Bill > SB164

This bill mandates that all individuals holding a commercial driver license (CDL) in South Dakota must demonstrate proficiency in the English language, aligning with federal regulations like 49 C.F.R. § 391.11. This requirement will be assessed during the application process, potentially through administering knowledge and skills tests in English, and the state's Department of Public Safety will establish rules to ensure this proficiency is met. Furthermore, if a commercial driver is involved in a traffic incident or receives a citation, law enforcement officers will be empowered to assess their English language skills; if found lacking, the driver can be cited for violating the English proficiency requirement, facing a Class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 1 misdemeanor for subsequent offenses, and may be placed out of service. A CDL is a license that permits an individual to operate large, heavy, or hazardous vehicles, and proficiency in English is considered crucial for safe operation and communication with authorities.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/27154