Governor Signs Hoffman and Secretary of State Plan to Improve Commercial Driver Safety

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – A proposal passed by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, that will update commercial driving restrictions due to drug and alcohol failures, encourage safer procedures around railroad crossings and extend the validity of commercial learner’s permits (CLP) was signed into law Friday by the governor.

“By responsibly updating and clarifying existing commercial vehicle rules, we’re taking the necessary steps to make our roads safer for everyone,” Hoffman said. “Particularly around railroad crossings, it’s critical that everyone involved is properly trained and understands the steps necessary to avoid stalling, collisions and other issues.”

Hoffman partnered with the Secretary of State to introduce and pass House Bill 3149 which targets commercial vehicle safety in multiple ways, including:

• Restricting those who have violated the drug and alcohol provisions of federal regulation 49 CFR 382 from performing safety-sensitive functions until they meet return-to-duty requirements and have their commercial driver’s license (CDL) or CLP reinstated. 49 CFR 382 outlines the requirements for drug and alcohol testing, and establishes procedures for the test of drivers – including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and return-to-duty testing.
• Further clarifying commercial motor vehicles must exercise appropriate caution when approaching a railroad crossing, including stopping not less than 15 feet in front of a crossing. Certain vehicles, including school buses, commercial vehicles carrying passengers for hire and vehicles carrying hazardous materials must stop before crossing. No vehicles are allowed to block the railway crossing.
• Extending the validity of CLPs from 180 days to one year, as well as additional administrative changes.

“I appreciate the advocacy on this topic from the Secretary of State, and look forward to partnering with him on other priorities that can improve road safety for all travelers,” Hoffman said. “We must also continue to further develop our infrastructure so that our roads in the Metro East are safe, reliable and able to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.”

House Bill 3149 received bipartisan support and passed the General Assembly without opposition. For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.