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HB 4426

Transportation: carriers; age requirement to operate a commercial motor vehicle; modify. Amends sec. 2d of 1963 PA 181 (MCL 480.12d).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 31 co-sponsors

Michigan lowers intrastate hazmat CMV age to 18, with required training and endorsements, expanding eligible 18–20-year-old drivers for in-state shipments.

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Bill Summary · HB 4426

Summary — HB 4426 (2025)

Title: Transportation: carriers; age requirement to operate a commercial motor vehicle; modify (amends MCL 480.12d)
Sponsor: Rep. Ken Borton
Status: Enacted — signed by Governor 6/20/2025; effective 9/1/2025

Purpose / Intent

HB 4426 lowers the minimum age for operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) carrying hazardous materials (in amounts requiring marking or placarding under federal rules) in intrastate service in Michigan from 21 to 18. The bill is intended to expand the pool of qualified drivers available for in-state hazmat deliveries while keeping federal interstate age limits in place.

Key provisions

  • Amends section 2d of the Motor Carrier Safety Act (MCL 480.12d).
  • For intrastate transportation, a person is qualified to operate a CMV if they meet all requirements of 49 CFR parts 383 and 391, except as modified by the bill:
    • The general intrastate minimum age is 18 (previously 21) for transporting property or passengers.
    • The specific prohibition requiring drivers to be at least 21 when transporting hazardous materials in quantities that require marking or placarding under 49 CFR parts 105–180 is eliminated for intrastate operations; 18-year-olds may operate such intrastate hazmat CMVs provided they meet training and endorsement requirements.
  • Drivers still must meet medical waiver/fitness requirements and other federal training, testing, and endorsement rules.
  • The motor carrier must not require or permit an individual to operate a CMV unless qualified under these rules.

Interaction with federal law

  • Federal law continues to require drivers be at least 21 to operate CMVs in interstate commerce (across state lines), regardless of cargo.
  • Existing FMCSA pilot/waiver programs for 18–20-year-olds in interstate commerce currently do not permit transport of hazardous materials; those federal restrictions remain unaffected by this state law.

Who is affected

  • Young drivers (ages 18–20) — expanded opportunity to operate intrastate hazmat CMVs if they obtain required endorsements and meet federal training/medical requirements.
  • Motor carriers and shippers of hazardous materials operating solely within Michigan — increased eligible driver pool.
  • Regulatory and enforcement agencies (state licensing/inspection authorities) — will implement and enforce the amended state qualification standard.
  • Public safety stakeholders — may be interested in training and oversight implications.

Fiscal impact & support

  • House Fiscal Agency: no fiscal impact on state or local government.
  • Testimony/support noted from the Michigan Propane Gas Association and the Michigan Trucking Association.

Timeline / Legislative actions

  • Introduced: 3/11/2025; passed both chambers May 2025; sent to Governor 5/26/2025; signed 6/20/2025; effective 9/1/2025.
  • Amends MCL 480.12d (Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1963).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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