Page 21 - DDS Newsletter the Scoop June 2017

UNDER THE GOLD DOME

By Mike Mitchell

Great news on the legislative front! Governor Deal has signed two bills into law that will have long-term positive impacts
on DDS operations.

The first bill is HB 136, our agency legislation for 2017. It was signed into law on May 1, 2017, and--with the exception of
Sections 1 and 5—HB 136 becomes effective July 1, 2017.

HB 136

• Sections 1 and 5 (Effective July 1, 2018): Gives DDS the legal authority to let customers keep their old driver’s
license, permit, or identification card when they are issued a new Georgia license, permit, or identification card
or when they have their Georgia driver’s license, permit, or identification card renewed or replaced.

• DDS will be required to physically mark the old permit or card in some way (TBD) that makes it apparent
the old permit or card is no longer valid.

• In most cases, instead of an interim paper license, a receipt will be issued to customers for driving
purposes or proof of issuance until their permanent permit or card arrives in the mail--much like the
receipt customers can print now when they renew or replace a permit or card online using DDS Online
Services.

• Section 2 (Effective July 1, 2017): Issuance of “blind parent permits” (Class CP with Z restriction) no longer
conditioned upon a blind or visually impaired parent or guardian having previously held a driver’s license.

• Section 2A (Effective July 1, 2017): Adds three-wheel motor vehicles controlled by a steering wheel (i.e. auto-
cycles) to the types of vehicles persons may operate with a regular Class C driver’s license.

• Distinguishes that a Class M (motorcycle) driver’s license is required for operation of any three-wheel
motor vehicle controlled by handlebars.

• Section 3 (Effective July 1, 2017): Aligns the fee for an 8-year term commercial driver’s license (CDL) with the
fee for an 8-year term non-CDL ($32).

• Section 4 (Effective July 1, 2017): Clarifies that convictions that affect a person’s commercial driving privileges
are to be considered by DDS, regardless of when the case was disposed of and when the conviction is reported
by the court to DDS.

• Section 6 (Effective July 1, 2017): Clarifies that the fee for an 8-year term identification card is $32 (not $35).

• Section 6A (Effective July 1, 2017): Distinguishes that a motorcycle is a motor vehicle controlled by handlebars
with a seat that the driver must sit astride with one leg on either side of the vehicle.

• Section 7 (Effective July 1, 2017): Authorizes DDS to contract with a debt collection agency or attorney in order
to collect delinquent fees owed the department in cases where the suspension or cancellation of a driver’s
license or driving privileges is not an option (i.e. non-residents who have delinquent Super Speeder fees).

The second bill is SB 176, one of three bills this year recommended by the Governor’s Council on Criminal Justice
Reform. It was signed into law on May 9, 2017 and becomes effective July 1, 2017.