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The Transportation Department is implementing significant changes to the eligibility criteria for non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits and commercial driver’s licenses. This shift comes in light of an ongoing audit by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
According to the new regulations, non-citizen individuals will no longer be able to obtain a non-domiciled commercial driver’s license without meeting strict requirements. These requirements include holding an employment-based visa. Moreover, the department will conduct mandatory federal immigration status checks using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy made the announcement on Friday, stating that findings from the department’s investigation into licensing practices should be deeply troubling to Americans.
Concerns Over Safety Standards
Duffy emphasized the serious implications, saying that licenses for operating large commercial trucks have been granted to foreign drivers, often illegally. He described this situation as a direct threat to public safety and asserted, “I won’t stand for it.” The new regulations will aim to prevent unsafe foreign drivers from renewing their licenses while also holding states accountable for invalidating licenses that were improperly issued.
The audit revealed a troubling pattern of non-compliance across various states. Notably, California faced scrutiny for its licensing practices. Investigators found that commercial driver’s licenses were issued to individuals who were ineligible, as well as to those whose lawful presence in the U.S. had expired. Weak oversight, inadequate training, and programming flaws contributed to these issues.
California’s Compliance Deadline
Duffy criticized California’s handling of the situation, labeling it an affront to millions of Americans who rely on safe roads. He provided the state with a deadline of 30 days to comply with the new regulations. Failure to comply may result in California losing significant federal funding, potentially amounting to nearly $160 million in the first year.
This scrutiny intensified after a tragic incident last month involving an illegal immigrant truck driver from California. The driver, Harjinder Singh, obtained a limited-term commercial driver’s license in 2024 and was later involved in a crash that resulted in the deaths of three individuals while attempting to make an unauthorized U-turn in Florida. Singh faces three counts of vehicular homicide due to this incident.
The Call for Immediate Action
While California has drawn the most attention regarding these licensing practices, Duffy urged governors across the country to reassess their non-domiciled commercial driver’s license issuance systems. He warned that the consequences of inaction could lead to further tragic incidents on the roads.
“You do not want the blood of more traffic deaths on your hands,” Duffy remarked during a press briefing on Friday, underscoring the urgency of these reforms.
In communicating these new guidelines, the Transportation Department aims to enhance road safety and ensure that all drivers on American highways are fully compliant with legal requirements. Through stricter issuance of commercial driver’s licenses, officials hope to reduce fatal accidents and improve overall public safety.
The department’s decision reflects growing concerns within the federal government over transportation safety, particularly in relation to the licensing practices that govern who can operate heavy vehicles on public roads. As the situation develops, stakeholders from various sectors will closely watch how state governments respond to these new federal mandates.
Addressing the broader implications of these changes, industry experts emphasize the necessity of maintaining a rigorous vetting process for anyone operating large commercial vehicles. Effective regulations not only protect public safety but also bolster the integrity of the commercial trucking sector.
As the deadline looms for California and potentially other states, transportation officials stress that compliance with the new regulations is crucial for safeguarding lives on the highways.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the office of California Governor Gavin Newsom for comments regarding these new regulations and their implications for the state. The outcome of these changes will undoubtedly shape the future of commercial driving in the U.S. and might well set a precedent for stricter licensing practices nationwide.
In this evolving landscape, the Transportation Department remains committed to implementing policies that prioritize the safety of all road users while navigating the complexities of immigration laws and commercial licensing.
