AR HB1569

Commercial motor vehicle operators in Arkansas must possess a valid commercial driver license issued by a U.S. state, territory, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico; licenses from foreign countries and nondomiciled permits are not valid

Holders of B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 visitor visas are prohibited from operating commercial motor vehicles in Arkansas, with violations resulting in vehicle impoundment and a $5,000 fine

Commercial motor vehicle operators must demonstrate English proficiency sufficient to read road signs, understand traffic devices, and communicate with emergency services; violations carry a $5,000 fine

Non-citizens operating commercial vehicles without a valid domestic CDL face a $5,000 fine and vehicle impoundment; causing bodily harm is a Class D felony with minimum 6 months imprisonment; causing death is a Class B felony with minimum 10 years imprisonment

Commercial motor carriers who negligently provide vehicles to ineligible operators face fines of $10,000; the bill includes an emergency clause for immediate effect upon approval