The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recently announced that a new state law extends the validity period of a commercial learner's permit and helps address the issue of human trafficking through severe penalties levied on commercial drivers or those who wish to obtain a commercial driver's license.
"This law helps ensure commercial drivers have adequate time to prepare for their commercial driving test while also addressing punishment for a serious crime," said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian.
The law extends the validity period of a commercial learner's permit from 180 days to one year. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently changed regulations to allow a jurisdiction the choice of the 180-day commercial learner's permit with an additional 180-day extension or a one-year commercial learner's permit. A PennDOT statement said the one-year permit is more convenient for customers, giving them more time to prepare for their skills test. Additionally, a longer validity period means that fewer customers will need to extend their permits, which will help decrease customer traffic in driver license centers. This section of the law became effective May 23.
The law also updates requirements and restrictions for CDL holders, including reporting requirements for convictions and violations. One of these changes disqualifies an individual from operating a commercial motor vehicle for life if they are convicted of using a commercial motor vehicle to commit certain forms of severe human trafficking. This section of the law became effective May 25.
