Massachusetts truckers got a late holiday present with the passing of a new bill just as 2024 closed out. This move by state lawmakers has potentially saved hundreds of CDL holders from losing their jobs.

The background: Last August, the Massachusetts RMV told nearly 500 CDL holders they were at risk of losing their licenses. The threat concerned old infractions, some dating back decades, that drivers thought were long settled.

• The targeted violations included offenses like OUI or refusing a breathalyzer.
• Many drivers, despite years of clean records, faced sudden livelihood threats based on these old charges.

What changed: Lawmakers fast-tracked a bill on December 31, stopping the RMV from disqualifying drivers for life if the offenses are more than two or just too old, reported WCVB.

• Offenses before 2005 will no longer be considered by the RMV.
• Massachusetts has until the end of February 2025 to align its processes with the new law.

Voices from the field: "There's no question that these old archaic violations...have no bearing on whether that person is a safe driver now," said attorney Brian Simoneau, representing some drivers.

With the changes now in place, CDL holders threatened by these outdated regulations can breathe a bit easier, knowing their records before 2005 won't haunt their driving future.