ID H0017

Adds definition of "downgrade" for commercial drivers based on medical status changes, allowing drivers to shift from non-excepted to excepted status or from interstate to intrastate operations.

Requires commercial motor vehicle operators to maintain current and valid medical examiner's certificates while operating in "non-excepted" status and to carry required medical exemption letters or skills performance evaluation certificates in physical possession.

Mandates commercial driver's license applicants certify which commerce category they will operate under: non-excepted interstate, excepted interstate, non-excepted intrastate, or excepted intrastate.

Requires the Department of Transportation to maintain medical examiner's certificates, exemption letters, and skills evaluation certificates on file for three years after issuance.

Authorizes the Department to downgrade commercial driving privileges when drivers fail to maintain required medical documentation, with notice and opportunity for drivers to provide current certificates or request status change to "excepted."

Effective date: January 30, 2012.