HB479 Summary

• Permits Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to issue Class A commercial driver licenses to applicants aged 18-20 years old who are otherwise qualified, limited to intrastate commerce only.

• Restricts Class A CDL holders under 21 from obtaining Hazmat or passenger endorsements and prohibits operation of oversized or specially configured loads requiring Alabama Department of Transportation permitting.

• Requires all applicants to comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations at 49 CFR 380, Subparts E, F, and G, and Parts 382-397, and all state and federal safety laws.

• Provides that if federal law is amended to permit under-21 drivers to operate in interstate commerce, Alabama shall promulgate necessary rules and regulations to allow such interstate travel.

• Becomes effective February 7, 2020, with a fiscal impact determination of less than $50,000 annually.