60-4,153.

Issuance of license; department; duties.

Prior to the issuance of any original or renewal commercial driver's license, the reissuance of any commercial driver's license with a change of any classification, endorsement, or restriction, or the issuance of a CLP-commercial learner's permit, the department shall, within twenty-four hours prior to issuance if the applicant does not currently possess a valid commercial driver's license or CLP-commercial learner's permit issued by this state and within ten days prior to the issuance or reissuance for all other applicants:

(1) Check the driving record of the applicant as maintained by the department or by any other state which has issued an operator's license to the applicant;

(2) Contact the Commercial Driver License Information System to determine whether the applicant possesses any valid commercial driver's license or commercial learner's permit issued by any other state, whether such license or permit or the applicant's privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle has been suspended, revoked, or canceled, or whether the applicant has been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle; and

(3) Contact the National Driver Register to determine if the applicant (a) has been disqualified from operating any motor vehicle, (b) has had an operator's license suspended, revoked, or canceled for cause in the three-year period ending on the date of application, (c) has been convicted of operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of or while impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance, a traffic violation arising in connection with a fatal traffic accident, reckless driving, racing on the highways, failure to render aid or provide identification when involved in an accident which resulted in a fatality or personal injury, or perjury or the knowledgeable making of a false affidavit or statement to officials in connection with activities governed by a law, rule, or regulation related to the operation of a motor vehicle, (d) is not eligible, or (e) is deceased.