Nebraska DMV Announces It Will Check National Clearinghouse Before Issuing Commercial Driver's Licenses

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, in compliance with federal regulations, announced it will check with the National Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse before issuing, renewing, updating or transferring commercial driver’s licenses from of November 18th.

“What this means is that they have already committed a violation, whether they had illegal drugs in their system during a random urine analysis or were pulled over for an alcohol violation,” said Matt Coatney, Administrator of the DMV Driver’s License Division from Nebraska. “So each of these violations carries a different type of service program, some drivers may be able to complete the program in a few weeks or some may take a long time.”

Coatney said this regulation will significantly impact many commercial drivers in Nebraska.

“We know of between 600 and 700 drivers in the Nebraska clearinghouse who would also have to submit demotion letters giving them 60 days to get a regular car license or to resolve their issue and get a return to duty status,” he said. Coatney.

This initiative aims to improve safety on highways.

“Anything that can help with road safety, especially in the commercial sector, is something everyone should be interested in,” Coatney said. “I think this will bring a lot more attention to the drug and alcohol clearinghouse because although it has been around for a few years, this is the first time it has really had teeth. Commercial driver’s licenses will now be withdrawn until drivers complete a proper return-to-duty program.”

The Nebraska DMV hopes federal regulations will promote safer roads throughout the state.

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