S723 - DOT Proposed Legislative Changes

• Increases the threshold for local consultation on transportation projects from $150,000 to $250,000, requiring the Department to notify affected municipalities and counties for projects exceeding the new amount.

• Authorizes the Department of Transportation to allow broadband, fiber optic, and communications infrastructure in highway rights-of-way and permits the Department to charge a one-time administrative fee for reviewing encroachment applications.

• Allows North Carolina Turnpike Authority to send toll bills via electronic mail instead of first-class mail with the vehicle owner's written consent.

• Makes multiple changes to commercial driver's license requirements, including reducing commercial learner's permit validity to 180 days, establishing stricter disqualification periods for out-of-service order violations, and creating a medical waiver for intrastate commercial drivers who don't meet federal medical standards.

• Extends temporary driving certificate validity from 20 to 60 days, allows electronic notice from the Division of Motor Vehicles with customer consent, and repeals requirements for vehicle registration card signatures and off-road cycling records maintenance.