322.58  Holders of chauffeur's licenses; effect of classified licensure.--

(1)  In order to provide for the classified licensure of commercial motor vehicle drivers, the department shall require persons who have valid chauffeur's licenses to report on or after April 1, 1991, to the department for classified licensure, according to a schedule developed by the department.

(a)  Any person who holds a valid chauffeur's license may continue to operate vehicles for which a Class D driver's license is required until his or her chauffeur's license expires.

(b)  Any person who holds a valid chauffeur's license and who is required to possess a commercial driver's license shall, on or after April 1, 1991, be issued a license of the type of classification required for his or her vehicle, valid for the remainder of the unexpired term of his or her chauffeur's license. The cost of the initial issuance of the commercial driver's license under this paragraph shall be $10 per year or any fraction thereof, not to exceed $50; however, if an applicant has completed training and is applying for employment or is currently employed in a public or nonpublic school system that requires the commercial license, the fee shall be the same as for a Class E driver's license. In order to receive a commercial driver's license under this paragraph, a person must successfully complete all required examinations.

(2)  Any person who holds a valid operator's license may continue to operate vehicles for which a Class E driver's license is required until his or her operator's license expires.

(3)  The failure of the department to notify a person of the requirement to be relicensed under a classified driver's license system shall not be a defense to any violation of law regulating the operation of motor vehicles in this state.