Pennsylvania bill allows CDL reinstatement under new rehabilitation conditions

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives' Transportation Committee met on April 22, 2025, to discuss a significant bill concerning the reinstatement of Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) for individuals facing lifetime disqualifications. This legislation aims to provide a pathway for those disqualified due to serious offenses, including DUI and other driving-related crimes, to regain their driving privileges under specific conditions.

Currently, individuals lose their CDL for life if they are convicted of two or more disqualifying offenses, which can include DUI, refusing a chemical test, or causing a fatal accident through negligent driving. The proposed bill aligns with federal regulations that permit states to establish CDL reinstatement programs.

Under the new bill, individuals seeking reinstatement must meet several requirements set by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). These include completing a rehabilitation program if the disqualification was due to DUI or a chemical test refusal, finishing an approved driver improvement course, paying a restoration fee, and adhering to all federal and state CDL regulations. Additionally, applicants must not have any disqualifying convictions in the past ten years. Notably, those convicted of using a commercial vehicle for felonies related to controlled substances or human trafficking will remain ineligible for reinstatement.

The bill also stipulates that individuals who are reinstated but later convicted of any disqualifying offense will face a permanent lifetime disqualification from holding a CDL. This legislation was previously approved unanimously by the committee and passed the House with a vote of 155 to 48.

The committee's discussions highlight a significant shift in policy that could impact many individuals seeking to regain their driving privileges while emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and compliance with legal standards.