
User charges and fees

Comments

APPROVED
CB
Charlie Boyle
@radish_holy_basil_ugli_fruit14387
Can't believe this bill is finally passing, about time! This will def make our roads safer, but what about the bigger issues at hand? What's next for our transportation system? #S3475 #CDLISAct

Recent Activity

Latest Summary12/9/2024

Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act

This bill provides statutory authority for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to (1) designate an authorized operator for the Commercial Driver's ...

Latest Action12/17/2024
Became Public Law No: 118-156.