18. a. Prior to allowing an applicant to log on to a transportation network company's digital network as a transportation network company driver or to provide a prearranged ride as a transportation network company driver, the transportation network company, or a third party designated by the transportation network company, shall conduct a driving record check, which shall include information concerning the applicant's driving violations and driver's status.
b. A transportation network company shall have 30 days from the effective date of P.L.2017, c.26 (C.39:5H-1 et seq.) to conduct, or have a third party designated by the company conduct, a driving record check of a driver utilizing the transportation network company's digital network as a driver prior to the effective date of P.L.2017, c.26 (C.39:5H-1 et seq.), unless the transportation network company, or a third party designated by the transportation network company, conducted a driving record check for the driver prior to the effective date of P.L.2017, c.26 (C.39:5H-1 et seq.).