HB 5587 requires school buses to have cameras that automatically send footage of drivers illegally passing stopped buses directly to law enforcement for ticketing. It applies to drivers who violate school bus stop laws (e.g., passing when flashing lights are active), which currently carry fines and license suspensions. The bill adds a new enforcement mechanism: camera footage is transmitted directly to police without manual reporting, streamlining the process for issuing citations. This directly affects drivers who fail to stop for school buses, with penalties ranging from $500 fines for first offenses to jail time for repeat or severe violations causing injury or death.
HB 5455 directs all mandatory fees from special license plates in West Virginia to the State Road Fund for road maintenance. It adds a voluntary donation option at registration or renewal, allowing drivers to contribute to programs related to their plate's theme (e.g., military, education, or environmental causes). Donations must be clearly marked as optional, separate from fees, and distributed only to the designated program. The bill requires the DMV to disclose these details to applicants and report annual fee and donation totals to the legislature. This affects all drivers purchasing special license plates and ensures road funding remains primary while offering optional support for themed causes.
HB 4441 requires anyone applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL) in West Virginia to be able to read and speak English. This applies specifically to new CDL applicants seeking a license in the state. The bill amends existing law (§17E-1-9) to explicitly add this language requirement alongside other existing standards like passing knowledge/skills tests and meeting federal regulations. It does not affect current CDL holders or change other existing qualifications for obtaining a CDL.
West Virginia's SB 499 requires toxicology tests for drivers involved in any vehicle crash that results in death. The bill mandates these tests be performed "as soon as possible" after a fatal accident, directly affecting drivers in such crashes. It amends existing law (§17C-4-1) to add this requirement, specifying that testing applies to all drivers involved in fatal collisions. The bill, named "Erin’s Law," does not change penalties for hit-and-run offenses but adds this testing mandate as a new procedural step. This is a concrete policy change focused on gathering evidence in fatal crash investigations.
SB 482 creates West Virginia's Driver Safety Modernization Act to improve road safety by establishing a system for reviewing drivers whose medical conditions, age, or behavior may affect driving ability. It requires periodic medical certification for certain drivers (not solely based on age), creates a medical review unit for fair assessments, and mandates reporting of wrong-way driving incidents. The bill also provides immunity for doctors reporting medical concerns, offers senior driver safety courses and mobility planning resources, and requires the state to review highway interchanges where wrong-way crashes occurred. This law directly affects drivers over a certain age, medical professionals, law enforcement, and the Division of Motor Vehicles.
HB 4723 prohibits operating vehicles with a front or rear fender raised four or more inches higher than the other side ("squatted" vehicles) on West Virginia roads starting July 1, 2026. It directly affects drivers who modify their vehicle suspensions in this manner. For the first six months after the effective date, law enforcement may issue only warning citations; after January 1, 2027, violations carry escalating penalties: $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $300 plus a one-year license suspension for a third offense. The bill defines "squatted" vehicles specifically and establishes clear enforcement timelines.
Senate Bill 692 would amend West Virginia law to authorize the use of green flashing warning lights on Division of Highways (DOH) vehicles. Currently, the law restricts light colors (blue for police, red for emergency vehicles, yellow/amber for others), but this bill adds green as a permitted color specifically for DOH vehicles. The Commissioner of the Division of Highways would have discretion to use these green lights on DOH vehicles and equipment. This change directly affects DOH road maintenance, construction, and emergency response vehicles operating on West Virginia highways.
HB 4718, the Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act, requires nonresident commercial truck drivers operating in West Virginia to present a valid work visa and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport) while driving. It also mandates that drivers demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to communicate with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to officials, and complete required records. Commercial motor carriers face $3,000 fines per violation if their drivers fail to meet these requirements, while drivers operating without compliance risk a misdemeanor charge with fines up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail. The bill additionally allows the state to adopt the FMCSA's Even Exchange Program, waiving skills tests for military drivers with relevant experience and certain first responders.
SB 136 requires healthcare providers (including doctors, nurses, and clinic staff) to report to West Virginia's DMV within 10 days when they diagnose a person over 15 with a mental or physical condition affecting driving safety. The law mandates that these reports include the individual's full name, date of birth, and address, and are kept confidential for the sole purpose of assessing driver medical competency. The DMV must use these reports to determine whether a license holder meets safety standards, but the information cannot be used in court trials except for incompetence proceedings. This bill, named "McKayla, Miranda, and Philip's Law," becomes effective July 1, 2026.
West Virginia's SB 558 strengthens penalties for drivers who pass a stopped school bus with activated stop arms and red lights while children are boarding or exiting. It creates new aggravated offenses: causing serious injury becomes a felony with 1-3 years in jail and $2,000-$5,000 fines, while causing death becomes a felony with 1-10 years in jail and $5,000-$10,000 fines. Repeat violations now trigger mandatory jail time (48 hours for third offenses), longer license suspensions (up to one year), and require completion of a driver safety course. The bill also allows civil stop-arm camera enforcement, holds vehicle owners liable for violations, and dedicates collected fines to school bus safety initiatives.
