What's happening
This bill lowers the minimum age for obtaining a class A commercial driver’s license in New York from 21 to 18.
Why it matters
Expands career opportunities for young adults. By allowing 18- to 20-year-olds to obtain a Class A commercial driver’s license, the bill could help those not attending college enter a well-paying field sooner, potentially addressing youth unemployment or underemployment.
Potential to ease driver shortages. The commercial trucking industry frequently reports driver shortages; lowering the age restriction could increase the pool of eligible drivers, helping businesses fill vacancies and improving supply chain reliability.
Raises safety and training considerations. Allowing younger, less-experienced drivers to operate large commercial vehicles may raise concerns about road safety, prompting possible changes in training requirements, insurance policies, and oversight to mitigate risks.
Economic implications for the state. With more young drivers eligible for commercial licenses, the state could see increased revenue from licensing fees, while transportation-dependent industries (like logistics, retail, and agriculture) might benefit from improved labor access and reduced shipping delays.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Raise License Age Requirements
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6019
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
May 16, 2019
Introduced by Sen. KENNEDY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requirements for licensing
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subdivision 2 of section 502 of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by chapter 520 of the laws of 1991, are amended to read as follows:
(a) An applicant for a [class A license or for a] commercial driver's license which contains an H or an X endorsement or which is valid for operation in interstate commerce shall be at least twenty-one years of age.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this subdivision an applicant for a class A, B, C or E license shall be at least eighteen years of age.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD09711-02-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requirements for licensing
Purpose
To allow qualified and trained drivers 18 to 20 to operate commercial vehicles
Summary of provisions
Section 1 amends the section 502 of the vehicle and traffic law to allow drivers 18 to 20 years of age to apply for a commercial drivers license
Section 2 provides the effective date.
Justification
In recent years, New York's trucking industry has struggled to recruit commercial drivers to supply the state's trucking companies. The driver shortage affects the entire economy, as over 68% of all freight is moved on U.S. highways. The American Trucking Association estimates that the industry is short at least 50,000 drivers, and that number is expected to climb as older drivers retire.
This legislation would enable individuals between the ages of 18 and 20 to train and become certificated to operate commercial vehicles. There are currently 48 other states that allow 18 to 20 year olds to drive commercial vehicles. This program would allow New York State to remain competitive and give opportunities to those New Yorker's looking for employment.
Legislative history
New bill
Fiscal implications
None
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.